More doctors will be exposed to working in regional areas like Gippsland as part of their training.
The Federal Government’s Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund (RJDTIF) supports rural primary care rotations for first year interns.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the fund would support 240 accredited intern rotations in primary care settings each year, or at least 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) places.
“This program will expose interns to rural general practice, Aboriginal medical services and other primary care rotations,” Mr Chester said.
“Exposure to these fields in a regional setting increases the likelihood these young doctors will choose to practise in regional locations after becoming more qualified.”
Mr Chester encouraged local clinics and eligible organisations to apply for funding to train the next generation of Gippsland doctors.
“Funding will be provided to assist with intern salaries while the junior doctor is working in a primary care setting; and for clinical supervision and support costs during the primary care rotation.
“The fund also covers administration and education support; reasonable travel and accommodation costs; minor training related infrastructure for the primary care setting; and office refurbishments for the intern at the rotation location.”
Assistant Minister for Health Dr David Gillespie said the fund would help tackle one of Australia’s biggest health challenges – getting more doctors in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“Following strong demand from the first round, I am pleased to announce that a second round of the program is now open for organisations to develop training rotations,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The program is designed so that rural-based junior doctors completing their intern year can gain experience in rural general practice, in addition to their hospital-based rotations.
“This will improve the pathway for new graduates into challenging and rewarding careers as doctors with the skills rural communities need.”
For more information, visit www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/work-rural-junior-dr-training-fund
