The proposal for a third medical school in New Zealand: A community-engaged graduate entry medical program

Abstract

New Zealand has a maldistributed workforce that is heavily dependent on recruiting international medical graduates. Shortages are particularly apparent in high needs communities and in general scope specialties in provincial regions. The University of Waikato in partnership with the Waikato District Health Board has proposed a third medical school for New Zealand which will concentrate on addressing the workforce needs of disadvantaged rural and provincial communities. The proposed program is a community engaged, graduate entry medical course.