The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has held constructive meetings with key government ministers to address concerns raised with the introduction of the More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP).
The meetings, held by College President Dr Ewen McPhee and Chief Executive Officer Marita Cowie with Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt, and Minister for Regional Services the Hon Mark Coulton, resulted in a commitment to further review the MDRAP supervision and training model.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says upholding quality medical practice standards in rural and remote clinical contexts is what our College was set up to do.
“The College is committed to ensuring that rural and remote communities are not left behind when it comes to accessing high quality health care,” Dr Ewen McPhee says.
“With review and consideration, the MDRAP will provide junior doctors with safe and supervised learning environments before making career decisions. “It will also provide Australians with the confidence their GP has attained or is undertaking training towards Fellowship.
“It is vital there is robust and appropriate training and supervision of junior doctors, especially in rural and remote areas. “Having this training will positively impact the quality of education and the safety of the patient and doctor,” Dr McPhee says.