Volume seven, Issue 1

Rural health needs direction and purpose. To move beyond isolated and individual attempts that characterize rural health; to guide local, state, and regional planning; to increase capacity; to influence resource distribution; and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rural health, there must be sufficient organization and capacity in rural health research. Take a moment to review the development of the Canadian Rural Health Research Society and then share their ideas for creating capacity through connections.

Mental health is regarded as a high priority area for rural health. But are there enough qualified professionals to provide psychological intervention, support and counselling? This study from rural Queensland suggests not.

This letter to the editor highlights the potentially lethal complication of external otitis: malignant or necrotizing otitis externa. The diagnostic and role of family physicians is of vital importance. Guidelines are offered.

Could an after-hours triage system benefit your rural health service? Before you start, it may be helpful to learn from the experience of this group from rural Victoria, Australia.

Obesity is becoming recognised as a major risk factor for rural communities. This letter points out its association with disability associated with knee arthritis.

As good as they can be, are vaccine vial monitors enough to ensure effective immunisation substrate is available to rural communities? This short letter argues, from considerable experience, that other factors also need urgent consideration.

A rural nursing program has a vital role in improving the recruitment and retention of nurses in rural and remote settings. This small South Australian pilot study explored the views and experiences of recent rural undergraduate nursing students. Their highlights and disappointments are presented, resulting in some interesting recommendations.

How do we advance the rural health agenda in Europe? Our European Regional Editor provides some thought provoking suggestions.

There is no universal definition of a rural area, making comparisons of data from differently defined areas problematic. Read this discussion of the issues involved, and helpful suggestions, from an African perspective.

The strength of the international rural medical education movement lies in North America and Australia, where rural communities are recognised as having specific health care needs and initiatives have been introduced to improve rural health status. In Europe the need for a different approach in rural health is less well recognised. This article explores the relevance to Europe of developments elsewhere.

A voice of hope in perilous times? Our North American Regional Editor provides some disturbing statistics on the effect of current medical student selection processes on the current and future numbers of rural physicians in the USA and provides some options for a way forward.

Medical education does well in developing academic skills, however medicine is much more than academics. Few medical students are prepared for the challenges that await them after the completion of formal training.

Relationships with patients, staff, and communities are a particular challenge. Elite origin students need better awareness. Humble origin students need improved organization skills. The needs of both can be addressed in a single model.

The Community Medical Outreach program at Florida State University is a different and earlier model. CMO is organized by college students as part of their premedical preparation prior to admission to medical school. All participants benefit including the communities in need, the students in need of medical school admission, the health agencies and organizations in need of resources, and the college in constant need of evidence of public benefit.

Replication is up to those of us in the academic arm. Through this article, through discussions with colleagues, and in conversations with future students, we can share an opportunity. In the process we might just shape the students admitted, the training, and the distribution of physicians and resources in future years.

The model is young, but it is already influencing states and nations. One of the students, Mehran Heravi, was awarded the Howard R. Swearer Student Humanitarian Award in 2004. However the real winners will be the communities and peoples that will be served by replicating this program, now and in generations to come.

What attracts and retains dental professionals to the remotest parts of Australia? This research provides important evidence to inform workforce policy.

Adolescent mental health is a significant issue for rural communities in Australia. But why do those most affected not always seek help?

Are we targetting the right people for blood donation in rural communities. This letter from Thailand provides an interesting perspective.

The prevention of communicable diseases thru immunisation is critically important for rural and remote health. But how effective are our systems for implementation? This article from India provides cause for concern.

This letter to the editor reports on the contribution of rural GPs in the management of patients with type 1 diabetes treated with insulin pumps.

Is videoconferencing a cost-effective way to support rural carers? This article from Western Australia provides useful evidence supporting this approach.

Could rural health workforce shortages be addressed through training outside the university sector? This article examines the potential for such solutions.