Rural Doctor Program

Yorke and Northern Local Health Network

Does this program meet RACGP and ACRRM Training Requirements?
The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, Rural Doctor Program works closely with both RACGP and ACRRM to ensure that we meet requirements for specialist training and advanced skills training posts in a wide variety of areas.

Where will I be based? Will I be expected to travel to other country locations?
Our region covers a vast geographical area, ranging from the Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, and Clare Valley regions. Rotations are available across the network. Trainees will rotate to different sites throughout the year. We will allocate terms based on their preferences of location and clinical experiences. Some trainees will want to stay close to a particular town based on their life circumstances and we endeavour to make this possible. Other trainees will want a more varied year in multiple locations. As a small unit we can provide a bespoke experience for each trainee.

Housing will be provided so that trainees do not need to be concerned with finding their own accommodation close to their work locations. If on-call is required, it will be close to home.

What are the key outcomes of the program?
The YNRDP strives to provide junior doctors with excellent teaching and training opportunities, second-to-none supervision, a supportive learning environment and opportunity to make the most of the lifestyle available in our beautiful region. We have created the opportunity for medical graduates to begin their working life in an environment with a broad scope of clinical practice. This is worthwhile for both those doctors planning a career in rural generalism and those who will eventually return to the city.

Are contracts renewed every 12 months? If I want to stay on for an extra year, do I have to apply again?
The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network have committed to offering trainees 5 year contracts. This has been made possible by the Single Employer Model. Trainees can now undertake their prevocational training in the region and then continue on as a registrar employed by YNLHN. This allows them to have job security for the long-term, and to retain all the benefits of working for SA Health into their registrar years.

What education is provided?
A comprehensive teaching program ensures regular procedural skills and simulation training through workshops and continuing education through clinical tutorials, case discussions and local educational meetings. Additional educational opportunities are offered including neonatal life support, Advanced Life Support, Regional Xray License and more.

How will supervision be provided? Will this vary from rotation to rotation?
Each rotation has a nominated Primary Supervisor who will oversee your supervision during your rotation. Within your worksite, you will also have a number of medical staff who oversee your day-to-day clinical supervision. This may include visiting specialists who attend clinics and provide specialist services to patients.

Supervisors in rural settings have passion and dedication to their community and a commitment to high quality care and education which will benefit you as the junior doctor.

What other support is provided?
The Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, Rural Doctor Program has a dedicated Medical Education Unit comprising of a Director of Clinical Training, Dr Eleanor Daniel, and a Medical Education Officer, Ms Kirsteen Knevitt. Both are available to you at any time. As the unit is based remotely, regular site visits will occur to touch base with JMOs in the region and visits on an ad hoc basis dependent upon your needs can be arranged. Each rotation also comprises a team of dedicated health professionals who have an interest in ensuring you both succeed in your rotation but also enjoy your experience.

There will be regular education sessions involving all trainees in person, and some opportunities to combine social and educational sessions with other doctors-in-training in the region including medical students and registrars.

Will the Prevocational Doctor supervise interns/others in their role?
Prevocational Doctors will not be required to supervise interns or medical students within their role. Some sites will have medical students and interns and PGY2+ doctors will be expected to work closely with these groups.