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A national campaign to attract young doctors and medical students to rural practice is a new initiative of the Federal Government.

The Go Rural Australia campaign showcases the lifestyle and professional benefits of careers in rural medicine, including access to some of the best early year training opportunities in the country.

It is being managed by Rural Health Workforce Australia in partnership with the national network of not-for-profit Rural Workforce Agencies.

"Rural health is a fantastic work-life opportunity and we want to share that message with the future health workforce," says RHWA CEO Greg Sam. "The Government is also offering incentives such as HECS reimbursement and relocation payments up to $120,000. So there's never been a better time to Go Rural.

"The key to this campaign is the involvement of our Rural Workforce Agencies, located in every state and the Northern Territory. They are a one-stop-shop for rural health careers because they have extensive contacts with local training providers, practices and communities. They can help young professionals at every step of their journey."

The agencies also recruit and support nursing and allied health professionals, and are happy to take inquiries about rural career opportunities from all fields of health.

Rural skills training weekends and regional bus tours are being held in all states as part of a campaign that is expected to provide direct experiences to more than 500 people.

Medical student Sarah Colby is one of two UWA students who are spearheading the campaign.

"I was one of three 5 ^th year students who were privileged to complete a year of our degree learning the medicine and living the life in the stunning surrounds of the East Kimberley," Sarah said.

"Working in both the Kununurra District Hospital and remote communities provided us with a wealth of experience in rural and remote health, general medicine, general practice, emergency services and Aboriginal health.

"The hands-on approach associated with The Rural Clinical School quickly broadened our knowledge and our clinical skills, which will surely prove invaluable as we enter our final year of medical school. The other obvious benefit of living in Kununurra was the unlimited access to camping, fishing and life outdoors; a welcome complement to the busy work environment of medicine. Without doubt, the rural lifestyle welcomes anyone with an inclination to explore their surroundings, and the Kimberley was a great place to start."

Go Rural Australia is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.