Experience around the world shows that students from a
rural origin are much more likely to enter rural practice after graduation than
urban origin students. In most current medical courses, the proportion of students
from a rural origin is significantly less than the proportion of the population
which lives in the country. It is important to implement a broad range of strategies
that recruit more medical students from a rural background, and provide them
with the support and training which will fit them for rural practice.
Support strategies for medical students are also vital.
Financial support of medical students from rural areas and encouragement for
those going to rural areas is important, particularly in the light of the poorer
economic situation of rural people. Strategies such as "Rural Practice Clubs"
have been shown to encourage city origin students to develop an interest in
rural practice and support rural background students in adjusting to the challenges
of city living and university studies. Students with an interest in rural practice
can be assisted further through rural doctor mentor schemes whereby each student
is attached to a physician practising in the rural town or area. The mentor
provides the student with ongoing personal support and encouragement as well
as a professional role model.
Strategies
1.1.1 Early exposure of rural school pupils to medical practice
1.1.2 Introduction of programs promoting medicine as a career
to rural secondary students
1.1.3 Establishment of scholarships and educational support
programs which identify potential medical students in rural areas and assist
them with secondary and tertiary education in preparation for medical school
entry.
1.1.4 Admission of more students of rural background. This
can be achieved by selection processes that encourage admission of students
from rural areas. Student selection should target ethnic groups prevalent in
rural communities
1.1.5 When selecting and recruiting staff and potential
students and trainees, universities should take cognisance not only of academic
prowess but also matters of commitment, vision and a willingness to take risks
and if necessary, make sacrifices
1.1.6 Bonding/scholarship schemes offering rural service/repayment
options
1.1.7 Establishment and support of rural student interest
groups such as “Rural Practice Clubs”
1.1.8 Facilitation of international links between such rural
student interest groups. This initiative should further increase the sharing
of information and enhance relations between rural orientated students from
various backgrounds. It is recommended that this include specific programs funded
by WONCA and should include research and exchange programs.
1.1.9 Establishment of rural doctor mentor schemes