The team from the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) program, a transformative rural medical training initiative supported by the University of New England (UNE), has won the Primary Care Leader - Clinic/Team category at the 2024 Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards. Hosted by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) last August, the award recognises the LIC program’s efforts to address critical doctor shortages in regional and rural Australia.
The LIC program immerses final-year medical students in rural communities, including Inverell and Narrabri, for five months of experiential learning. By pairing students with local healthcare professionals in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and primary care settings, the program provides invaluable hands-on experience while introducing students to the unique opportunities of rural medicine.
“This program is about more than just training future doctors; it’s about addressing the workforce crisis in rural healthcare,” said Dr. Mary Elsley, a UNE-affiliated GP Supervisor in Inverell. “The LIC helps ‘grow our own’ doctors by giving students the chance to experience the full breadth of regional healthcare while developing a connection with the community.”
The LIC was recognised with the Primary Care Leader award.
This program is about more than just training future doctors; it’s about addressing the workforce crisis in rural healthcare.
Dr. Elsley, who supervises LIC students at Inverell District Hospital and Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, highlighted the program’s focus on preparing students to manage diverse and complex cases unique to rural practice.
“From assisting with emergency caesarean sections and neonatal resuscitations to managing chronic conditions in outpatient clinics, the LIC offers students a comprehensive understanding of rural healthcare,” Dr. Elsley said. “It’s a unique opportunity to develop both clinical and interpersonal skills that are vital for working in these settings.”
In addition to their medical training, LIC students become active members of the local community. Many join sporting teams, attend social events, and explore rural lifestyles. According to Dr. Elsley, these experiences help students feel at home in regional areas, which is critical to addressing long-term doctor shortages.
Mary with the other doctors at the Armajun Health Clinic.
“The local communities are incredibly welcoming and happy to see future doctors coming through,” she said. “For students, it’s a chance to connect with people, embrace a rural lifestyle, and see the rewards of working in regional healthcare.”
The LIC program, which began in 2022, is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. Its success is due to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team of supervisors and the leadership of LIC Academic Lead Maree Puxty.
“Maree has been instrumental in shaping the program, and it’s wonderful to see the entire team’s hard work being recognised with this award,” Dr. Elsley said.
Winning the Primary Care Leader - Clinic/Team award not only celebrates the program’s achievements but also shines a light on its potential to transform regional healthcare.
“This award acknowledges the innovative approach we’re taking to tackle workforce issues in rural NSW,” Dr. Elsley said. “By investing in training programs like the LIC, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for regional healthcare.”
