June 2003

Country practise for trainee specialists

An innovative State Government-funded program giving vital experience in rural hospitals for trainee medical specialists will provide placements for 34 doctors over the next year.

Minister for Health Bronwyn Pike said 15 additional trainee positions had been created this year as part of a major drive to encourage young doctors to practise in the country.

She said the Government had given the trainee initiative a major funding boost since it started up with two postings as a joint program with the Commonwealth in 2000.

‘There will now be 34 trainee medical specialists working in Victorian rural hospitals through this program over the next year.’

The posts are open to qualified doctors in the final stages of their registrar training in medical specialties.

The Government is contributing $1.23 million towards the $2.4 million program.

Ms Pike said the trainees would work under existing specialists at the rural hospitals, to gain valuable work experience.

‘A year-long specialist training program enables the trainees to gain a true appreciation of life and practice in a rural setting.

‘They also live in an area long enough to form networks and friendships that might hold them in the community or bring them back when they complete their training.

‘As advanced trainees, they help treat patients and allow senior specialists more flexibility such as providing outreach sessions and treatment in smaller hospitals and health services in their region.

‘Having advanced trainees enhances the professional lives of the qualified specialists already in the area.

‘Trainees bring the latest medical knowledge and techniques while the experienced specialists offer the wisdom of their years of on-the-ground practice. This benefits everyone.

‘The scheme also acts as a recruiting drive for more medical specialists to live and work in rural Victoria, having experienced the advantages of country practice,’ Ms Pike said.