As a rural generalist you will develop skills in a broad scope of practice while servicing a diverse group of patients across a range of work settings including, private practice, primary health clinics and hospitals. You will have the opportunity to undertake extended skills training in specialties ranging from anaesthetics to aboriginal health.
In December 2018, the former National Rural Health Commissioner advised the Australian Government on the development of a National Rural Generalist Pathway. In response to the advice, the 2019–20 Budget committed $62.2 million to create the National Pathway. This is a dedicated medical training pathway to attract, retain and support rural generalist doctors.
Rural generalists are an important part of our regional, rural and remote health workforce. They broaden the range of locally available medical services for rural Australians. This helps these communities to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time, as close to home as possible. Growing our rural generalist workforce will reduce hospital admissions, reduce the use of locum services and limit the need for patient travel.
The National Pathway recognises the extra requirements and skills of rural generalists and supports them to meet the diverse health needs of regional, rural and remote communities.
Three core elements are funded to support the National Pathway:
More information on the National Pathway can be found on the Australian Department of Health website.
The Northern Territory Coordination Unit is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health under the National Rural Generalist Pathway.
The Rural Generalist profession equips you with transferable skills that provides opportunities into various careers. Example job types of a Rural Generalist include:
Job opportunities for Rural Generalists in the Northern Territory can be found in:
View the Cairns Consensus Statement
Growing our rural generalist workforce will reduce hospital admissions, reduce the use of locum services and limit the need for patient travel.