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Tamworth Careers Forum to retain future doctors
28 April 2008
In an ongoing bid to retain talented clinicians in rural townships and overcome GP shortages, Hunter New England Health is hosting a dynamic Careers Forum for the next generation of Rural Clinical Specialists and General Practitioners tomorrow (Tuesday 29 April).
About 20 clinicians, including two local General Practitioners (GPs), will address the current intake of Junior Medical Officers and Resident Medical Officers based at Tamworth Hospital to discuss career opportunities and specialist training options in rural communities.
Medical Education Co-ordinator for Tamworth Hospital Christine Van Wamel said the forum was part of a wider strategy to encourage young doctors to continue their medical careers in rural areas such as Tamworth.
“The forum is a chance for our existing group of specialists and local General Practitioners to have an insightful discussion with our up-and-coming doctors about the real benefits of working in a rural environment,” Ms Van Wamel said.
Senior clinicians from Hunter New England Health and Tamworth GPs will discuss specialist options, their clinical experiences and training opportunities available in regional areas.
“Representatives from Emergency and Trauma, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Medical Administration, Obstetrics, and Pathology, as well as a range of other specialties and private General Practitioners will be able to provide advice to this group, many of whom are at a career crossroads come December,” Ms Van Wamel said.
Presenters at the forum include:
Dr Peter Finlayson Medical Administration
Dr Chris Trethewy Emergency Department Physician
Dr Peter May Emergency Trainee
Dr Malcolm Robilliard ENT Surgeon
Dr David Worsely Orthopaedic Registrar
Dr Dean Yeh Surgical Registrar
Dr Prassanna Shirkhedkar Paediatric Registrar
Dr Anna Hawke/Dr Gai Clery Anaesthetists
Dr Ruba Haddad Cardiology Registrar
Dr Gordon Dandie Neurosurgeon
Dr Jim Croker Physician
Dr Lisa Dark Medical Registrar
Dr Samit Roy Psychiatrist
Dr Wieslawa Wielebinski Pathologist
Dr Lyn Townsend Obstetrics Registrar
Dr Peter Hinchcliffe Opthalmologist
As well as:
Dr Brian Bickerton Procedural GP
Dr Jenny May GP academic
“We want to help them make an informed career decision, based on the positive and valuable experiences they have had while working at Tamworth Hospital and living in the New England region,” Ms Van Wamel said.
Senior Resident Medical Officer Renae Myhill said last year’s informative Career Forum inspired her to continue working at Tamworth Hospital and pursue rural GP training.
“Last year’s Careers Forum was ideal because we were able to hear the senior clinicians talk about their work and why they enjoyed practicing in the country,” Renae said. “The forum really helped me to narrow my options.”
Originally from Sydney, Renae said Tamworth Hospital was the ideal place for a Junior Medical Officer to gain broad medical experience.
“Tamworth Hospital provides a very supportive environment for junior staff,” she said.
“They set a good example for us - it’s great to see the hospital clinicians and GPs make a special effort to share their experiences.”
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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