Rural Doctor

You want a rural doctor… then why not start with a student…

A student’s doctor’s initial placement should be a memorable one, to assist in the flow on of much needed doctors in rural & remote NSW.

Research shows that more than 70% of rural origin on-campus health students return to professional practice in rural and regional Australia. If we can ensure students doing pracs in our regions have a positive experience during their training then perhaps they will choose to return to the bush. We all have a role to play.

Who can help
University Departments of Rural Health/Rural Clinical Schools
All of the major medical schools have Departments of Rural Health or Rural Clinical Schools that enable their students to complete some of their undergraduate training in a rural location.
There are University Departments of Rural Health in Lismore, Tamworth & Broken Hill & Rural Clinical Schools in Tamworth, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn & Nowra. There are a further 18 training sites in NSW affiliated with the Clinical Schools.

NSW Rural Doctors Network (NSWRDN)
The NSW Rural Doctors Network is a not for profit organisation funded by the Government Department of Health & Aging & the NSW Department of Health www.nswrdn.com.au

NSW Rural Medical Family Network (RDFM)
This programme is operated by the RDN to support the partners & & families of GP’s & students in rural NSW
www.rmfn.org.au  

Divisions of General Practice
There are 20 Divisions in rural NSW which are federally funded networks supporting GP’s in a defined geographic area. To find your local Division go to; www.gp.org.au/nsw.html

Regional Training Providers (RTP’s)
RTP’s of which there are 8 in NSW deliver general practice training in Australia.
To find your local RTP, go to; www.agpt.com.au/TrainingProviderlinks/

Local Council
Your local council may be able to assist with accommodation, resources, partner employment, child care & welcoming events.

Community Groups
Community Groups such as sports clubs, Country Women’s Association, Rotary & the Lions Club may also be able to assist with introductions & invitations.

Information modified from the We Want A Doctor…  Then Start With A Student brochure published by the Rural Doctors Network 2009.
Robyn Wright, CWA of NSW, Consumer Representative to the Rural Doctors Network Medical Support Forum