RDN hosts its “biggest New GP Orientation workshop ever”

RDN hosted its largest ever ‘New GP Orientation Workshop’ at Hilton Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday last week, with the event attracting 30 General Practitioners (GPs) who are new to rural New South Wales (NSW) practice, including Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs).

The two-day introduction to rural general practice is considered valuable preparation for transition into rural NSW medical practice and is designed to set up, and support GPs, to succeed in their new role and deliver high-quality medical services to rural NSW.

Dr Shazia Afzal from Pakistan, who’s been working at Kookora Surgery Griffth this year under the Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP), attended the New GP Orientation Workshop and said it was “amazing”.

“NGPO covered everything and every topic that every new IMG [International Medical Graduate] will require to understand to work as a GP in Australia,” Dr Afzal said.

“I had the pleasure of meeting the supportive team at RDN, especially my PFP case manager, Alannah. Thank you to the speakers from RACGP, ACRRM, Dr Ian and Dr Maha who have taught me a lot about working in General Practice here in Australia”, Dr Afzal said.

RDN Workforce Support Lead, Alannah Keogh, said the two-day workshop is always very well received by attendees, who are grateful to soak up the key insights which have been tailored specifically for them, and can start implementing their learnings upon their return back to their new communities in Australia.

"We're delighted to have held our biggest New GP Orientation workshop ever last week, with 30 Doctors attending," Alannah said.

"These workshops are designed to equip new and international doctors with the essential knowledge, skills, and networks required to thrive in General Practice,” she said.

The two-day workshop covered professional, clinical and social orientation and kicked off on Wednesday with Dr Ian Kamerman and Dr Maha Selvanathan giving a presentation about the ‘Key Foundations in Rural General Practice’ before Dominique Egan from AMA NSW spoke about Workers Compensation.

After stopping for lunch, Avant Law’s Andrew Blandford gave attendees an overview of managing ‘medico-legal’ risk before the new GPs took a break for afternoon tea and returned to hear about Patient Centred Communication to Motivate Behaviour Change which was delivered by Dr Jo Taylor.

Day one wrapped up with some practical tips and updates in Women's Health by Dr Maha Selvanathan before the energised group returned for an action-packed day two!

Pathways to Fellowship were on the agenda for day two as well as learning all about MBS, PBS & DVA, an introduction to Indigenous health to identify and work with Aboriginal people in a culturally safe and appropriate way, and understanding mental health in general practice.

Alannah said that by providing such a thorough and comprehensive orientation for new GPs, it eases the transition which has benefits for not only the doctor, but their patients too.

“By providing a comprehensive professional, clinical, and social orientation, the workshops help smooth the transition into GP roles, ensuring doctors are well-prepared to navigate the unique challenges they may face working in General Practice in Australia,” Alannah said.