Student places at the new UQ Ipswich medical school are expected to be in demand due to the boutique nature of the educational experience, Dean of Medicine, Professor David Wilkinson said.
The Ipswich medical school was launched today by the Queensland Governor, Dr Penelope Wensley, AO, in conjunction with celebration of the 10th anniversary of the UQ Ipswich Campus.
The first medical students began their studies on the campus in January. Professor Wilkinson said positive feedback being received from current students was an indication that the Ipswich study option would be in demand next year.
“The feedback we are getting is very positive, with students benefitting enormously from a small cohort of 39, which enables easier and more regular contact with clinical educators," he said.
“What has been created and will be maintained is a boutique medical education experience.”
Research had shown that medical students who experienced clinical practice in a rural or regional setting were more likely to remain working in those areas after graduation, so the new teaching node would also help alleviate the doctor shortage, he said.
“The UQ Ipswich Campus will play a role in increasing the number of medical graduates who experience working in a regional area. They will gain clinical experience training at the Ipswich hospital and in GP clinics in the region," Professor Wlkinson said.
“Students will also benefit from the establishment of a GP Super Clinic on campus, which will offer increased opportunities for clinical experience.”
Next year, 50 first-year medical students will study at Ipswich, taking the total student cohort to 90.
Year 1 students learn the foundations of medical practice. In Year 2, the focus is on preparing them for clinical practice. Students spend their last two years training in hospitals and other clinical settings. They complete blocks of training (known as rotations) focused on specific areas of medicine, such a paediatrics.
Media: Erik de Wit – 3346 7086 or 0417 088 772.
