Charles Darwin University (CDU) will soon take a significant step in addressing the healthcare needs of the Northern Territory with the establishment of the CDU Menzies Medical Program. Beginning in 2025, the CDU School of Medicine will admit 20 students into its inaugural cohort, followed by 40 further students in 2026.

While the program is not yet fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), recruitment has already begun to the public and prospective students.

The Federal Government allocated $24.5 million in May to support the development of the program, initially planned to begin in 2026. However, following concerted efforts to fast-track the process, the CDU School of Medicine received approval to commence a year earlier, pending final AMC accreditation expected by November 2024.

This program aims to cultivate a future generation of doctors trained in the unique health challenges of rural and remote areas.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman emphasised the significance of the new medical program. “It’s a long-awaited milestone for the Northern Territory to have its own homegrown medical education,” Professor Bowman said. “This will enable us to meet the region's demand for doctors and provide aspiring students from diverse backgrounds a clear pathway into the field.”

The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) welcomes the addition of CDU to Australia’s medical education landscape. However, AMSA urges caution in viewing new medical programs as a panacea for Australia’s medical workforce shortages.

“We maintain our position that any increases in medical student recruitment must be matched by increases in specialist training intake. These graduates deserve certainty and every chance to give back to their community,” Mr. Allen Xiao, AMSA President, said.

Mr. Xiao added, “We're excited to welcome CDU to the national family of 18,500 medical students. At the same time, we call on CDU to ensure that student learning conditions are upheld to the highest standards, and that the placement experience is accessible and culturally safe.”

Although AMSA is pleased with this progress, we will continue to hold the government and CDU to account in delivering on their promise to the Northern Territory. We will monitor CDU’s progress in preparing graduates to serve rural and metropolitan populations with a diverse clinical education.