Objectives

The objectives of the University Departments of Rural Health Program are to:

• increase and improve rural experiences, including training to encourage cultural awareness and sensitivity to Indigenous health issues, for undergraduate students in the health professions.
• expand educational opportunities relevant to rural and remote practice, in particular in relation to existing rural and remote health professionals and indigenous students.
• undertake research into rural and remote health issues, including publication of papers and reports and applying for research grants and consultancies.
• provide training and support for rural health professionals (including mentors, supervisors and preceptors), consumers and communities, including indigenous communities.
• contribute to innovation in education, research and service development through collaborations with universities, health services and professional and community organisations, including indigenous communities.
• embrace a strong public or population health focus; and contribute to the development of innovative service delivery models in rural and remote health.
• endeavour to progress the rural health agenda within the medical and other health sciences faculties or departments to maximise the efficient use of resources provided for a range of rural health programs. These programs include, but are not limited to, the Rural Undergraduate Support and Coordination program, the Primary Health Care Research Education Development program and the Rural Clinical Schools program.