OBJECTIVE: To describe the training experiences of rural-based psychiatry trainees in New South Wales. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with psychiatry trainees, rural psychiatrists and rural mental health administrators. The interviews were, for the most part, conducted face to face. RESULTS: Three factors that make this programme work are the opportunity to start training in a rural centre, a local psychiatrist who can act as guide and mentor and the initiative of this group of registrars. Three obstacles are a perceived lack of flexibility in College guidelines, isolation from peers and insufficient support when relocating to the city for specialty terms. CONCLUSIONS: The NSW rural psychiatry training project is an exciting development. Three years on, it represents the best avenue for creating a locally based rural psychiatrist network. It stands as a model for the rest of the country.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the training experiences of rural-based psychiatry trainees in New South Wales. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with psychiatry trainees, rural psychiatrists and rural mental health administrators. The interviews were, for the most part, conducted face to face. RESULTS: Three factors that make this programme work are the opportunity to start training in a rural centre, a local psychiatrist who can act as guide and mentor and the initiative of this group of registrars. Three obstacles are a perceived lack of flexibility in College guidelines, isolation from peers and insufficient support when relocating to the city for specialty terms. CONCLUSIONS: The NSW rural psychiatry training project is an exciting development. Three years on, it represents the best avenue for creating a locally based rural psychiatrist network. It stands as a model for the rest of the country.