The first cohort of “home grown’’ doctors, trained exclusively in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions, has begun first-year studies through The University of Queensland’s Rural Clinical School.

The Central Queensland Wide Bay Regional Medical Pathway (RMP) is a partnership between UQ, Central Queensland University (CQ University) and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services, enabling students to complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies and practical training in or near their hometowns.

There are 67 students in the inaugural cohorts who come to UQ after completing a 3-year undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) degree with CQ University.

They will spend the next four years undertaking UQ’s postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program in Rockhampton or Bundaberg.

UQ Rural Clinical School Director, Professor Riitta Partanen, said the program was invaluable to aspiring doctors from rural areas.

“This program is game changing for those people who might have been interested in medicine but couldn’t leave their communities,” Professor Partanen said.

“The longer students learn and live in our regional centres, the more likely they will connect with community, form a sense of belonging and wish to stay here post-graduation.”

Chamika Kotakadeniya, one of 33 students who will complete the course in Bundaberg, said the program bridged a gap in rural medicine.

“It’s important to study in rural areas because you’re in the environment and you understand the importance of serving the community,’’ Mr Kotakadeniya said.

“I have lived in Bundaberg since high school, so it’s amazing to study from home knowing the people who care about you are nearby.”

The RMP program is expected to deliver secure long-term, locally trained workforces, and improved health outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities of Queensland.

There are approximately 360 students currently enrolled in all years of the RMP program, based in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.