DEAKIN University is opening up an opportunity for graduates in any discipline to study medicine without leaving their local community.

Addressing workforce needs and advancing the health and wellbeing of regional, rural and remote areas is a priority for Deakins’s School of Medicine.

In a bid to help redress the shortfall of doctors in rural areas, Deakin University is offering people with existing degrees (graduates), the chance to become a Doctor of Medicine (MD) through the Rural Training Stream (RTS).

An information session about the program will take place at the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) on Wednesday, April 26 from 6pm to 7pm.

Western District Health Service chief medical officer, Dr Dale Ford, said the program is open to anyone who has an existing degree and is looking to expand their career or fulfill an ambition to practice medicine.

“Recruiting doctors in rural areas is becoming harder and harder. This is an excellent initiative of Deakin’s to improve local health care and support regional communities,” he said.

“If you live locally and previously graduated in any field, from accountancy to zoology, you are eligible to apply, the only criteria is that you live locally and can commit to the program.”

The Deakin University program is initially delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face learning, with final placement at one of Deakin’s rural clinical schools. Priority will be given to entry for applicants from this region and enables training for all specialities including General Practice.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the information session on Wednesday, April 26 at HIRL.

For more information, email community.liaison@wdhs.net