GP Recruitment & Retention
GP workforce shortages and an ageing GP population continue to place increasing demands on medical services and are impacting severely on the availability of medical services in rural communities.

The Division is actively involved in supporting practices and working collaboratively with communities and health services to recruit and retain general practicitioners. Succession planning is essential in enabling GPs to consider their future needs and planning for work life balance.

The Division work closely with other GP organisations such as the Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian General Practice Network, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency, Rural Doctors Association of SA, Flinders and Adelaide Universities and affiliated training organisations.

Orientation
Our aim is to maintain a sustainable existence from a clinical and social point of view for new GPs, Registrars and Interns.

Working with and empowering communities to accept responsibility in looking after their GP family is critical in a time of workforce shortages and more importantly to the existence of small rural and remote communities.

Almost half of our medical workforce now consists of International Medical Graduates, so it is critical to plan and continue support to the needs of the GP and their family in these small rural communities.

Support and mentoring for RACGP Exams is another aspect of clinical support for newly arrived GPs and this is provided through Adelaide to Outback.

During the orientation process a number of important issues will be discussed and there will be the opportunity for GPs to sit in on consultations; witness procedures; visit the local hospital and talk to other GPs. Our Workforce Support Coordinator offers on-going support and continues this assistance for the family during the settling in period.

It is vitally important that any newly recruited doctor and their family are given access to a well designed orientation process to assist them in settling in to their new community and work place.

RDWA can assist with  Spouse Employment Assistance Grants - grants to provide spouses/partners of resident doctors and specialists to undertake training/upskilling for the purpose of gaining employment.

Visit RDWA on www.ruraldoc.com.au or Phone 8357 7444.