The University of Queensland (UQ) has introduced a strategy to increase the number of First Nations doctors, with many expected to remain in regional and rural communities.

Waluwarra Wangkayujuru Wangkaymunha woman and Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Thelma Parker, said the strategy aimed to foster growth through community-centred partnerships.

"The strategy was led by the UQ-developed Wisdom Council for Indigenous Knowledges and Bidgerdii Community Health Service, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled primary health care service," Professor Parker said.

"Local community perspectives were centred, and the plan was signed off by 14 community Elders to ensure it is fully culturally appropriate and owned by the community.

"This is really important as we work towards closing the gap and ensuring the community is fully aware of the various pathways into medicine and the opportunities that are available for students to study and work in their local communities."

UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deborah Terry AC, said the First Nations Growth Strategy aimed to increase the number of medical graduates in Central Queensland communities facing workforce shortages.

"We are deeply committed to ensuring more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors graduate through the program to address the very real workforce need for First Nations clinicians," Professor Terry said.

"This strategy is a vehicle for change and has been co-designed with First Nations Elders in partnership with Bidgerdii Community Health Service as part of the University's Queensland Commitment."

The Regional Medical Pathway, a collaboration between UQ, Central Queensland University (CQU), Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) and the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS), allows students to study within their communities.

Director of UQ Medical School's Rural Clinical School, Professor Riitta Partanen, said the First Nations Growth Strategy was designed to recruit, support and retain Indigenous medical students in Central Queensland.

"We want to ensure they are supported before, during and after their graduation in a true end-to-end pathway and establish medical professionals with an authentic connection to the region," Professor Partanen said.

In 2023, UQ secured funding for 10 additional Commonwealth-supported places in the Doctor of Medicine program in Central Queensland.

The 15 per cent target for First Nations enrolments is part of this agreement.

The strategy is structured to provide ongoing support for First Nations students, from meeting entry requirements for CQU's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) and UQ's Doctor of Medicine to graduation and beyond.