General Practice Training
The Kimberley Aboriginal Health GP Training Program commenced in 2003 as a joint initiative between KAMS and Western Australian General Practice Education and Training (WAGPET) and Australian General Practice Training (AGPT).
The program offers GP Registrars the opportunity to undertake specialised Aboriginal health placements within a network of Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHS) across the Kimberley region.
There are opportunities to be involved in general clinic, special program clinics such as chronic disease, antenatal and child health, some locations also experience working in remote community clinics.
More advanced trainees in subsequent terms: (GPT3) special skills terms (GPT4), Advanced Rural Skills Training (ARST – RACGP) or Advanced Skills Training (AST – ACRRM) are able to develop a range of additional skills as outlined in further detail below.
These training posts offer a supported learning environment for GP Registrars who work with Aboriginal Health Workers, registered nurses and support staff to provide holistic, culturally appropriate health care and integrated preventive programs. The experience involves town and remote community-based consulting practice, can include hospital inpatient privileges in some locations and involves work on preventive health programs targeting Aboriginal populations. Obstetric privileges can also be arranged in some locations.
Registrars who have completed at least GPT1 and usually GPT2 can develop an expanded range of clinical practice in remote settings and in the prevention and primary care treatment of renal disease (renal services for the Kimberley are run by KAMS in collaboration with Royal Perth Hospital).
The ARST/AST additional year provides an opportunity for registrars who already have some experience in Aboriginal health to combine clinical work with some or all of regional level policy and planning work, teaching, practical community based research, other aspects of population health and workforce development.
KAMS provides local support to GP registrars in the region, working alongside the WAGPET Regional Medical Educator and Program Training Advisor, including some support for registrars in Kimberley hospitals and in private practice training posts. KAMS also assists in liaising with relevant bodies involved in GP training (WAGPET, RACGP, ACRRM, the HIC, AGPT and others). Registrars are employed and paid by KAMS for all Kimberley Aboriginal health posts.
For further information about this Program, please contact:
June Gulati – GP Support Officer OR
Michael Bartram – Senior Medical Officer
Phone: (08) 9194 3200
kimberleygptraining@kamsc.org.au