There’s optimism the new medical school will ensure a future influx of GP specialists.  

Waikato University's newly announced medical school will begin construction this year, opening the doors to 120 trainees in 2028.  

It will focus on primary and rural care.  

Vice Chancellor Neil Quigley told Mike Hosking students could choose not to specialise in rural health or become a GP, but there are ways of addressing this.  

He says Australian institutions use selection mechanisms which, if implemented, create a markedly different workforce. 

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