It’s more than just a rural GP shortage: challenging a dominant construction of the rural health workforce ‘problem’

A/Prof Christina Malatzky

qualifications: PhD

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

position: Associate Professor

Dr Catherine Cosgrave

qualifications: PhD

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

position: Adjunct, Senior Research Fellow

Dr Cath Cosgrave is one of Australia’s leading experts in rural health workforce. Her research on how the rural health workforce can be fundamentally strengthened has informed the practice and approaches of peak rural health agencies, government departments, rural health services, and rural communities. Dr Cosgrave’s innovative 'Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework' and 'Attract Connect Stay' solution, particularly the Community Connector Program, have gained international recognition for generating new understandings of, and solutions for rural health workforce. Cath currently operates a management consultancy business that offers training and support to rural health and social care services. Her business helps services and communities to establish and implement the Attract Connect Stay solution, which improves their ability to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas. Cath is deeply passionate about addressing rural access inequities and resource challenges and dedicated to supporting rural communities in becoming thriving and sustainable places to live and work.

Dr Anna Moran

qualifications: PhD

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

position: Honorary Research Fellow

Dr Susan Waller

qualifications: PhDMPhty

contribution: Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Assistant Professor

Dr Susan Waller is an Assistant Professor in Medical Education at the UAE University in Al Ain.She is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at Monash Rural Health. Susan's PhD in Interprofessional Education was awarded by the University of Queensland in 2010. Susan has a Masters in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics). My research and educational interests are in Interprofessional Education and Practice, Rural health and Rural Health workforce, Technology in health service and education,Teaching Clinical Skills and Transition to Practice, Mentoring and Developmental Paediatrics.

Dr Hazel Dalton

qualifications: PhD

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

position: Senior Research Fellow in Rural Public Health

Hazel is a Senior Research Fellow of Rural Public Health at Charles Sturt University's Rural Health Research Institute. She's also Co-Chair of the Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative special interest group of the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership and an Adjunct Associate Professor, at the University of Canberra’s Mental Health Policy Unit. Hazel has extensive experience in managing research on health service provision innovations, integrated care, mental health promotion, and rural suicide prevention. She's particularly interested in translating and communicating research to support programs and inform policy. Hazel has a diverse research background, including conceptual modelling, quantitative, and qualitative research approaches. From 2016-2022, she was Research Leader and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH). She remains an Honorary Senior Lecturer with the University of Newcastle, and an affiliate with the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Healthy Minds Program.