Training for Rural Practice: What's Needed?

Despite concern about the provision of medical services in rural and remote areas, Canadian medical colleges have been graduating too few students willing to practise in those areas. In this article evidence is presented to support the need for development of special programs for students intent on rural practice. These programs should involve: (i) recruitment and identification of the right kind of student; (ii) emphasis on the teaching of those skills appropriate to rural practice; (iii) maximum utilization of rural teaching practices and community hospital resources. Departments of Family Medicine seem to be in the best position to develop these programs.