The Need for a Rural Surgeon Speciality Pathway in Australia and New Zealand

IF 1.9 4区 医学 Q2 NURSING
Gavin J. Carmichael, Joshua G. Kovoor, Brandon Stretton, Alexander Beath, John Kefalianos, Daksh Tyagi, Connor Bentley, Stephen Bacchi, Jonathan Henry W. Jacobsen, Weng Onn Chan, Aashray Gupta, Ammar Zaka, Silas D. Nann, Yuchen Luo, Matthew Marshall-Webb, Mathew O. Jacob
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Abstract

Aims

This commentary aims to address the critical shortage of surgeons in rural Australia and propose the development of a sustainable rural surgical training pathway. By examining current healthcare disparities and workforce challenges, it highlights the need for locally trained and retained rural surgeons to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare inequities.

Context

Rural Australians experience significant healthcare disparities due to geographical isolation, lower socioeconomic status and limited availability of specialist care. The current model relies heavily on patient transfers to metropolitan centres, which are costly, logistically challenging and unsustainable. Current surgical training programmes offer some rural exposure; however, they remain metropolitan-centric, resulting in fewer surgeons practising in rural areas.

Approach

A dedicated rural surgical training pathway is proposed to address this gap. It would focus on selecting candidates with a demonstrated commitment to rural practice and provide tailored training, mentorship and guaranteed rural placements. Training must align with the specific healthcare needs of rural communities. Additionally, initiatives like the rural health equity strategy and regional training hubs must be supported by structural changes in the selection process to prioritise rural trainees.

Conclusion

Addressing the shortage of rural surgeons is essential to improving healthcare equity. A rural surgical training pathway can aid in long-term retention of surgeons in rural areas. This model supports both healthcare and economic sustainability, aligns with national rural health strategies and fosters stronger community connections. Investing in rural surgical training is a critical step towards reducing healthcare disparities and building a more resilient rural health system.

澳大利亚和新西兰对农村外科医生专业路径的需求
本评论旨在解决澳大利亚农村外科医生的严重短缺问题,并提出可持续发展的农村外科培训途径。通过审查当前的医疗保健差距和劳动力挑战,报告强调需要在当地培训和保留农村外科医生,以改善健康结果并减少医疗保健不平等现象。由于地理隔离、较低的社会经济地位和有限的专科护理,澳大利亚农村地区的医疗保健差距很大。目前的模式严重依赖于将患者转移到大都市中心,这种模式成本高昂,后勤困难,而且不可持续。目前的外科培训方案提供了一些农村机会;然而,它们仍然以大都市为中心,导致在农村地区执业的外科医生较少。方法为解决这一问题,建议建立专门的农村外科培训途径。它将侧重于选择对农村实践有明确承诺的候选人,并提供量身定制的培训、指导和有保证的农村安置。培训必须符合农村社区的具体保健需求。此外,农村卫生公平战略和区域培训中心等举措必须得到选择过程结构性改革的支持,以优先考虑农村受训人员。结论解决农村外科医生短缺问题对提高医疗公平至关重要。农村外科培训途径有助于农村外科医生的长期保留。这种模式支持保健和经济的可持续性,与国家农村保健战略相一致,并促进更紧密的社区联系。投资农村外科培训是缩小医疗保健差距和建立更具弹性的农村卫生系统的关键一步。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Australian Journal of Rural Health
Australian Journal of Rural Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生
CiteScore
2.30
自引率
16.70%
发文量
122
审稿时长
12 months
期刊介绍: The Australian Journal of Rural Health publishes articles in the field of rural health. It facilitates the formation of interdisciplinary networks, so that rural health professionals can form a cohesive group and work together for the advancement of rural practice, in all health disciplines. The Journal aims to establish a national and international reputation for the quality of its scholarly discourse and its value to rural health professionals. All articles, unless otherwise identified, are peer reviewed by at least two researchers expert in the field of the submitted paper.
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