Charles Sturt University has scored its first major win in its push to establish a medical school, with plans for a new rural medical network announced in tonight’s federal budget.
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CSU will team with Western Sydney University to establish a medical school network across the Murray Darling Basin as part of the federal government’s network to establish a Joint Medical Program (JMP).
Under the plan, 30 medical Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) to be allocated to Charles Sturt University.
CSU vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the partnership would deliver a “dedicated JMP that will extend the footprint of the existing Western Sydney University medical program to regional and rural Australia”.
“This is a critical investment in the future of Australia’s medical workforce,” he said.
“This is an important step in addressing the shortage of doctors in our rural and regional communities.
“Most importantly it will allow students in rural and regional Australia to train in the bush and develop the skills, knowledge and networks that will allow them to take up rural medical practice.”
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Western Sydney vice-chancellor Professor Barney Glover said WSU’s School of Medicine had led the delivery of the “very best health and medical research outcomes for its region” for more than a decade.
“It makes sense to partner with Charles Sturt University, an institution looking to pursue the same objectives in rural areas,” Professor Glover said.
“We are particularly pleased at the opportunity this partnership presents to continue the vitally important commitment both universities have to improving health outcomes for First Australians.
A joint statement from the universities said the JMP would also able CSU and WSU to significantly expand their capacity to “address generational challenges in chronic disease, ageing, children’s health and mental health in rural and regional areas”.
Deputy Leader of the Nationals Bridget McKenzie welcomed the budget’s focus on rural medical training.
“We want to provide more Australian trained doctors where they are needed most while decreasing the reliance on new overseas trained doctors in the regions,” Ms McKenzie said.
“The Coalition Government will establish a medical school network in the Murray Darling area and support greater training capacity in the regions.”
Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University will work to finalise the proposal to the federal government and to agreeing to build the necessary facilities to support the operation of the Joint Medical Program.
