The Northern Territory could have its own locally-run medical school by early 2023, with Charles Darwin University calling it part of the solution to the Top End's health workforce shortages.CDU vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman says Darwin is the only capital city without a medical schoolThe plan hinges on federal funding through allocation of Commonwealth-supported student places
The hope is that the program would begin with 40 students within the next 18 months and grow to support at least 60 per year within its first five years. "What we need is our own homegrown medical program that really addresses the needs of the Territory."The plan was unveiled while a spotlight is on health staff shortages in the Top End, withMenzies director Professor Alan Cass said an NT-led program, "with a curriculum and training focused on health workforce needs of the Territory," could boost the Territory's health workforce.
The plan would hinge on the university securing federal funding through an allocation of Commonwealth-supported student places. "We're in a position where Rockhampton and Wagga Wagga are getting their own medical schools and yet one of the capital cities of Australia doesn't have one."Professor Bowman said discussions with local clinicians about course content would be among the next steps for the plan.
"There's been significant concern from the AMA nationally, and from junior doctors, about large numbers of intern places, or large numbers of medical school places, without potentially work for the people who graduate," he said.
hahah lol .. is this so they can get medicos to staff their hospitals? NT health is in such a mess they cant keep any junior medicos ...