DOCTORS from all over the world have come to the North East for a general practice training program.
The annual program attracted 30 doctors who began training this week, starting with an intensive two-day emergency skills workshop at La Trobe University.
“Once again we have a strong number of men and women from all over the world in this year’s intake,” Bogong GP Training chief executive Linda Moon said.
“Doctors have come from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ireland and for the first time 53 per cent are Australian-trained medical graduates.”
Ms Moon said it was becoming vital that GPs also had specialist skills.
“Those with added skills are becoming more and more crucial because of their placement in small regional areas,” Ms Moon said.
The doctors are placed with experienced GPs and released for specialist training while fully qualified doctors are placed with clinics.
The program also equipped doctors with the skills to deal with emergencies.
“Some of these doctors will be working in isolated areas where they may be the first on scene at a road trauma,” she said.
Ms Moon said research showed doctors who experienced life in regional communities during training were more likely to return to regional areas.
The doctors will join Bogong’s medical education team for workshops to hone their skills in specialist areas like women’s health, chronic disease management, mental health, child and adolescent health and men’s health.
“Their ultimate goal is to successfully sit exams and gain GP fellowship,” Ms Moon said.
