RURAL Queensland is set to benefit from a surge in doctors with the Rural Generalist Pathway expanding to train up to 400 doctors over the next three years, with a focus on better training and increasing gender diversity.  

Minister for Health Cameron Dick today addressed the inaugural Rural Generalist Clinical Forum in Roma marking the 10-year anniversary since the concept of a training pathway for rural doctors was first discussed by a group of forward-thinking clinicians and stakeholders.

That initial discussion in 2005, known as the "Roma Agreement", led to the establishment of the Rural Generalist Pathway, now hosted by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service.

"Ten years on from the 'Roma Agreement', I am pleased to say that great progress has been made," Mr Dick said.

"At the moment, there are 225 doctors at various stages in the pathway, but by 2019, there will be 400 doctors, making it the biggest program of its type in the world.

"The profile of those undertaking the program is also changing. Rural doctors have generally been male, but over 60 per cent of next year's intake are women."

The Rural Generalist Pathway aims to provide a defined training program for doctors who are interested in practising in rural or remote areas across the state. 

Mr Dick said the forum was a good occasion to look to the future to further build the rural and remote medical workforce.

"It is time to look towards the future need for rural generalists with skills in internal medicine, indigenous health and mental health to try and combat the vast chronic disease burden our country faces."