Background
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme
trains doctors in remote communities
using distance education and supervision.
Aim
To document the training location,
outcomes of training, current location
and services provided by program
graduates and assess the effectiveness
of their training.
Results
Twenty-four doctors graduated from
the Remote Vocational Training Scheme
program. Registrars provided over
44 years of clinical service in very
remote areas during training. Of those
working in Australia, 17 out of 21 (81%)
still work in rural areas and 20 (95%)
gained dual qualification of Fellowship
of the Australian College of Rural and
Remote Medicine and Fellowship of
The Royal Australian College of General
Practitioners. Registrars evaluated the
program as effective preparation for
clinical practice.
Conclusion
The first medical specialist training
program in Australia and comparable
western countries to use remote
supervision achieved its targets of
increasing retention of the rural and
remote workforce during and after
training.
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