MORE then 60 medical students, junior doctors and registrars attended the official launch of The Network – For Doctor, By Doctors recently.
The Network is a peer-driven community built for medical students and doctors working their way through medical training in Gippsland. It exists to connect individuals through education, mentorship, shared experiences, socialising and building a community that understands.
The committee is made up of medical students from Gippsland and training doctors who are all working and living in the region.
Supported by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine through the Rural and Remote Community Support Grant, The Network is a first-of-its-kind in regional Victoria.
Chair of The Network, Dr Noah Pallot, a Rural Generalist Trainee in Sale, opened the proceedings by saying that the vision for Gippsland is to be a place where doctors build a career, a community and their life. He encouraged participants to get involved and to help shape the activities and events of The Network so they can all learn and connect together.
The Network – By Doctors, For Doctors was officially launched by Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson and Latrobe Regional Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr Katherine Willis-Sullivan.
Professors Roger Strasser and Sarah Strasser, recognised academics and global leaders in the development of rural clinical schools and programs in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, spoke about their experience here and overseas and the future of rural generalist practice.
Dr Liz Wearne, a General Practitioner, Clinical Educator and Doctors Wellbeing Advocate from East Gippsland, talked about fair care and skill building for equitable healthcare. She also touched on the privilege of being a rural doctor and making a difference to patient lives, especially those who are more marginalised and disadvantaged.
Stephen Price, a director of Integer Financial Group and founder of LeveragedMD, offered a financial playbook for early-career doctors and, Associate Professor and co-founder of the Gippsland Cardiology Service, Dr Derk Pol, gave a masterclass in cardiology. He talked about his vision for delivering state-of-the-art cardiology services in Gippsland so people don’t have to go to Melbourne for specialist care.
A series of online tutorials, clinical workshops, guest speakers and social activities are planned for the year, with the aim of supporting the region’s future medical workforce.
Any medical student, intern, hospital medical officer or registrar from or working in Gippsland is welcome to join The Network.
