Sarah Larkins1, Rebecca Evans. 1. MBBS, BMedSc, MPH&TM, PhD, FRACGP, FARGP, Associate Professor, General Practice and Rural Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Anton Breinl Research Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fostering generalism is particularly important in rural and regional medical practice in order to maximise the effectiveness of the medical workforce in meeting the needs of an ageing population. There are many areas in which support for generalist practitioners could be increased. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review the challenges facing generalist medical practice in rural and regional Australia, and to discuss possible solutions DISCUSSION: Six areas of particular relevance to rural and regional practice are: workforce support; rural and regional training pipelines; access to continuing professional development; flexibility in practice ownership; family support; and recognition and remuneration.
BACKGROUND: Fostering generalism is particularly important in rural and regional medical practice in order to maximise the effectiveness of the medical workforce in meeting the needs of an ageing population. There are many areas in which support for generalist practitioners could be increased. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review the challenges facing generalist medical practice in rural and regional Australia, and to discuss possible solutions DISCUSSION: Six areas of particular relevance to rural and regional practice are: workforce support; rural and regional training pipelines; access to continuing professional development; flexibility in practice ownership; family support; and recognition and remuneration.
Authors: Tim Baker; Katie Moore; Jolene Lim; Cerissa Papanastasiou; Sally McCarthy; Franco Schreve; Mary Lawson; Vincent Versace Journal: Aust J Rural Health Date: 2022-02-16 Impact factor: 2.060