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 Bush communities wanted for 300 young doctors 

Bush communities wanted for 300 young doctors

19 May, 2009 04:39 PM
Later this year, 300 medical students will pack their bags and head for country towns and small rural communities across Australia as part of a program designed to expose future doctors to life in the bush.

But which towns are lucky enough to receive their assistance are yet to be determined and organisers are looking for communities to assist the students.

The 300 future doctors are now being selected from more than 600 who applied for a place in the John Flynn Placement Program.

Each will spend two weeks a year over four years in one location experiencing rural medical practice and getting to know local people.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, which manages the placement program for the Department of Health and Ageing, is now looking for 300 communities to host the students and 300 doctors to be student mentors.

Community Service organisations, doctors, and home-stay hosts are paid for participating in the program.

Chair of ACRRM's John Flynn national advisory committee, Dr Lucie Walters, said that the program provides students with continuity of relationship with a GP and community over four years, and gives medical students a real feel for what it's like to live and work in rural and remote communities.

"Most medical students grow up in larger towns and cities," Dr Walters said.

"It is hard for them to grasp the variety of work and the independence doctors enjoy in rural and remote communities, and how highly their communities value them.

"And students who enjoy their placements are more likely to consider rural medicine as a career."

Dr Walters said ACRRM would like to hear from experienced doctors who would like to mentor a student, and from local government, community groups and individuals who can introduce a student to social and recreation activities, and possibly help arrange accommodation.

* Doctors and community groups can register their interest by phoning ACRRM on free call 1800 231 231, or emailing jfpp@acrrm.org.au.

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