Trial to support health service trainees

GRAMPIANS Health will trial a new state model aimed at improving training and employability for generalist medical trainees in rural Victoria.

The public health service is adopting the single employer model, managed by the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, which will enable rural trainees to work under a single health organisation while undertaking their placement.

Grampians Health’s chief medical officer Matthew Hadfield said it’ll offer the region’s growing health professionals a more stable pathway through their studies.

“We are thrilled to be part of this innovative trial that promises to enhance the training experience for rural generalist trainees,” he said.

“This model not only provides stability for trainees but also strengthens the connections within our rural health community.”

Grampians Health is one of three Victorian regional organisations that will share up to 15 trainee positions with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service and Mildura Base Public Hospital as part of the trial.

The initiative is about bringing a better balance between financial and working stability for rural trainees.

Those undertaking the trial can also be seconded to other health services to further expand their training while remaining on the one contract.

Mr Hadfield said it’s important to nurture the region’s up-and-coming generalist trainees across regional Victoria.

“We are committed to supporting programs that enable the future generalist workforce to train, work and live in rural and regional Victoria,” he said.

“We are confident that benefits unlocked by the single employer model will attract more junior doctors to the region, where we need them.”

Full or part-time trainees registered with VRGP or enrolled either with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, can register to participate.

Trainees planning to undertake a primary care placement within the next two years can also apply, as well as those already on a rural generalist training pathway.

Visit health.vic.gov.au for more information.