June 2003

Overseas study for health professionals

Victoria’s most promising health professionals will go abroad to increase innovation and improve patient care under the Victorian Government's new Travelling Fellowship program.

Secretary of the Department of Human Services Patricia Faulkner said the $120,000-a-year program would see 10 public health professionals, clinicians and managers spend up to 12 weeks away learning world’s best practice.

Launching the Human Services-Victorian Quality Council initiative, Ms Faulkner said it was the latest Government approach to meeting patient needs by supporting health practice change.

‘Successful applicants can study patient safety and quality, systems improvement or workforce strategies,’ she told a conference on achieving and sustaining practice change.

The Fellowship program focuses on enhancing health care in Victoria so that it not only meets but exceeds community expectations,’ Ms Faulkner said.

Victorian-based Australian permanent residents in their early to mid career selected for fellowships will receive up to $12,000 to cover travel and expenses for three months in a country of their choice.

Ms Faulkner said that on their return, fellows would be expected to apply and share their new knowledge to the benefit of both patients and other health professionals.

‘Fellowships will give promising health care professionals the chance to compare foreign health systems on key issues relating to the delivery of timely, safe patient care,’ she said.

‘This program will have very real benefits for the fellows themselves, who will have the opportunity to extend their knowledge and experience,’ Ms Faulkner said.

• Fellowship details or application forms are available at www.health.vic.gov.au/travelfellowships.