Professor Barnard, a rural GP, was previously associate dean of rural and Indigenous health at the Australian National University’s medical school.

Professor Barnard said she saw CSU’s program as an opportunity to build a sustainable rural health model.

“The health education model is premised around teamwork and involving medicine and all health programs to achieve better health outcomes for rural and regional communities,” she said.

Professor Barnard said the small school located at the north Orange campus had an opportunity to be innovative.

She looked forward to collaboration opportunities, and was focused on building a road map to develop the school and program by talking with stakeholders.

“I will be talking and meeting with people to understand resource requirements, what admission policies and criteria are required, and what new facilities will be needed at the school located at Charles Sturt University in Orange,” she said.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said Professor Barnard’s extensive experience in rural health and her leadership skills will shape the joint program in medicine into a school that will produce exceptional graduates with a focus on rural health and the community.

“We know that the CSU and WSU joint program in medicine will deliver a world class education that will enable our graduates to provide high quality healthcare for rural and regional Australians,” Professor Vann said.