Health for rural communities
Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry, in partnership with Rural Medical Education Australia (RMEA), are committed to training a fit-for-purpose regional, rural and remote health workforce. We strive to contribute to a future where the communities we serve can be confident of access to high-quality healthcare close to home.
As part of our postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program, you have the option of undertaking your clinical placements during years 3 and 4 of study in healthcare facilities in a variety of rural settings in South East Queensland and the Burnett regions, including Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Dalby and Palm Island.
We support RMEAs vision to 'train to retain' doctors in Rural Queensland and commit to preparing the next generation of adaptable and compassionate doctors to serve the changing health care needs of our diverse communities.
Longlook Program
During year 3 and 4 of the Doctor of Medicine, you can preference a Rural Longlook Program for either one or two years.
A 'Longlook' or Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship has the following common core elements:
- Medical students participate in the comprehensive care of patients over time.
- Medical students have continuing learning relationships with these patient's clinicians.
- Medical students meet, through these experiences, the majority of the year's core clinical competencies across multiple disciplines, longitudinally.
Year 3 Longlook Program
A longitudinal approach in the comprehensive third year Longlook program means third Year medical students work in a rural hospital for the year, completing all curriculum requirements throughout the year rather than in short-term based rotations. For learning, the advantage of this approach is to see and participate in longitudinal care of chronic disease and other conditions that evolve, develop and are managed over longer periods than a term rotation.
Year 4 Longlook Program
In the fourth year, our Longlook program integrates the General Practice, Emergency, Critical care, Orthopedics and a Rural Generalist selective over 28 weeks. All rural students complete an Elective in Block 7 which does not have to be undertaken in a rural area.
Choosing Longlook
There are two different types of Longlook depending on your placement: Amalgamative or Blended. The structure of your placement is determined by the onsite supervisors and medical educators. If you:
- Like Autonomy
- Are flexible
- Able to work together and live together in shared accommodation
- Can live in relative isolation from their existing social contacts
- Enjoy a 'hands-on' experience
A Longlook might be a good option for you to consider in year 3 and/or 4 of your medical degree.
Accommodation and Sites
Subsidised accommodation is available at many of the Rural sites, including Beaudesert, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, and Palm Island for an approximate cost of $75 per week (2025). Accommodation costs are reviewed annually and may increase in accordance with CPI.
To find out more about the Rural Longlook program for Griffith University Doctor of Medicine students visit Rural Medical Education Australia.
Kathryn Woodward
“I am drawn to the field of public health because it encourages doctors to think beyond individual patients and reflect on the bigger picture. It is a field that requires medical professionals to consider the multiple factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of a population. My goal is to ensure that a health system which is tailored and effective for our communities becomes the new normal.”
During her Doctor of Medicine program, Kathryn completed her third-year rural placement in Warwick as part of Griffith’s Rural Longlook Program.
Kathryn Woodward, 2022 Australia-at-large Rhodes Scholar
