Hundreds of new junior doctors will experience work as a general practitioner in regional and rural Australia, thanks to the second round of the Federal Government’s Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund (RJDTIF) announced (Nov 2017).

The Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie MP, said the opening of the second round will help tackle one of Australia’s biggest health challenges – getting more doctors in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Following strong demand from the first round, I am pleased to announce that a second round of the program is now open for organisations to develop training rotations,”
Dr Gillespie said.

“The program is designed so that rural based junior doctors completing their intern year can gain experience in rural general practice, in addition to their hospital based rotations.

“This will improve the pathway for new graduates into challenging and rewarding careers as doctors with the skills rural communities need,” Dr Gillespie said.

Up to $18.6 million is available through the RJDTIF to support training in a variety of primary care settings, such as general practice and Aboriginal Medical Services.

The RJDTIF is an innovative step by the Federal Government to address the medical workforce shortage in rural Australia and improve the health outcomes of people living in these areas.

Contracts are now being finalised from the first round of the RJDTIF, which will support around 121 rotations into rural settings each year. Details about the successful applicants will be announced soon.