How Can We Attract More Doctors to the Country?

Drawing on findings from an extensive survey of rural general practitioners in Victoria, this article explores proposals for improving the recruitment, training and retention of rural doctors. The study which included metropolitan comparison groups achieved a 75 per cent response rate, providing information representative of most GPs in Victoria. Main barriers to entering rural practice identified by rural doctors were spouse problems; lack of skills; city background and training; ignorance of country practice; lack of self confidence; and inadequate remuneration. Negative attitudes towards the country and general practice plus ‘learned helplessness’ picked up in medical school were rated by rural doctors as being of significant importance. Of 14 suggestions for improving recruitment, training and retention of rural GPs the following were rated as top priority; substantial clinical experience in rural hospitals and practices; reciprocal links between the country and medical schools; extra financial reward for isolated rural practice; establishment of Rural Medical Education Centres; and a program to meet the needs of the rural practitioner's spouse.