Abstract
Rural background is an acknowledged predictor of later rural medical practice. This study aimed to explore why only small numbers of high school students from rural South Australia seek entry to the University of Adelaide Medical School. Questionnaires were designed to explore the interest in, knowledge of and attitudes about studying medicine of rural high school students, their parents and their careers counsellors. A stratified sample of 15 high schools in rural South Australia was selected. Data were collected from all participants on perceptions and knowledge of the entry processes and subject requirements for studying medicine. Student participants were also asked about their interest in studying medicine and becoming a doctor. Four hundred and sixty-one rural year 11 and 12 students, 512 parents of rural year 11 and 12 students, and 12 rural high school careers advisors returned useable data. Students, parents and career advisors were found to hold inaccurate perceptions of the minimum Tertiary Entrance Rank, and they incorrectly believed prerequisite subjects were required in order to study medicine at the University of Adelaide. Analysis identified a group of students interested in a career as a doctor but who had never considered studying medicine. The majority of students who had seriously considered studying medicine reported a lack of knowledge of admission processes and the requirements for studying medicine. Among students who found becoming a doctor appealing, those who had never considered medicine had less confidence regarding and knowledge of requirements and entry processes into medical courses than those who had. Some keen rural students have inadequate or inaccurate information about medical courses and admissions processes, which will deter them from applying to study medicine. Another group of students were identified who were attracted to a medical career but had not sought information on entry to a university undergraduate medical course. Both groups might be encouraged to progress their application to a medical school through 'academic detailing visits' to rural high schools, targeting medical careers promotion and provision of accurate and timely information on applying for and studying medicine.
Highlights
Rural background is an acknowledged predictor of later rural medical practice
Geographic distance and isolation[8,9], financial costs[2,3,9,10], and dislocation from family and friends[3] all act as deterrents to further study. Added to these determinants are a perceived lower level of academic achievement[2] and support for tertiary education from students, parents, and teachers in rural communities[8,11], leaving rural students underrepresented in Australian tertiary institutions[12]
The study aimed to determine the accuracy and availability of medical course information, as well as the perceptions, knowledge and interest in applying for and studying medicine held by rural students, their parents and careers advisors
Summary
Research suggests that Australia’s rural medical workforce issues would be positively influenced by supporting and encouraging rural students to study medicine[1,2,3,4,5]. Geographic distance and isolation[8,9], financial costs[2,3,9,10], and dislocation from family and friends[3] all act as deterrents to further study Added to these determinants are a perceived lower level of academic achievement[2] and support for tertiary education from students, parents, and teachers in rural communities[8,11], leaving rural students underrepresented in Australian tertiary institutions[12]. The study aimed to determine the accuracy and availability of medical course information, as well as the perceptions, knowledge and interest in applying for and studying medicine held by rural students, their parents and careers advisors
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