Fortunately, Indian scenario and experiences could help. As per policy, many Indian states have adopted "108" services with PPP mode. But I am not sure if customization could help. SEWA and DRISTI models in India may be helpful.

I think it is not used for purposes of training. The best training will almost always be in major centres where major expertise lies.

However, many governments go to great lengths to draw new graduates to work in rural areas. Not for the purpose of training, but rather just to get some doctors to actually go work out in the boonies, where they are probably not from (most doctors originate from urban centres where there is more education available).

Hi Luis

My experience in physiotherapy is that rural practice in the first year of professional practice provides not only a very supportive learning experience, but social support as well.

I've linked to a paper published last year on this - please message me if you'd like the full paper.

Hope this helps

David

Article Exploring a public-private partnership new-graduate physioth...

Hi Luis

I just heard a presentation today from Dr Wendy Brodribb from the University of Queensland on this exactly this topic. You could try emailing her on [email protected] for info.

Cheers

David

Dear David and colleagues, I am sorry for my delayed reply. It is a surprise that in Australia you have a system like this. I hope it is better supported than in developing countries where this program is carrying out. I will contact Dr. Brodribb to have more information. Kind regards!

Hi Luis

I recently saw this article on med students and thought it may be of interest.

Cheers

David

http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=3632

Thank you! Interesting work, it is a shame that considering all economical effort that implies to prepare physicians (specially in developing countries) most of them are not very interested on apply their knowledge in most vulnerable areas. I do not want to blame on them, actually I understand their professional and personal interests looking for better opportunities out of their country probably... Something similar also happens in Latinamerica, that means an important area of improvement for Educators and Institutions in order to offer an integral education... not only in technical skills, also in social commitment and responsability. Regards.

As someone who specialized in rural healthcare, I have always found it shameful that clinicians are banished to "the sticks" to serve out the first year or so of their obligations. This is counterproductive for the residents of these communities, and leads to resentment on the part of the clinician. Instead of trying to make the proverbial round peg, fit into the square hole; perhaps educators should get creative about educating specialists for the jobs . . . like I was.

In the U.S., J-1 visa holders from other countries come here to attend medical school. They are sent to the native American reservations to complete one or two years. Quite often, the clash between cultures is extremely negative.

Luis, I can appreciate your dilemma. I have looked into the existence of this research before. It just doesn't exist. Best of luck in creating some. I will be your "greatest fan".