WITH a new cohort of young doctors taking up positions across the country, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia is encouraging more of them to try postings in the bush.
RDAA president-elect Dr Megan Belot said it was always exciting to see doctors moving into new training positions and she encouraged them to consider rural rotations throughout their training years.
"We welcome the cohort of interns and resident medical officers taking up their new positions," she said.
"Training years are a wonderful opportunity to try new things - not just fields of medicine but locations too.
"No matter what area of medicine you end up in, or where you end up practising, spending some time in rural medicine will make you a better doctor.
"For some it helps them to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by rural patients when they are referred on to city specialists or care.
"For others they will leave with a better understanding of both the limitations on doctors practising in the bush, as well as their exceptional skills and clinical ability.
"And for others they will find their calling in the truly rewarding, interesting, challenging and ever-changing practice of rural medicine, as well as the joys of living in a rural community."
RDAA will be calling for an increase in the number of Commonwealth supported training positions as part of the Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund.
"We are excited that this year the RJDTIF will have an additional 50 places for junior doctors to experience a supported placement in a rural setting," Dr Belot said.
"We will be calling for a significant expansion of this program in the 2021 Budget so that even more doctors will be able to take up this great opportunity.
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"This will be as part of our broader rural medical workforce strategy proposal which is aimed at providing significant improvements and streamlining of the programs and supports available for rural medical training and careers.
"For people living in rural and remote communities, and the doctors serving them, be kind to your new GP trainees. Make them feel welcome and help support them to have a positive experience.
"These doctors are the future medical workforce and we want them to choose the fantastic career that rural medicine can offer."
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