EXTRA GP TRAINING PLACES ANNOUNCED

General Practice has received a much-needed boost with the Federal Government announcing funding for an extra 75 first year vocational training places in 2009, increasing to 100 in 2010. This will take the total number of first year GP training places to 675 in 2009 and 700 in 2010.

This recent announcement is a welcome one and step in the right direction. The AMA and recently called on the government to fund an extra 100 places each year for the next five years. This call has been part of a campaign to ensure that there are enough training places for the increasing number of graduates now emerging from medical schools across the country.

GOVERNMENT SEES SENSE ON THE PREVOCATIONAL GENERAL PRACTICE PLACEMENT PROGRAM (PGPPP)

Minister Roxon recently made a welcome announcement that funding for the PGPPP will be restored to $20 million for 2009 and the number of placements will be increased to 360 per year. This announcement follows the significant cut in this year's federal budget, when PGPPP funding was cut by a third.

Getting money back into the PGPPP is a real win for the AMA who maintained the pressure on the government to reverse the budget cut and recognise the importance of the PGPPP in providing essential general practice experience for junior doctors. There is still a need to ensure the funding to the program is guaranteed for 2010 and beyond.

The AMACDT is now working to ensure that the PGPPP maintains its focus on providing a quality educational experience and that the necessary supports are in place so that the program can grow to accommodate future demand. The AMACDT has representation on the PGPPP National Advisory Committee and Strategic Working Group.

SURGICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (SET) - AMACDT SUBMISSION TO THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL (AMC) REVIEW

The AMC are currently assessing the implementation of the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program. The AMC completed their major review of the SET program in 2007 and are now in the process of assessing the College's progress against the recommendations made in that review. The AMACDT has made a submission based on the feedback received from current and prospective trainees. The AMACDT submission highlights ongoing concerns with the selection processes, including the transition of BSTs, and issues around costs of training, recognition of prior learning, and examination/course requirements.

AMA COUNCIL OF DOCTORS-IN-TRAINING (AMACDT) MEETING HELD IN CANBERRA

The AMACDT met in Canberra on 18/19 October 2008. Some of the key items on the agenda included doctors' health, vocational training in the private sector, college issues, and intern employment capacity. Representatives from every state and territory and New Zealand were in attendance to discuss both local and national issues affecting DiTs. Trainee representatives from medical colleges also attended to share their concerns and views.

CHANGES TO THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS (RACGP) FELLOWSHIP EXAM

As of next year candidates sitting the RACGP Fellowship examination will be allowed up to three years to complete all three examination segments successfully. This extension of time has been introduced by the College in recognition of the need for increased flexibility to accommodate the circumstances of candidates, including those working part-time. After each examination segment, candidates will be provided with formal feedback on their performance, which will allow candidates to better focus their study efforts. Candidates will also be able to pay for individual segments as they go, instead of the current single fee approach. Go to the RACGP website for further information and updates: http://www.racgp.org.au/exam

WHO'S LOOKING AFTER YOU- AMA REPORT ON JUNIOR DOCTOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The findings of the first national AMA survey into junior doctor health and wellbeing was launched on Sunday 19 October. This report describes the finding of the survey of over 900 junior doctors in Australia and New Zealand, and marks the start of the Doctors' Health Campaign that will be rolled out across the country. The report can be found on /web.nsf/tag/doctors-in-training Posters promoting doctors' health and reminding doctors to have their own GPs will be distributed throughout hospitals over coming months. Thanks to all who filled in the survey.

CONTACT US

Either via our Facebook Group AMA Doctors-in-Training Network or via email to ditnetwork@ama.com.au or by phone 02 6270 5400.

You can unsubscribe from E_dit by emailing the Federal AMA at ditnetwork@ama.com.au

MJA Job Share

MJA Job Share is a free noticeboard facility for doctors who would like to arrange shared working arrangements with other doctors. You can notify specific job share opportunities or register your interest in job sharing so that like-minded doctors or employers can contact you.

This service is sponsored by the Australian Medical Association. Go to http://www.mja.com.au/classifieds/jobshare.cgi