A planned Queensland University of Technology (QUT) medical school, expected to be based at a metropolitan campus in or near Brisbane City, is drawing concern from students who argue the initiative may hinder efforts to boost rural healthcare access across Queensland.
Federal Funding Supports New Medical School in Brisbane City
A new School of Medicine is scheduled to open at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2027, supported by federal government funding. The school will offer a five-year undergraduate-entry Doctor of Medicine program.
The initiative aims to fast-track medical graduates into the workforce, particularly in understaffed areas such as general practice, nursing, and psychology. It will begin with 48 students in its first year and offer flexible part-time options in later years to allow students to work while completing their degrees.
Concerns Over Rural Representation and Placement Access
The Australian Medical Students’ Association has raised concerns over the program’s urban location and its potential to overlook the needs of rural communities. While the new school is being positioned as a response to workforce shortages, there are questions about its ability to deliver real outcomes in remote regions.
Student leaders argue that funding may be better directed toward expanding rural clinical schools and support programs such as the Commonwealth Prac Payment. These would assist students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who are more likely to return to their communities to practise medicine.
There are also concerns that the Brisbane City location may place extra pressure on already limited placement opportunities in the area, making it harder for students from existing medical schools to secure critical hands-on training.
Program Design and Broader Aims
According to QUT, the program’s structure is intended to reduce training time by coordinating with Queensland Health and specialist training colleges. A lateral entry point will also be available for graduate students entering in the third year.
The university plans to allocate clinical placements in outer metropolitan areas initially, before expanding to key regional centres. The course design prioritises community-based care, early clinical exposure, and a streamlined admissions process.
QUT leadership stated that the medical school will form part of the university’s broader health faculty, which already includes disciplines such as nursing, psychology, and biomedical science.
Equity and Access Focus
QUT intends to provide dedicated entry pathways for students from rural and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The goal is to build a more diverse health workforce aligned with the needs of underrepresented regions.
University officials stated that increasing the number of locally trained medical professionals is vital, particularly in light of figures showing that 50 per cent of doctors registered in Australia in 2022–23 were trained overseas.
Sector Response and Future Outlook
Queensland medical bodies have generally welcomed the creation of a new school, with peak groups supporting the goal of expanding the general practice workforce. However, the question remains whether an urban-focused facility in Brisbane City will deliver outcomes for rural Queensland.
The program still awaits final accreditation from the Australian Medical Council. Meanwhile, workforce planning efforts continue across the state, including AMA Queensland’s ongoing review into staffing challenges, expected before the next budget.
Published 15-Apr-2025
