The proposal for a third medical school in New Zealand: a community-engaged graduate entry medical program.

New Zealand has a maldistributed workforce that is heavily dependent on recruiting international medical graduates. Shortages are particularly apparent in high needs communities and in general scope specialties in provincial regions. The University of Waikato in partnership with the Waikato District Health Board has proposed a third medical school for New Zealand which will concentrate on addressing the workforce needs of disadvantaged rural and provincial communities. The proposed program is a community engaged, graduate entry medical course.
Competing Interests: Dr Town was retained as a consultant to the Business Case project currently being considered by the Government and paid fees for reviewing the drafts of the BC and attending relevant meetings; Dr Tapsell is the Director of Clinical Services for the Mental Health and Addictions service, Waikato District Health Board; Dr Lawrenson is both an employee of the University of Waikato and Waikato District Health Board; Dr Murray reports as Chief Executive Officer, Waikato District Health Board.