Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Applying principles of adult learning to rural health electives in a medical school curriculum |
| Authors: |
Lachlan Van Schaik, Tamekha Develyn, Kait Kelly, Anousha Yazdabadi, Cate Scarff, William Harvey, Julian Wright |
| Source: |
BMC Medical Education, Vol 25, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2025) |
| Publisher Information: |
BMC, 2025. |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Special aspects of education
LCC:Medicine |
| Subject Terms: |
Special aspects of education, LC8-6691, Medicine |
| More Details: |
Abstract The health disparities between rural and urban populations in Australia, driven by socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare access factors, highlight the urgent need for rural-focused medical education. The Melbourne Medical School’s Rural Health Discovery program addresses this need by integrating adult learning principles within a redesigned curriculum that includes the Rural Health Foundations and Integrating Rural Health topics. These Discovery topics engage medical students from diverse backgrounds through a blend of self-directed learning, problem-solving, and immersive clinical placements in rural settings. By aligning with andragogical principles—such as fostering autonomy, practical relevance, and experiential learning—the program prepares students for the unique demands of rural healthcare practice. Students are introduced to the complexities of rural health, including the social determinants affecting rural communities, through asynchronous modules, case studies, and team-based learning. This innovative curriculum, which is flexible and inclusive of rural and metropolitan students, represents a strategic model for promoting rural healthcare careers, addressing workforce shortages, and ensuring equitable health outcomes for underserved communities. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
1472-6920 |
| Relation: |
https://doaj.org/toc/1472-6920 |
| DOI: |
10.1186/s12909-025-06655-4 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/b2e4c91e777e4152b6213cdbd690ad35 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.b2e4c91e777e4152b6213cdbd690ad35 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
