Rural Medical Pathway program produces its first doctors

The first ten graduates from Victoria’s sought-after Rural Medical Pathway program will soon begin their careers in regional hospitals, contributing to a long-term solution for the shortage of doctors in rural and regional Australia.

The students have spent the past seven years studying and training in regional settings as part of the end-to-end regional medical program, a partnership between La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne.

The Rural Medical Pathway is part of the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network and was a component of the Federal Government’s investment in the Stronger Rural Health Strategy.

The first cohort came from across regional Victoria and NSW. They began their undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) studies in 2019 at La Trobe’s Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo campuses before progressing into the University of Melbourne's Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) postgraduate degree in Shepparton. Students are further embedded in regional settings for all their clinical training, with rotations throughout central and north-east Victoria.

“The program is an example of the impact that the strong partnership between our two universities delivers. The graduates of our program are outstanding. They come from diverse backgrounds and will make exceptional doctors,” Professor Jane Gunn, Provost at the University of Melbourne said.

Abigail Rowe, 2025 Valedictorian and recent graduate of the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway), was born and raised in Mildura and is returning home to begin her internship as a doctor at Mildura Base Public Hospital.

“Returning to Mildura as a doctor is the culmination of everything I’ve worked towards over the past seven-plus years. Every tough exam, clinical placement and moment of homesickness were made easier by reminding myself of this goal.

Receiving the offer to join the medical team at Mildura Base Public Hospital felt like my hard work had truly paid off. It’s an honour to return home, spend more time with loved ones, play local sport and, most importantly, give back to the community that has given me so much,” expressed Abigail.

The Pathway gives rural people the opportunity to work in their communities, contributing to better healthcare access and workforce retention.