FAMILY DOCTOR WEEK REVEALS FLAWS
As the AMA’s Family Doctor Week wraps up, medical students have called on the federal government to create more GP training placements.
Fifth year medicine student at the University of Newcastle, Andrea Odelli, says the shortage of GP places means aspiring doctors are unable to complete their required training.
“Universities have increased medical school numbers drastically each year to help alleviate shortages, however a two-year prevocational program (or internship) must be completed after medical school before beginning a career pathway,” she explained. “The issue is that internship places in hospitals have not been increased adequately.”
Australian Medical Association President, Dr Steve Hambleton, says long-term vision and planning is needed to ensure the next generation of GPs have enough resources to to give back to the community.
“Supporting our current GPs to teach the next generation of family doctors is vital to meet future community health needs,” he said.
“If you want to keep waiting times down and ensure there is a GP in every community, they are worth investing in.”