The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka could be a key solution to the country’s GP workforce shortage, highlighted in new Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington research.
The study found 36 per cent of general practices were not taking new enrolments in 2024 because of the GP shortage, with districts in the lower North Island, Northland, and parts of the South Island most affected.
Otago Medical School Acting Dean Professor Tim Wilkinson says the findings reflect the reality many communities are experiencing.
“Across the country there’s a clear consensus that we need more doctors. At Otago, we have a proven track record and a ready-made solution,” he says.
Research has shown that medical students’ interest in general practice increases during their training at Otago.
“While we acknowledge there are wider issues affecting general practice such as the funding model, which the Victoria University researchers have highlighted, it is significant that throughout their training at Otago, students’ interest in general practice increases,” Professor Wilkinson says.
“The research showed that between 2015 and 2021, only 12.5 per cent of students were considering general practice on entry to medical school. This increased to 20.6 per cent by the time the students graduated.”
Professor Wilkinson says the University of Otago could increase its student intake to help address the shortage.
“We have communicated our capacity to increase student numbers from 302 to 348 students. Looking ahead, we could raise our annual intake to 450 students from 2027.
“All that’s needed is Government support in the form of raising the cap and increased funding to allow more students to study medicine.”
