J.A. Henry, B.J. Edwards, B. Crotty
Rural and Remote Health, 2009
"This study is based on the metaphor of the 'rural pipeline' into medical practice. The four stages of the rural pipeline are (1) contact between rural secondary schools and the medical profession; (2) selection of rural students into medical programs; (3) rural exposure during medical training; and (4) measures to address retention of the rural medical workforce. Using the rural pipeline template we conducted a literature review, analysed the selection methods of Australian graduated entry medical schools and interviewed 17 interns about their medical career aspirations. Based on the literature review and interviews, 11 strategies are suggested to increase the number of graduates choosing a career in rural medicine, and one strategy for maintaining practitioners in rural health settings after graduation."
