13 GP registrars will visit Dalby and Jandowae near Toowoomba this week to get a taste of rural training in a trip organised by the Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) to boost Queensland's rural GP workforce.
On Thursday 25 July, the registrars and four medical educators will visit local general practices and other health services, as well taking part in educational workshops on pregnancy care, dementia and palliative care in rural settings.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said getting more GPs training across Queensland is a priority for the College.
"General practice care helps people stay healthy and out of hospital – every community needs GPs," she said.
"As the peak body responsible for training 90% of Australia's GPs, the RACGP knows how important it is to get GP registrars training in rural communities. Research shows medical graduates who train in rural communities are more likely to become rural GPs.
"This excursion will give our registrars a taste of rural medicine, and rural life in Dalby and Jandowae.
"Being a rural GP is so rewarding, but registrars may not realise this until they see it firsthand. The local GP is such an important part of rural community life, and we know they are often quickly embraced by locals. Professionally, rural GPs also get to practice a wider range of skills because other specialists and health services are few and far between – and many gain extended skills in areas like emergency medicine and paediatrics to meet community needs."
Dr Ross Maxwell, from Myall Medical in Dalby the 2022 RACGP Queensland General Practice of the Year, said registrars will get a taste of training in a rural community.
"Our practice co-trains registrars with the local hospital, so this visit will give registrars the opportunity to see how rural GPs interact with the local hospital," he said.
"One of the benefits of training in a rural community is also seeing how GPs fit into the community. General practice is vital for a vibrant community – without it it's hard to attract people to come to live and work.
"Rural GPs also appreciate the relationships they develop with people in the community. You're often part of peoples' life journey, which is a very special privilege to share."
