Chair of AMA Council of Rural Doctors, Dr Marco Giuseppin, was in Canberra this week where the Government confirmed that the initial intake of 60 registrars under the National Rural Generalist Pathway would commence training in the second half of this year.
Dr Giuseppin, a rural generalist from Queensland, said that the AMA has been a major advocate for the development of the NRGP, so we are pleased to see progress on the implementation.
While in Canberra, Dr Giuseppin met with many other rural health stakeholders and discussed key issues with Minister for Regional Health, the Hon Mark Coulton.
"The NRGP is a key issue for the AMA, but it is only part of the solution to rural workforce issues. We still need additional investment in rural health through initiatives like the rural GP infrastructure grants. We also want additional rural medical specialist training places with appropriate supports for the next generation of rural doctors.
The AMA looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Coulton on these issues.
