By Kirsty Ross
THE head of a peak medical group says a new medical school earmarked for the Werribee Mercy Hospital will not fix the area’s shortage of doctors.
Dr Mark Yates, president of the Australia Medical Association (AMA) in Victoria said the chance of student doctors staying in Werribee after completing the final two years of a four-year course was “far fetched”.
Officials at the Werribee Mercy Hospital and Sydney’s University of Notre Dame confirmed plans last week for a $2 million medical school being built at the hospital.
Professor Julie Quinlivan, dean of the medical school, said up to eight students would begin learning there in 2010.
She said some students who get involved with the community might stay in the area and buy a house.
And Stephen Cornelissen, CEO of the Werribee Mercy Hospital, said links with the community were an essential component of the course.
However, Dr Yates said while he commended any effort to combat Werribee’s doctor shortage, he believed students would use the two years to “knock off” their course before returning to their former social circles.
“The chances of them actually staying to develop any connection with the community, I think, is far fetched,” Dr Yates said.
“Two years alone, as part of a four-year program based in Sydney doesn’t guarantee much for the community – I think it’s a long stretch.”
Mr Cornelissen said he hoped the graduates based in Werribee would stay working in their chosen field in the hospital or in the community.
“This initiative will give the Mercy’s hospital staff teaching and development opportunities, allowing them to share their extensive skills and experiences in a model of education that is very much hands-on and supportive,” said Mr Cornelissen.
“The education and development services will not only benefit future medical students but will improve the Mercy’s education and development for nurses, allied health and other health professionals.
“It’s good for Werribee to be involved in a program leading the way in Melbourne.”
Mr Cornelissen said planning for the 24-hour medical school would begin early next year, and include office spaces, clinical skills laboratory, an e-library, journal area and classrooms.
