Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Program - Newsletter Edition 13

Tasmanian Rural Generalist Program

SAVE THE DATE: Tasmanian Rural Health Conference 2018

'Resilience in Rural Communities'

To be held at the LGH and NICS, Launceston on March 24-25, 2018

Rural Emergency Skills Training Course @ NICS March 22-23, 2018


In this edition:


Director - Rural Pathways News

What an exciting time to be involved in rural general practice!

At RMA17, the new National Rural Health Commissioner was announced to be Emeritus Professor Paul Worley. He is an experienced rural GP and academic, whose first task is to implement a National Rural Generalist Training Pathway.

Emeritus Professor Paul Worley Inaugural Address

Dr Michelle Hannan receiving her Rural Registrar of the Year awardAlso at RMA17, Dr Michelle Hannan, a Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Pathway participant, was named Rural Registrar of the Year and achieved her FACRRM with advanced skills in advanced medicine. Michelle has worked at the RHH, Calvary and various general practices in the state, currently gaining additional skills at Broken Hill RFDS and Mt Isa.

At GP17, it was announced that GP training will transition back to the colleges during 2019-2021.

Tasmanian GPs' once again dominated the awards at GP17. Dr Samantha Cassidy, Launceston, received the Monty Kent-Hughes award for the highest OSCE score in Australia in 2017.1. Dr David Knowles, Lauderdale, received both the coveted Rose Hunt Award and General Practice Supervisor of the Year. Dr Tania Wizenburg, Menzies Research Institute, received the Peter Mudge Medal for advancing the discipline of general practice through original research with the most potential to significantly influence daily general practice (noting Professor Peter Mudge is a previous Rose Hunt medical winner and a Tasmanian!). Dr Chris Hughes, Wynyard, received the Alan Chancellor Award for Best First Time Presenter of a Research Paper, presenting 'eReferrals: Why are we still faxing?'Dr Tim Mooney collecting Dr Chris Hughes' award

Chris' award was kindly collected by Dr Tim Mooney, George Town, who was also acknowledged for his 25 years on the RACGP Rural Board.


GP Training Changes - an update from General Practice Training Tasmania

Last Friday at the GP 17 conference in Sydney, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that negotiations are now underway with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) for them to take responsibility for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program from 2022 - following a transition period from 2019.

Significantly - It is anticipated that RTOs such as GPTT will continue to play the critical role as the funded organisations responsible for the delivery of the AGPT program into the future, with new 3 year funding agreements to commence from 2019.

RTOs will now begin negotiations with the Department of Health and the Colleges to transition to the new arrangements. Colleges will assume full responsibility in 2022.

The RACGP has indicated a future model focussed on retaining RTOs as the delivery organisations, as per current practice. The RACGP has explained to both the Department of Health and the Minister's office that a high-quality, developed RTO Network (such as in place now) is integral to the model proposed by RACGP.

ACRRM also advised on Friday that they expect this change to be an important opportunity for ACRRM to work even more closely with RTOs to achieve a thriving rural GP and rural generalist workforce across Australia. They do not anticipate any sweeping changes or revolution in their engagement with RTOs as their prime partners in delivering their training program.

GPTT will be very focused on maintaining stability and continuity for our stakeholders during this four-year transition period. GPTT and all RTOs nationally will have a key role in ensuring seamless training delivery and ongoing support for registrars, supervisors and other stakeholders.

At GPTT, they will operate very much "business as usual" during the negotiations and transition. They will keep you informed be available for discussion anytime. Please direct any questions to your GPTT Medical Educator or send them to enquiries@gptt.com.au


Have you completed your FACRRM or FARGP?

Don't forget to apply for your Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Pathway Certificate of Completion by filling out and returning your Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Program - Application for Certificate of Completion.


Codeine Rescheduling

From 1 Feb, 2018, all over-the-counter codeine medicines will become prescription only. The DHHS have collated resources for you to use to assist your patients through this change.

Listed below are three face to face workshops in November and December across all three regions

EVENT: Codeine Rescheduling - Preparing for Change (Hobart)

EVENT: Codeine Rescheduling - Preparing for Change (Burnie)

EVENT: Codeine Rescheduling - Preparing for Change (Launceston)


When to Report a Death to the Coroner

Is a guide for medical practitioners that provides a step-by-step assistance in determining whether a death is reportable to the Coroner, including checklists, time frames and instructions on how to report.

Magistrates Court of Tasmania Coronial Division - When to Report a Death to the Coroner, a Guide for Medical Practitioners


Congratulations Sharee!Sharee Taylor playing hockey at the Australian Masters Games

Sharee, the Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Pathway Project Support Officer recently claimed a silver medal in the Australian Masters Games held on the north west coast.

The Examiner Newspaper: Tassie Medals Galore at Masters Games


Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop

Rural communities have poorer health outcomes than urban areas. Social determinants can heavily impact health. This workshop looks at understanding and working with people experiencing poverty.

Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop - Smithton, TAS 13 - 14 November, 2017

Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop - Wynyard, TAS 27 - 28 November, 2017


Events

The new Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Pathway calendar is LIVE. To view current and upcoming events, please visit the Calendar of Training, Events and Workshops.

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


Current DHHS Vacancies

Specialist Medical Practitioner in Training - Sexual Health Services

Registrar - Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Hobart

Career Medical Officer - Emergency Medicine, Mersey Community Hospital