New appoint aims to address critical medical workforce shortages

University of Galway has announced the appointment of Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine.

The landmark appointment aims to strengthen medical training and tackle critical doctor shortages across the West and North West of Ireland.

Professor Scully brings extensive experience as an academic GP, medical educator, rural physician and a long-standing advocate for rural healthcare.

His appointment comes as University of Galway prepares to launch an innovative four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme, designed to attract a diverse range of graduates and deliver high-quality accelerated medical training with a strong focus on rural and regional healthcare needs.

Professor Scully, who played a key role in ScotGEM’s development, said: “The University of Galway’s GEM programme offers a transformative opportunity to address the critical need for more medical graduates, and particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including rural and remote areas. The graduates of this programme will be equipped to pursue any medical career, but by immersing them in the West and North West, we can improve recruitment and retention and ensure that underserved communities receive the high-quality care they deserve."

Influenced by established international models, including the Scottish Graduate Entry Medical Programme (ScotGEM), University of Galway’s Graduate Entry Medicine will focus on immersive rural placements and community-based training. The new initiative is particularly timely, as Ireland faces significant deficits in the medical workforce, especially in rural areas. With a growing and ageing population, patients often wait several days for GP appointments, a situation compounded by shortages in rural and remote healthcare systems. The University’s Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme is uniquely tailored to address these challenges.

Students will gain experience in general practices, and integrated care hubs and regional (model 3) hospitals that provide acute services such as 24/7 surgery, acute medicine, and critical care, but are not tertiary hospitals - fostering a strong commitment to social accountability and healthcare improvement.

            Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Consultant Stroke Physician with Health Services Executive Ireland, said: “I welcome the appointment of Professor Scully and the leadership experience he will bring to the GEM programme. Alongside plans for a new Medical School, this appointment, and the introduction of the new programme reflects University of Galway’s strategic emphasis on innovation in medical training. These developments will help meet the urgent need for healthcare professionals and modernise medical education to align with Ireland’s evolving healthcare landscape.”

University of Galway has medical academies in Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar and Ballinasloe, and is uniquely positioned to address regional healthcare deficits. With 48 places available annually, the GEM programme will support Ireland’s Sláintecare model for a safe, high-quality health service.

Dr Michelle Canavan, Professor of Older Adult Health at University of Galway and Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Galway, leads the academic programme on integrated care delivery with a focus on interprofessional learning.

            Dr Canavan said: “The delivery of healthcare is changing, with an increased emphasis on developing generalist and specialist care at community-level close to where people live, often termed the ‘left-shift’ in healthcare which is especially important for this region. By expanding graduate-entry training opportunities and focusing on rural and remote healthcare, we aim to build a sustainable medical workforce equipped to meet, and champion, the needs of communities across the country."

            Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer HSE West and North West, said: “I am very pleased to see the GEM programme progressing and warmly welcome Professor Scully to the role. This programme is an example of the strong partnership that exists between University of Galway and health services in the West and North West, working together to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.”

            Professor Pat Nash, Regional Clinical Director HSE West and North West, said: “This new graduate entry programme is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue a career in medicine. The focus on rural and remote medicine is very important and will go some way to address the shortage of doctors in rural areas across the West and North West.”

A graduate of University of Galway, Professor Scully holds degrees from the Universities of Warwick, Edinburgh and Dundee. He has extensive experience in rural and remote general practice and rural medical education, having contributed to the expansion of GP training and curriculum development in Ireland. His appointment underscores the University’s commitment to excellence in rural medical education and healthcare delivery.

Ends