Recruit to retain: From medical school to rural practitioner

This project aims to determine what attributes of temperament and character equip medical practitioners to cope professionally and socially in rural and remote locations.

Specifically it will assess the traits of perfectionism, self-direction, resilience and adaptability in a generation of medical practitioners from the student, resident and registrar perspective and compare these traits with experienced rural medical practitioners to determine which temperament and character traits are predictors of individuals suited to and able to cope with rural practice and rural life.

If particular rural attributes are identified then the aim of this information is to 1) inform and modify existing training for students, residents and registrars, 2) assist medical schools in their selection of students for undergraduate medical courses and 3) inform and modify the existing recruitment and training for students, residents and registrars who have opted for a rural pathway in order to better equip and retain them for a life in rural practice. 

By being aware of the temperament and character traits of particular rural personalities, medical schools may better target and tailor rural medical training to meet the needs of maintaining a rural medical workforce. Similarly, if personal qualities, skills, knowledge and attitudes relevant to successful rural practice are identified, improved selection and training strategies could be expected to ensue.

Project Funding:  ARC Linkage Grant AUD$52082.

Project Team: Dr Louise Young, Dr Diann Eley, Professor David Wilkinson, Professor Desley Hegney, Susan Garside