The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is encouraging more GPs in training to live and work in the Northern Territory.
It comes following the RACGP launching a Northern Territory Placement Support Grant to promote the wonderful opportunities for training that exist in the Territory while off-setting the cost of relocating interstate. Interstate GPs in training transferring to the Territory for at least six months are eligible to receive up to $10,000 (with an additional $5,000 if working in a remote MMM6-7 location), while GPs in training in the Territory are eligible to receive $5,000 if they locate to a MMM2 to MMM6-7 location (with an $5,000 if extended to 12 months).
RACGP Northern Territory Chair, Dr Sam Heard, urged GPs in training to take full advantage of the grants.
“This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rural and remote medicine and enjoy the many rich rewards the Territory has to offer,” he said.
“You will encounter diverse clinical scenarios and be exposed to a range of medical cases that can significantly boost your professional growth while making a real impact where it’s needed most. By training in a rural or remote setting you will also benefit from being part of a collegiate team of doctors, nurses and Aboriginal Health Practitioners and enjoy being part of a smaller community and the perks of the Territory lifestyle.
“I can tell you from first-hand experience that living and working in the Territory is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that I would recommend to anyone. So, sign up right away and take advantage of this great grant program before you miss out.”
Dr Heard said that there was never a more important time to enhance GP in training numbers in the Territory.
“The Northern Territory is the best place in Australia to train and work as a GP, we just need to encourage more GPs in training to see that,” he said.
“As I said recently following the Primary Health Care Workforce Summit in Alice Springs, the Territory is facing a critical shortage of GPs, particularly in rural and remote areas where the loss of a single GP can mean no access to general practice without travelling vast distances. Survey results from last year show shortages across private general practice, the Aboriginal Community Control Health sector, and the public sector.
“We urgently need to increase the number of GPs, including GPs in training, in the Territory and to overcome the maldistribution of GPs in remote areas. These grants aim to do just that so that all patients, no matter their postcode, have strong access to high-quality general practice care. Spread the word and help boost general practice care in the Territory.”
