Rural medical training is key to stronger health care in First Nations communities
· Medical Xpressedited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
Lisa Lock
Scientific Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process
Andrew Zinin
Chief Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
peer-reviewed publication
trusted source
proofread
The GIST Add to Preferred Sources
Training doctors in rural and remote communities and embedding First Nations knowledge and leadership in medical education could be key to strengthening health care access, building a sustainable workforce and improving health outcomes in communities across Australia and beyond.
A new paper led by Flinders University published in BMJ says that medical schools have a unique opportunity to support healthier communities by preparing future doctors to deliver care that is locally relevant, culturally responsive and grounded in community needs.
Drawing on evidence from Australia and around the world, the paper highlights the benefits of place-based learning and community partnerships, arguing that where doctors train can play a major role in where they ultimately choose to work.
Lead author professor James Smith says rural medical education is one of the most effective ways to strengthen health care in regional, rural and remote communities.
"Where someone lives should not determine the quality of health care they receive," says Smith, a Matthew Flinders professor (health and social equity) and co-director of the FHMRI Health Equity Impact Program at Flinders University.
"We need to continue building opportunities for doctors to train in rural and remote communities and ensure they are equipped with the skills, relationships and cultural understanding needed to thrive in those settings."
The paper points to Australia's investment in rural medical education over the past two decades as evidence that targeted training programs can deliver real benefits.
Between 2016 and 2018, more than 30% of government-supported medical students spent a year or more at a rural clinical school, while graduates with substantial rural placement experience were significantly more likely to enter rural medical practice.
"When students spend meaningful time living and learning in rural communities, they develop a deeper understanding of local health priorities and are more likely to build their careers in those areas," says Smith.
Co-author associate professor Emma Kennedy AM says successful health care is built on strong community connections. "Health care is about more than treating illness; it is also about understanding people, families and communities. Rural medical education is at its best when future doctors learn alongside the communities they will one day serve."
The paper says reconciling and recognizing First Nations sovereignty is critical to advancing health and well-being outcomes, and calls on medical schools to increase support for First Nations students, strengthen opportunities for First Nations leadership and embed cultural safety throughout medical training.
Co-author professor Jaquelyne Hughes, a Torres Strait Islander woman (Wagadagam), says First Nations perspectives are essential to building effective health care systems. "Communities hold valuable knowledge about what works for their people," says Hughes. "When First Nations voices are included in education, research and health care delivery, we create stronger systems that are more culturally responsive and more effective for everyone."
The authors also highlight the importance of encouraging more students from rural backgrounds to pursue medical careers, noting they are often more likely to return to regional and remote communities after graduating.
Smith says investing in rural medical education is ultimately an investment in healthier communities. "By investing in rural medical education and listening to communities, we can build a stronger workforce, reduce health inequities and improve health outcomes for future generations."
Publication details
James A Smith et al., Advancing medical education in rural and remote settings with First Nations populations, BMJ (2026). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2026-100496
Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Clinical categories
Family medicine Provided by Flinders University Who's behind this story?
Lisa Lock
BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →
Andrew Zinin
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →
Citation: Rural medical training is key to stronger health care in First Nations communities (2026, October 19) retrieved 19 October 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-rural-medical-key-stronger-health.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.