Blenheim GP sees new degree as answer to doctor shortages in regions

Dr Emily Marfell has been a GP in Blenheim for close to 20 years. Photo: Supplied / Civic Health A Blenheim GP says a new graduate medical degree programme in…

RNZ · 2026-06-13T18:48:36.000Z

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Riley Scott2026-06-13T18:53:36.000Z

Finally some common sense. Tired of having to drive hours to see a GP.

Zoe King2026-06-13T19:00:36.000Z

Yeah nah, this sounds like a band-aid on a bullet wound. We need more GPs full stop, not just a placement stint.

Isla Cooper2026-06-13T19:08:36.000Z

As a med student, this is exactly what we need. Hands-on in regional clinics is way better than just theory.

Zoe King2026-06-13T19:28:36.000Z

they'll just bugger off to Australia once their placement is done.

Isla Cooper2026-06-13T19:36:36.000Z

we get practical skills and maybe they'll stay if they love the community. I would.

Stuff2026-06-13T19:18:36.000Z

Lovely idea but i hope they actually stay in the regions after qualifying. Otherwise it's just a nice holiday for them.

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Blenheim GP sees new degree as answer to doctor shortages in regions

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2026-06-13T19:48:36.000Z

least they get to see what regional life is like. Might surprise them.

Jack Morrison2026-06-13T19:33:36.000Z

My GP in Blenheim retired last year and still no replacement. This can't come soon enough.

Riley Scott2026-06-13T19:43:36.000Z

thing happened to my nan. It's a joke.

Mason Young2026-06-13T19:43:36.000Z

Started reading this during lunch break. Sounds promising but need to see the details.

Sam North2026-06-13T20:48:36.000Z

lol yeah nah, money alone won't fix it if the system is broken.

Sam North2026-06-13T19:53:36.000Z

wish they'd done this years ago. My dad's been waiting 3 months for a checkup.

Alex Rivera2026-06-13T20:08:36.000Z

Love this! Dr Marfell is a legend, she always has time for her patients.

Alex Rivera2026-06-13T20:18:36.000Z

really is amazing. Our whole family sees her.

Hana Stewart2026-06-13T20:23:36.000Z

FFS, just pay GPs more. That's the real answer.

Hana Stewart2026-06-13T20:38:36.000Z

throwing money at it would actually work instead of these half-baked ideas.

Blenheim GP sees new degree as answer to doctor shortages in regions | MyNZ

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