Leveraging the bonded medical places scheme to attract and retain doctors in rural areas: The role of Regional Training Hubs

The Bonded Medical Places (BMP) Scheme is an Australian Government program that aims to address workforce shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas. Under the scheme, the Commonwealth provides a place at a medical school and, in exchange, participants agree to work in an area of workforce shortage for a period between 1 and 6 years. The BMP Scheme will undergo substantial reforms in 2020, with the introduction of a consistent three-year Return of Service Obligation (RoSO), and a more flexible and supportive system allowing participants to fulfil their obligations more easily.