Over thirty medical students and junior doctors recently experienced life as a goldfields GP last month for the third annual Central Victorian GP Jaunt.
The free event, hosted by Monash Rural Health’s North West Victorian Regional Training Hub and supported by the Loddon Mallee Victorian Rural Generalist Program, Rural Doctors Association of Victoria and local general practitioners, allowed young doctors in training to spend the day exploring the central Victoria region.
The group visited a number of local health services and clinics across Kyneton, Castlemaine and Maryborough and tasted the region’s thriving food and wine culture at Johnny Bakers, Boomtown Wine, Das Caffee Haus and The Mill. The tour was led by local doctors and medical leaders, including Dr Mark Farrugia and Dr Richard Mayes from Goldfields Medical Group, Dr Sophie Ping from Castlemaine Health and Chair of the Loddon Mallee Victorian Rural Generalist Program Network and the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria President, Dr Dan Wilson.
For Dr Frank Dunley, an intern at Bendigo Health, the day gave him a wider appreciation of what’s on offer in the region.
“As a hospital-based intern, the opportunity to get out into smaller communities and observe how interconnected the towns’ GPs are with each other and their local health services was invaluable. I really saw that rural and regional general practice with areas of special interest focus offers an enriching career path. I learnt so much from being able to speak to rural GPs and rural generalists over lunch about the diversity of their practice.”
The Loddon Mallee has become a highly desirable place for young doctors to live, work and train, according to Sophie Burke, North West Victorian Regional Training Hub Manager.
“Practising in beautiful regional Victoria makes perfect sense. Come for the training and work opportunities, personalised program and supportive supervisors, stay for the incredible lifestyle on offer!”
Castlemaine GP, Dr Mark Farrugia, enjoyed welcoming a new group of students and junior doctors to the region for the day.
“Events like this allow our next generation of doctors to see what’s on offer here – beyond knowing the rotations and advanced skill training available to them – but really getting a feel for our towns, and local communities. Hopefully, our attendees were inspired by the life that awaits them.”