The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is urging doctors working in regional, rural and remote Australia to take part in the their latest Rural Health Issues Survey.  

The last survey conducted in 2022 highlighted crucial gaps in training pathways for rural doctors and workforce retention issues.  

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen is asking all rural, regional and remote doctors to participate in the 2025 survey to voice concerns on crucial issues affecting access to rural healthcare. 

She says getting direct input from those working on the ground has never been more important.

“Working as a rural doctor can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with its own unique challenges," Dr McMullen said.

“Workforce shortages, infrastructure issues, the challenge of distance, and higher incidences of major illnesses among the population are all issues our rural doctors deal with every day.

"The AMA has been calling for dedicated strategies and investments to support our rural workforce for years. 

“We want rural doctors to share their experiences with us and tell us what the priorities should be ahead of the federal election. We will use the results of the survey to ensure rural health is on the agenda of all politicians.” 

Spelling it out for policymakers 

Earlier this year, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) released a five-point list on what they want from an incumbent federal government ahead of this year's election.  

Five key priorities were:  

• Train more rural doctors 
• Get more specialists 
• Build more work spaces 
• Help medical parents stay in the workforce 
• Plan for the future 

President of the Rural Doctors Association of NSW, Rachel Christmas, says the issue is complex and multifaceted.  

"AMA is looking at this holistically, the questions that they are asking are looking at whole range of issues from training and selection to attracting GPS to rural areas."  

She also highlighted the need for more follow-through from the NSW Government.  

"The state government has made a start with an inquiry. But I think what they’re realising is that all of this costs money, and the money isn’t there.  

"I don’t think the NSW government is doing enough for understanding the complexities of the award and rural specialists."  

However, the future of rural health is not all disastrous, according to rural junior doctor Pip Kensit.  

"We always need more funding and more people. But at the moment I think it's certainly not doom-and-gloom.

"In terms of when I was a nurse versus junior doctor things have definitely improved. 

"I'm quite positive for the future, but aware we need to keep fighting for rural health equity."  

The 2025 Rural Health Issues Survey is open to all doctors who are currently or have previously practised in regional, rural or remote Australia.

Submissions close on the 19 February.