A compulsory experiential and inter-professional rural health subject for undergraduate students

Abstract

A compulsory experiential inter-professional subject for undergraduate students is possible but requires significant resources and commitment over the long term. The resources must include funding for: preceptor time, training and support; recruitment and retention of appropriately qualified academic clinicians; intersectoral strategies like improved public transport and safe roads; community and other stakeholder engagement to develop and maintain educational facilities. Last but not least, funding is essential to support the long-term evaluation and monitoring of the outcomes in terms of the quality and quantity of the rural workforce over time.