Becoming a rural General Practitioner is seen as an intellectually stimulating, challenging, and diverse career choice, according to the latest survey of WA medical students and Interns.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed said becoming a GP was their preferred profession, putting General Practice ahead of being a surgeon (12.5 %). Most respondents who would like to work in General Practice said they preferred to work in either a rural area or both metropolitan and rural areas, rather than just in the metropolitan area.

The survey was carried out in September by WA GP Education and Training (WAGPET) and the AMA(WA) for the third successive year. The survey involved 260 medical students from the Universities of WA and Notre Dame and 62 Interns.

WAGPET chief executive Dr Janice Bell said the latest survey was a positive sign for the future of Rural General Practice.  “Our research is consistent with Australian and international research in finding that students from rural areas are more likely to take up a career in rural General Practice,” said Dr Bell. 

“Of the respondents who have lived primarily in a rural location, 40.4 % selected general practice as their first preference compared to 16.7 % of participants from metropolitan locations.”

“What has also come through very clearly in our surveys is that students are more likely to choose General Practice if they have positive mentors and positive experiences in their General Practice placements.”

AMA(WA) President Prof Gary Geelhoed said the result is encouraging and reflects the hard work being done to help students recognise what a wonderful career it is to be a GP.

“However, the shortage of GPs in rural areas is a critical health issue facing Australia and while it is encouraging that doctors want to specialise in General Practice, there is a continuing need for more Government-funded training places,” said Prof Geelhoed.

By completing the survey, respondents where eligible to win a $500 Medical Products Voucher. This years winners where: Sophie Plowman, Alana Pountney (pictured) PGY2 SCGH, Simon Clarkson (pictured) and John Wong.

Picture: WAGPET Chief executive Dr Janice Bell and Tony Overland from AMA (WA) Medical Products  present the Medical Products voucher to to of the survey prize-winners Dr Alana Poutney and Dr Simon Clarkson.