Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Program Newsletter - Edition 5

Tasmanian Rural Generalist Program

In this edition:


Director- Rural Pathways news:

I was fortunate to recently attend the GP16 Conference and present a workshop entitled 'Walking the Tasmanian Rural Medical Generalist Pathway' with Dr Jane Cooper and Dr Amanda Felmingham.

This workshop looked at the TRMGP program from community engagement, to the University of Tasmania Rural Application Process, the rural components of medical school, the advanced skills available in Tasmania and focused on two local case studies.

Dr Amanda Felmingham gave an eloquent account of the experience she had in her Palliative Care post on the NW coast. She spoke about her patients, what she learnt and how that has impacted her ongoing practice and community. It prompted some attending students to report back to me at the end that they were really excited that Tasmania was focusing on advanced skill areas such as palliative care, and an RMO from interstate to ask whether transfers were possible to undertake this experience.

Dr Jane Cooper also spoke about her experience in Adolescent health on the NW coast, and forging her own path as a GP Fellow, gaining a FARGP along her journey. Visit Jane's profile for more information.

Thank you Amanda and Jane for sharing your experiences.


Extension of Rural Procedural Grants Programme

The Rural Procedural Grants Programme has been extended until December, 2017. Check it out if you are a procedural GP in surgery, anaesthetics, obstetrics or emergency medicine.


CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr Chris Hughes, 2016 Tasmanian and National RACGP Registrar of the Year, who is completing his FARGP whilst training in Wynyard, including a research project entitled 'E-referrals: Why are we still faxing?'


Profile:

Dr Jane Cooper, Don Medical Centre 2016 Tasmanian and National RACGP GP of the Year.

Jane was working on the NW coast when approached by her local college wanting to explore the possibility of having a GP resident at their school. Fast-forward and Jane has set up a clinic at Don College, and also Don Medical Centre, a youth friendly general practice which is also attracting other patients who experience access difficulties and who feel welcome in this space. Jane is passionate about Adolescent Health and assisting her patients to navigate their way to adult good health.

An Advocate for the Youth

Jane is currently seeking accreditation to train more doctors in FARGP Adolescent Health. If you are interested, please visit the Advanced Skills Post information.


Ice Training for Frontline Workers

The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction has developed online training for those wanting to improve their crystal methamphetamine related skills and knowledge.

Ice: Training for Frontline Workers


Advanced Skills Posts

If you haven't already made plans for their advanced skill in 2017, don't leave it too late!

GPTT has accredited advanced skills posts in anaesthetics, paediatrics, emergency medicine and polar medicine. Further posts are seeking accreditation, including palliative care, adolescent health and O&G.

You can also do a FARGP in Small Town Rural GP.

Remember it takes time to organise these posts and accredit them, so think ahead. Consider what needs exist in your community and how you might use the year to gain skills in this area.

Contacts:

Director of Training GPTT: lachlan.fieldhouse@gptt.com.au or your local ME

Dr Rosemary Ramsay, Palliative Care (NW) rosemary.ramsay@ths.tas.gov.au

Dr Jane Cooper, Adolescent Health (NW) jcooper@donmedical.com.au

Mr Michael Smallwood, Anaesthetics JCCA (N) michael.smallwood@ths.tas.gov.au

Dr Jeff Ayton, Polar Medicine Jeff.Ayton@aad.gov.au

Dr Marielle Ruigrok, Emergency Medicine (NW) marielle.ruigrok@ths.tas.gov.au

Dr Deb Hickling O&G (NW) deborah.hickling@ths.tas.gov.au

Dr Sajid Patel O&G (S) sajid.patel@ths.tas.gov.au

Dr Allison Turnock, Director Rural Pathways allison.turnock@dhhs.tas.gov.au


Mental Health Begins with ME!

9 - 15 October is Mental Health Week.

'RDAA urges Federal Politicians to Value Mental Health' is a post from Dr Molly Shorthouse, past Tasmanian GP Registrar, now working in Nhulunbuy, NT as a Rural Generalist with advanced skill in Mental Health.

Registrations are now open for the Mental Health Disorders Training for Rural Practitioners virtual classroom course starting 31 October, 2016. One hour a week over 6 weeks.


Events

DatesEvent
Oct 20-22RMA16, Canberra NSW
Oct 24Elder Abuse Webinar
Nov 6-921st National Prevocational Medical Education Forum, Hobart
April 26-2914th National Rural Health Conference, Cairns
April 29 - May 2WONCA 14th World Rural Health Conference, Cairns

For further information, please contact Dr Allison Turnock, Director of Rural Pathways at allison.turnock@dhhs.tas.gov.au or by telephone on 0417 684 415