Rural surgery: the Australian experience.
A significant proportion of the Australian population resides nonmetropolitan regions. For the majority of these smaller regional centers, the surgical service delivery has been traditionally provided by either solo or two-person surgical practices. As medical students' interest in rural practice declined, new models were created to ensure medical care in these areas. This article outlines the past and current state of medical care in rural areas, highlighting models used in Port Augusta, Mount Gambier, and Port Lincoln. It concludes that these models are successful and should be further developed.
Bruening
Martin H
MH
Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Woodville Road, Woodville 5011, South Australia, Australia. martin.bruening@adelaide.edu.au
Maddern
Guy J
GJ
D001315:Australia; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004516:Education, Premedical; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D017145:Models, Educational; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services; D000078329:Workforce