RDWA

Rural Pathway Project Launched by Health Minister

5 October 2010

The RDWA has commenced work on a project designed to get more Australian trained doctors into rural areas of South Australia.

The Rural Pathway project was launched today by Health Minister John Hill at the RDWA AGM.

The project has been commissioned by Country Health SA.

"We have invited organisations who influence and manage key components of doctor education and training" said RDWA CEO Lyn Poole.

Ms Poole said the response from these organisations has been terrific.

"With an expert panel to oversee the project, including Commonwealth and State government GP colleges, training bodies, Universities and the peak bodies, we have the capacity, capability and the desire to find a solution."

"All of these organisations make a very positive contribution to rural medicine. Our collective challenge is to maximise the number of young people choosing to become rural GPs" she said.

Students, graduates and registrars will be consulted through a series of focus groups.

"As they are our future workforce it is vital that the proposed outcomes are contemporary and include their views" said Ms Poole.

Once the project has determined a model that will suit South Australia, it is expected a pilot program will be undertaken.

"This is an exciting project as the end result will mean having more Australian trained GPs and GP Proceduralists to service the needs of our rural communities."

For further information contact RDWA media adviser, Lesley Johns 0412 583 577.