Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway Newsletter - Edition 20

Tasmanian Rural Generalist Program

Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2019

23-24 March 2019, Medical Science Precinct, Hobart


In This Edition:

  • Director – Rural Pathways News
  • Development of the National Rural Generalist Pathway
  • CONGRATULATIONS to the inaugural Tasmanian Rural Generalist Scholarship recipient Trent Carr
  • MJA Article by TRGP Graduate
  • New Additional Skills Posts for a GP Registrar in Mental Health
  • PTSD in Tasmania
  • Have you completed your FACRRM or FARGP in Tasmania?
  • New THS Guidelines endorsed
  • Current Vacancies
  • Events - 2019

Director – Rural Pathways News

Welcome to the final TRGP newsletter for 2018 and my last newsletter!

Applications for the Director - Rural Pathways have been received and a new person will be introducing themselves to you all in the new year.

They will continue to facilitate the Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway. This project is funded by the Australian Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Health Services in Tasmania. All current elements of the TRGP will continue into 2019.

They will also facilitate the Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2019 with the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania and the Rural Generalist Coordinating Council. Registrations for the conference are now open. A draft program will be available early in the new year.

I look forward to continuing to work in this space through my role as Medical Director - GP & Primary Care. Thank you everyone who has contributed to making TRGP a success over the last couple of years.

Allison Turnock


Development of the National Rural Generalist Pathway

The National Rural Health Commissioner presented the National Rural Generalist Taskforce Advice to the National Rural Health Commissioner on the Development of the National Rural Generalist Pathway this week. The document has been publicly released today and can be accessed on the National Rural Health Commissioner page on the federal Department of Health website.


CONGRATULATIONS to the inaugural Tasmanian Rural Generalist Scholarship recipient: Trent Carr

Trent is a final year medical student at the Launceston Clinical School who aspires to be a Tasmanian Rural Generalist. Trent grew up in regional Tasmania, enjoyed his rural GP placements as a student, including in Oatlands, and will be completing a rotation on Flinders Island in early 2019. The Scholarship is intended to assist Trent in his journey to becoming a Rural Generalist over the next three years of his junior doctor training. Congratulations Trent!


MJA Article by TRGP Graduate

Shorthouse, M., and Stone, L. (2018) Inequity amplified: climate change, the Australian farmer, and mental health, Med J Aust 209(4) 156-157. doi: 10.5694/mja18.00624


New Additional Skills Posts for a GP Registrar in Mental Health

Mental Health Services NW has been accredited to have a 12 month Additional Skills Post, including four-month rotations in the Crisis Assessment and Treatment team, Adult Community Mental Health Service and Older Persons Mental Health Service.

Contact Dr Suchita Telang, suchita.telang@ths.tas.gov.au.

Please keep your GPTT medical educator informed so they can help guide you through your training and ensure you meet all your requirements.


PTSD in Tasmania

PTSD has a lifetime prevalence in Australia of 7.2%. Legislation will soon be introduced to change the way PTSD claims for Tasmanian Public Servants will be treated. Some PTSD resources include:

Research article: Cooper, J., Metcalf, O., and Phelps, A. (2014) PTSD- an update for general practitioners, Australian Family Physician 43(11) 754-757.

Online education module by ThinkGP: PTSD: A wound of mind and body

Online education by DVA: At Ease


Have you completed your FACRRM or FARGP in Tasmania?

Don’t forget to apply for your Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway Certificate of Completion. The presentation dinner provides an opportunity to celebrate your achievement!


New THS Guidelines endorsed

Find them on the THS intranet in the SDMS (Strategic Document Management System). (Note: these are internal documents and accessible to DoH and THS staff only.)


Current Vacancies

For THS Registrar Recruitment and other THS/DoH jobs, please visit www.jobs.tas.gov.au.

For GP registrar placements through GPTT, refer to the GPTT placement process information.

For GP vacancies, please visit HRPlus.


Events - 2019

Check out the Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway calendar for events of interest to rural practitioners.

March 22: ACCRM Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training

March 23-24: Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2019 (finishes at lunch time)

March 24-27: 15th National Rural Health Conference, Hobart (starts at 2pm)

March 28-29: ACRRM Rural Emergency Skills Training

Note: RDAT members are eligible for the ACRRM member discount

Email sharee.taylor@health.tas.gov.au to have your event included in the calendar.


This project is funded by the Australian Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Health Services in Tasmania.