The RACGP is showcasing real stories from GPs across the country in its new training campaign, as it calls for applications for its training program.
The RACGP is putting the stories of rural generalists at the centre of its new training campaign, as it calls on junior doctors to apply for the second intake of its GP training program.
To showcase the rewarding and unique connection general practice can offer as a career, the RACGP has launched a new GP training campaign featuring GPs from across the country.
One such GP is Dr Sam Patterson, a rural generalist working in Katanning in Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
“I don’t have any doubt whether I’m making a difference,” said Dr Patterson of his career.
“The amount of people you’ve been taking care of for five years, and who’re in a better spot than what they were when you first met them – that’s really rewarding, because you can just see the change that’s happened.
“I was born in Katanning Hospital 34 years ago … the doctor who delivered me, Ralph Chapman, he was the town doctor for a long time when I was a kid and sometimes I actually now refer patients to him.”
Dr Patterson, who also works in the local ED and in Broome and surrounding towns as a locum, said he finds comfort in the support he receives as a rural generalist.
“You probably deal with more advanced illnesses and challenging situations than GPs in the city because of a lack of nearby medical services,” he said.
“But in saying that, we are well supported by lots of specialists who come and visit periodically, and you form a relationship with them.
“You refer them patients and occasionally call them or text them for advice.”
According to Dr Patterson, with his rural generalist fellowship under his belt, he feels endlessly employable.
“Once you’ve got a rural generalist fellowship, you’re so employable all around Australia, particularly in WA,” he said.
“It’s really nice being in this position, where the world is your oyster.
“You’ve got the skills and you’ve got the abilities, and you get to pick and choose what you want to do, which is nice at this stage.
“I love the flexibility.”
The new campaign coincides with calls for applications for the second intake of the RACGP’s GP training program.
The government-funded program offers a three-year fulltime program, including an optional additional rural generalist training year.
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According to RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins, it’s the flexibility and breadth that sets general practice apart as a profession.
“GPs don’t just care for people when they’re sick, we help them stay well at all stages of life,” she said.
“The connection to patients and community is incredibly rewarding.
“General practice gives you the opportunity to practice a very broad scope of medicine.
“No one day is the same – that’s especially true for rural GPs because the local community often relies on them for most of their health needs, from mental health to setting fractures.
“And there’s lots of flexibility to practice what you’re interested in.
“GPs build skills in areas they’re interested in, like addiction or ADHD, and rural GPs often gain extended skills to meet their community’s needs, such as emergency medicine. It’s a career you can take wherever you want to go.”
Applications for the RACGP’s GP training program are open until 13 August.
