Welcome to this very special blogpost/podcast episode where we discuss in-depth the recent Medical Journal of Australia supplement collection of five research articles highlighting the successes of the RVTS programme. I am joined by RVTS CEO Dr Pat Giddings and Assoc. Professor Belinda O’Sullivan from the University of Queensland who conducted the research that led to the publications.  

This episode will be of interest to anyone concerned about General Practice rural workforce shortage, those wanting to know how to support GP registrars in rural and remote areas, the special ingredients required in a successful remote supervision model, the training and support of Overseas Trained doctors to gain GP fellowship and providing meaningful First Nations Cultural training and support for GP registrars.  

 

This is a long episode, so grab your coffee or plug-in as you drive to and from work to hear the research findings detailing what has made RVTS so successful in achieving impressive workplace retention as well as fellowship success for the past, nearly 25 years.  

Timestamps are noted below in case you want to fast forward to an area you are specifically interested in, but I thoroughly recommend you take the time to listen to the whole episode as there are many hidden gems!! 

Have a great day. 

Dr Meryl Nicol 

 

The link to the MJA supplement is here and a published editorial in Insight+ is here 

 

Time	Notes
00.16	Introductions
1:41	How did the publication come about?
3:10	How is RVTS different as a GP training provider?
5:23	Location-based training – benefits to communities and participants
5:39	500 doctors to 350+ communities
6:02	Research results – reported benefits of communities and participants
7:38	Policy maker gains – Closing the Gap, Rural work force and Cruck review
8:52	Overseas trained doctors or IMG’s and keys to success
11:03	Comfort
11:42	Confidence
12:15	Competence
13:21	Belonging and face to face workshops
14:01	Bonding
15:25	RVTS support, Overseas trained doctor satisfaction
20:57	RVTS supervision model
25.32	RVTS – how cost effective is it?
29.12	Retention years of return
30.14	Years of service in the community of RVTS registrars
34.08	Hidden costs of locums
36.15	70% of registrars are inland not coastal
37.53	Targeted recruitment model – rural workforce solutions for remote and very remote locations
46.56	Contribution to First Nations Health and Reconciliation Action Plan
49.48	RVTS Reconciliation Action Plan
52.21	Cultural mentor research findings
53.05	Surprises for the evaluator -multilayered support
55.22	Cumulatively, NOT a small programme
56.29	Scalability
57.41	Best practice model for supporting doctors especially IMG’s in resource-poor environments,
58.26	Transferable model to other disciplines
58.47	Making a difference
59.25	Wonderful to work with the team at UQ
1.00.36	Final comments from Assoc Prof Belinda O’Sullivan
1.02.38	Final thanks