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About Us

The UTAS Centre for Rural Health ("the Centre") is a research-focused academic unit that achieves its mission by valuing close, sustained, and responsive relationships with the communities it serves and engages with. It is uniquely positioned within an island state and has developed strong strategic alliances with local government, community organisations and the Tasmanian Government Department of Health and Human Services, to promote an evidence-based rural health agenda.

The Centre promotes rural health through supporting the teaching and clinical placement of undergraduate students. We welcome graduate research students and create a supportive, learner-friendly environment in which they can undertake their studies. By drawing on a wide range of skills sets and methodological expertise, staff engage in a vigorous and diverse program of high quality rural health research that positions the Centre as locally relevant, nationally competitive and internationally recognised.

The Centre for Rural Health (CRH) was established in 1997 under the Regional Health Strategy of the Australian Government. We aim to improve access for rural and remote communities to appropriate health services by encouraging students to pursue a career in rural practice and supporting health care professionals working in these areas. The CRH is one of 15 University Departments of Rural Health established around Australia, and is linked to these other Departments through its membership of the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN).

The CRH has responsibility to develop a focused state-wide multidisciplinary network of rural health education, support and research programs and career development opportunities that are vertically integrated. This is underpinned by its network of Rural Health Teaching Sites (RHTS), which provide the CRH with a strong presence in rural and remote locations around Tasmania and on the Bass Strait Islands. The RHTS provide opportunities for short-term rural experiences principally for undergraduates, particularly in the early years of their training. Staff is located in two main sites - Launceston and Hobart.