Victor Harbor is one of the regional towns set to benefit from a new program of rural medical student places through Flinders University.

The state government has welcomed the federal program, which 

will mean more medical students trained in SA and students to undertake their entire medical degree in regional South Australia for the first time.

The additional 20 Commonwealth Supported Places, matched by a reallocation of 20 places by Flinders University, will enable 40 extra students every year to complete their training across regional South Australia from 2025. 

Flinders University will receive $19.7 million in federal government funding and the largest share of places of any university in the country.

The university currently offers medical degree placements to third-year students in the Barossa, Berri, Renmark, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge and Victor Harbor. 

This funding will allow it to extend its program so that students can undertake their entire four years of study in the regions.

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Health Minister Chris Picton has thanked the federal government for the expansion.

“We know that having a sustainable workforce is the biggest hurdle facing our health system in regional South Australia.

“Training more doctors here in South Australia, and having training taking place entirely in our regional areas, is absolutely vital to ensuring the future pipeline of regional doctors.”

Professor Colin Stirling, Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, says Flinders is a leader in producing rural doctors who are well prepared for the challenges and rewards of rural practice.

“Our rural medical students benefit from early and sustained exposure to rural health settings, and from learning alongside other health disciplines in interprofessional teams, developing strong connections which enhance their professional and personal development.”