‘I Hadn't Ever Really Thought It Was Something That I Could Do’: Rural Background Medical Graduates' Pathways to Medicine

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to elevate the voices of doctors with rural backgrounds by exploring their experience of applying for medicine and identifying learnings that can further widen access for prospective rural applicants.MethodsThis study is part of a larger qualitative study exploring the experiences of medical graduates from Deakin University's rural longitudinal integrated clerkship.DesignQualitative interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed to elicit themes that aligned with the barriers and facilitators to admission to medicine.SettingRural longitudinal integrated clerkship.ParticipantsA total of 17 participants self‐identified as originating from a rural background.Main Outcome MeasuresBarriers and facilitators to gaining admission to medicine.ResultsBarriers included aptitude tests, visibility and aspiration, and financial issues. Facilitators included equity admission policies, perseverance, and life experience.ConclusionDespite gaining admission to medicine, participants described the barriers they overcame and validated the importance of equity processes. Universities have a responsibility to continually review admission policies to ensure they are training a diverse cohort of students who are representative of the communities they serve.