Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ross Chambers, congratulated the Medical Program Community Consultative Committee on the launch of the Doctors 4 the Bush web site and Facebook page last night at Charles Sturt University.
“There is a real sense in rural communities that the rural health debate is not being driven by rural people. Decisions have been made for rural Australians, rather than by rural Australians” said Professor Chambers.
“This initiative is an important opportunity to engage with rural Australians about the rural doctor crisis and how rural communities working together can start to address this issue through innovative local solutions.
“We respect the important contribution of our metropolitan colleagues who have made valuable steps in exposing medical students to the opportunities of rural practice.
“However, we need to dramatically increase the number of doctors entering rural practice if we are to address the significant shortage of doctors and the poor health outcomes of rural communities.
“Our proposal builds on these important initiatives.
“The University has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Committee on the development of the sites.
“One of the things that differentiate regional universities is our connection to community. Our priorities derive from the priorities of our communities, industries and professions.
“As Australia’s largest regional university, we have a particular challenge because we work with geographically dispersed communities across multiple regions.
“Social media provides is a way to bridge our geography, and bring together our communities around a common issue.
“I welcome this initiative and encourage all our communities to get involved” said Professor Chambers.
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