Improving healthcare and health outcomes for rural and remote communities in New Zealand and the wider South Pacific
With a focus on rural health research, Otago Medical School's Rural Postgraduate Programme provides postgraduate education for generalist doctors working in rural general practice and hospitals.
Rural postgraduate education
This programme offers several postgraduate courses to rural GPs and clinicians:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Clinical Practice
- Postgraduate Certificate in Rural Clinical Practice
- Postgraduate Certificate in Clinician Performed Ultrasound This qualification is also frequently undertaken by emergency physicians, anaesthetists, and other clinicians seeking bedside ultrasound and ECHO skills.
- Master of Health Sciences is also available for those seeking a higher degree
Continuing medical education (CME)
This programme runs regular continuing medical education events aimed at doctors involved in rural generalist practice.
Research
The research interests of faculty include disparities in rural vs urban health outcomes and access to services, diagnostic services in rural areas and rural health professional education and vocational training.