Next generation of regional doctors welcomed
CQUniversity welcomed 40 first-year students into its Regional Medical Pathway this week with most choosing to begin their medical journey close to home.
Sixty-five per cent of the new cohort come from Central Queensland and the Wide Bay region, reinforcing the program’s role in building a locally trained medical workforce to support regional and rural communities.
The students form the latest intake since the pathway launched in 2022, with enrolments increasing each year as interest in regionally based medical training continues to grow.
The Regional Medical Pathway is a collaborative medical education program pioneered by CQUniversity, The University of Queensland and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. The program enables students to complete their entire medical training in regional Queensland.
Students first undertake CQU’s three-year Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) before progressing into UQ’s four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, with teaching delivered locally in Rockhampton and Bundaberg.
Welcome events in Rockhampton and Bundaberg are bringing new students together to meet their peers, connect with staff, and learn more about the pathway ahead.
First-year student Hayley Hallam, who attended the Rockhampton welcome event, said beginning her medical journey in her hometown was a special milestone.
“Medicine has always been a dream of mine. I remember dressing up as a doctor when I was little, so starting this journey now feels really exciting,” Ms Hallam said.
“Growing up in Rockhampton, it was important for me to stay close to home. Studying here means I can have my family nearby for support while I work towards giving back to the regional community that raised me.
“I’m really looking forward to the hands-on lab work and meeting other students who are passionate about making a difference."
“My goal after graduating is to keep working in regional communities like this one.”
CQUniversity Dean of the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences Professor Andy Stewart said the pathway was helping address long-term healthcare workforce challenges in regional Australia.
“We know students who train in regional communities are far more likely to return and practise in those areas,” Prof Stewart said.
“The Regional Medical Pathway is giving students the chance to study medicine closer to home while helping strengthen the healthcare workforce regional communities rely on every day.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the program grow each year, with more students choosing to pursue careers in regional medicine.
“These welcome events are a special milestone, giving us the chance to celebrate our future doctors and the difference they’ll make in communities across regional Australia.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls welcomed the new students, saying they were integral to supporting Queensland’s health system.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to building a home-grown health workforce for Queensland, and programs like the Regional Medical Pathway are an essential part of our plan to do that,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Congratulations to this year’s new students, we look forward to working with you now and into the future as you continue to develop your career closer to home.”
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Blackler also welcomed the students, saying the program not only strengthens future medical recruitment but benefits current hospital staff as well.
“Students have the opportunity to complete placements in our hospitals, supervised by our team. These teaching opportunities also benefit our senior staff who thrive on sharing their skills and knowledge,” Ms Blackler said.
“I wish these new students every success and look forward to welcoming them into our team as doctors following their graduation.”
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said she was delighted to join CQU and UQ in welcoming the new cohort of first-year Regional Medical Pathway (RMP) students.
“This is great news for the healthcare sector and our region,” Ms Carroll said.
“We have seen first-hand the difference the RMP program has made in keeping medical practitioners within our health service and have welcomed many graduates as interns in recent years.
“It’s a privilege to grow our own doctors and we look forward to welcoming students from this year’s RMP cohort to our hospitals during their studies and as graduates in the future.”
The pathway continues to attract applicants from regional, metropolitan and interstate locations, many motivated by opportunities to pursue careers in rural and remote healthcare.
For more information on the program please visit the Regional Medical Pathway website.
More information about the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course is available on the course page on the CQUniversity website.
