Canberra Thursday 28 June 2001

New medical school for ANU in Canberra

The Vice-Chancellor of The Australian National University, Professor Ian Chubb, welcomed the announcement by the Federal and ACT Governments that the University was to develop Australia's newest medical school.

The school will have a special focus on training for rural medical practice, and will provide a medical curriculum that is consistent with contemporary needs in the delivery of medical care. "Developing a medical school at this time gives us a tremendous opportunity to do something different while maintaining the high educational standards set by our counterparts in other Australian universities," Professor Chubb said.

Like some other medical schools, the one at the Australian National University will be graduate entry and expose students to clinical work from an early stage. It will also involve placements with General Practitioners for substantial periods of time. "After such an education, our medical graduates will have a real understanding of doctor/patient interactions as well as team-based approaches to modern health care delivery," Professor Chubb said.

The Australian National University school will involve the Canberra Hospital, the University of Canberra, staff of the ACT health service and other resources in Canberra and Southern NSW region. Professor Chubb said he was committed to collaborative arrangements with the University of Canberra and the ACT Government.

A memorandum of understanding has been drafted as a framework for this co-operation. The new school would generate major health benefits and enhanced rural health services in Australia, Canberra and South East NSW. It is also expected to generate a total of $232 million in additional economic impact for the ACT in the period up until and including 2007 from investments by the Federal and ACT Governments and from research, consultancies, and international student fees.

Professor Chubb said the proposal was predicated on there being an allocation of 60 commencing student places and approximately $12 million capital funds for necessary infrastructure. He said that he was waiting for confirmation of these two matters from governments. Professor Chubb said he anticipated that the school could enrol its first students in 2004, subject to accreditation requirements.

What: Canberra Medical School Announcement
When: 12 Noon, (Today) Thursday 28 June, 2001
Where: Main Foyer, The Canberra Hospital, Woden, ACT

For further information contact: Jim Mahoney, Director, Marketing & Communications Division, on W: (02) 6125 2252, M 0416 249 231

No: 52/2001

© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
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Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002