National study of the impact of rural immersion programs on intended location of medical practice in New Zealand

Ms Yasmine Abid

contribution: Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Medical student

Dr Charlotte Connell

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Research Fellow

Dr Branko Sijnja

qualifications: FNZMA

contribution: Critical revision

position: Rural Medical Immersion Programme Director

I graduated MBChB from University of Otago Dec 1973. Spent one year in Palmerston North Hospital as Junior House Surgeon then end 1974 started work in Balclutha Hospital. I had two years in Scotland 1977 and 1978 working in Orthopaedics (Bridge of Earn Hospital)and O&G (Perth Royal Infirmary) before returning to Balclutha Hospital. I commenced general practice in Balclutha in 1980 and continue part time in that role now. I have Directed the Rural Medical Immersion Programme of Otago Medical School since 2010 and ongoing. In the mid 1990s I was heavily involved in the defense of hospital services in Balclutha from closure and the establishment of Clutha Health First which opened in December 1998. This has been a very successful rural hospital/health centre.

Ms Antonia Verstappen

qualifications: MPH

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data

position: Research Fellow

Prof Phillippa Poole

qualifications: MD

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Critical revision

position: Professor and Head

New Zealand

I am a general physician at Auckland City Hospital and Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland. My research interests include medical education for future health needs, women in medicine, the generalist medical workforce, and comprehensive management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.