Fears of a serious GP shortage due to medical student ‘maldistribution’

There are fears not enough medical students are choosing careers in general practice.

By 2030, it’s projected there will be a shortfall of 9000 GPs across the country.

President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Karen Price, says enough people are studying medicine, but there’s a “maldistribution” among medical students in terms of specialties and where they go in the country.

“We know that rural and remote communities in particular are suffering,” she told Ross and Russel.

Dr Price says general practice is look down upon by some medical students.

“It’s often seen as something not as glamorous as being a hospital doctor,” she said.

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