There is ample evidence of the fact that students hailing from rural regions are more likely to return to their base, once they complete their graduation and carry on with their work in diverse medical disciplines. When it comes to doctor jobs in Australia, this has translated into policies that lay emphasis on medical school entry and the extension of financial and other forms of support to students from diverse backgrounds. The research is directed towards taking stock of situations where there is a genuine shortage of medical workforce at the rural level.

The criteria and the selection for entry into medical schools have undergone great change over the past couple of decades. The focus has gradually shifted from academic performance to a consideration of a number of other competencies and attributes. There has been a steady increase in the number of graduate entry-level courses in the medical field and this is expected to substantially increase the number of medical graduates' Down Under by the year 2012.  There has also been a steady increase in the number of female entrants in the field. There has also been a marked change in the approach of female candidates. While in the past, they preferred opting for general practice in comparison to their male counterparts, there has been a gradual shift towards exploring new areas of practice. Graduate entry is also associated with an increased average age of entry, though the age factor had hardly anything to do with the choice of medical specialisation.

It is also necessary to consider the financial variables that are also taken into account at the time of entry into admission schools. The entry criteria are often altered depending on the financial contribution that the student is prepared to make. Long-term commitments or bonds may also affect the admission process.

The state curriculum, the professional and physical environments and individual role models all have a role to play in the choice of career by prospective medical students. The location of study may also have an effect on the choice of geographical destination by the candidate at the time of practice. Rural education, training facilities, scholarships and rural background all play an important role in determining work locations. In some cases, the candidate has to go for compulsory rural placements that may also trigger the interest of an individual to practice in a rural setting. It has been observed that non-capital cities have a greater demand for general practitioners rather than specialists. For example, the trend of medical jobs in Sydney is obviously different from any other Australian rural location. The setting up of new medical schools in rural and regional areas may also prompt the students to select an alternative area of practice.

The attitude of peers, role models and senior colleagues also continue to have an impact on the choice that medical students eventually make. In addition, one cannot deny the fact that experience gathered over the years also plays a crucial role in determining the career choice of an individual. There are quite a few challenges that still affect the Australian medical system and the government is attempting to counter these to increase medical recruitment.