NTGPE and AMSANT are pleased to announce the collaborative appointment of Leeanne Pena to the new role of NTGPE AMSANT Liaison Officer. Building on the previous role of the GPET affiliate, the two organisations have redeveloped the role to particularly focus on developing GPRs and PGPPPs understanding of Aboriginal Health by improving their training positions in their health clinic placements. Leeanne will be working on behalf of both organisations (revolving between both offices) to ensure that the expansion of these training positions meets the needs of local communities and takes into account the focus of both organisations.

Originally from Sydney, Leeanne has a long association with the NT through the completion of her secondary education in Darwin and marrying into a family with Tiwi Island connections through the stolen generation Catholic mission experience.

Leeanne holds a GradDipEd and a Master in Indigenous Social Policy and has previous experience in Indigenous education and remote area teaching. Leeanne is passionate about the links between education and health and has used the opportunity and platform of educator to deliver material on the concepts of health promotion and preventative care for Indigenous people. This exciting new role and Leeanne’s experience and enthusiasm will allow NTGPE and AMSANT to expand these concepts and develop a more productive relationship and model for future engagement for supporting the expansion of Indigenous Health Training for GPRs and PGPPPs in the NT.

GPRA has released the findings of their Dr wYse: The Next Generation research project, which profiles the opinions of Gen Y Medical Students and recent medical graduates.

The key objective of Dr wYse: The Next Generation was to identify how Gen Y medical students and recent medical graduates are currently accessing medical information and how this information is being used to reach a decision to choose a specialty in medicine.

The multi-method study, which involved three focus groups and a survey of over 600 medical students and recent medical graduates suggests that students are likely to make career decisions based on three key areas; their own experience within a specialty, others experience of a specialty and the overall impact of lifestyle.

Interestingly, the report claims that experience and lifestyle are perceived as more important than money when it comes to choice of specialty.

GPRA CEO, Mr Amit Vohra, said, “A number of studies have focused on what makes medical students and young doctors tick. In spite of the perennial association with money it is refreshing to note that when it comes to picking specialties the next generation of doctors are thinking a bit more than dollars on the table.”

The report highlights that the current student generation still refer to traditional sources for career advice. Peer conversations (78%), rotations and experience (59%) and conversations with mentors (46%) were determined as the most common of career information.

Mr Vohra concluded, “With a variety of tech-tools in the market and information pouring in from a raft of resources it is reassuring to note that some of the basics haven’t really changed much – the next generation isn’t as google dependent as we think and are taking a whole raft of complex areas into consideration when making career choices.”

Dr wYse: The Next Generation was conceived by GPRA and the multi-method study was conducted by Ipsos Australia. Key stakeholders were invited to form a research committee to refine the scope and outcomes of the research. This group provided critical feedback at various stages of the research and also provided funding assistance.

To view Dr wYse: The Next Generation report click here.

NTGPE was a key stakeholder body involved in setting the research scope for this project.
For enquiries contact:
Sabeha Mohamed, Communications Coordinator, GPRA
Phone: (03) 9629 8878 email: [email protected]

RACGP has published an insightful online story of Dr de Zoete’s life journey during her GP training and her rural NT career pathway afterwwards, including an extended stay in the remote community of Balgo through to her current residence in Wyndham.

In this article she shares her insights and experiences, including learning to make peace with the limitations of remote health. Although remote practice is not for everyone, Dr de Zoete urges those interested to take on a locum role. “I’d definitely encourage coming up and giving it a try; doing some locum work for a few weeks a year. It’s an enjoyable workplace -more challenging and interesting with plenty of variety.”

For the full story (published on the RACGP website), please click here

Northern Territory Health Workforce (NTHW) has developed a new initiative to help support our International Medical Graduates (IMGs) currently working in the NT.

The IMG Networking Series Northern Territory will see 10 half day sessions in Darwin and Alice Springs over the next 12 months. Those attendees will be able to claim CPD points and have an opportunity to get support from dedicated Medical Educators and speakers, as well as networking opportunities at the lunch in both locations. You can choose to attend as many or as
few sessions as you wish.

The 1/2 day session in Darwin on 29 September covers these topics:
1) Approach to OSCE marking
2) Understanding examiner’s requirements

For more information including further session detail click here - IMG Support and Networking Series NT 2012
For a registration form click here - IMG networking series application form

For further information please contact

Christine McShane
Medicare Local NT
T 08 8982 1000
F 08 8981 5899
[email protected]
Stuart House, 5 Shepherd Street Darwin NT 0800

NTGPE Medical Educator Christine Lesnikowski has been awarded the coveted national GPET Medical Educator of the Year Award at this year’s GPET Convention in Melbourne on 5-6 September.

Recognised for going that extra mile to ensure medical education support for Registrars and the development of rural learning programs in Central Australia, a very humbled Christine said, “This award is a reflection of all the people who have taught me along the way. The ability to learn from each other, work as a team and channel our collective energy is a necessity for successful primary health care.”

Based in Alice Springs, Christine has worked as a Medical Educator with NTGPE since 2004, providing education to both her local GP Registrars as well as all NT GP Registrars by distance learning. In that time she has provided stability, advice and leadership in the Central Australian region. Her commitment to education and to the region has meant that the program has grown from strength to strength, with GP Registrars and GP Supervisors receiving one on one medical education support.

Amongst GP Registrars Christine is known for the time she dedicates to learners ensuring that each is supported to achieve their learning needs, but also supporting their social and family needs. GP Registrars have greatly appreciated her input, support and nurturing style, which includes local weekly group meetings where she provides tailored small group learning and pastoral care.

Christine has provided the local community of Central Australia with a voice, an advocate and an educator who works hard to address local issues, give support to GP Registrars and ensure a strong, regionally based NTGPE Education team. This ongoing support has been integral in assisting continuity of quality health care for local community members now and well into the future.

NTGPE congratulates all nominees for this award for their outstanding contribution to GP medical education.

THE GPET Convention has commenced, with individual sessions now underway following a visionary speech from Prof Michael Kidd, key note speaker, on the future of general practice training, encompassing global health issues, goals and methods to affect positive change.

Dr Brett Dale, Dr James Stephen, Dr Zizi Saudie, Dr Tamsin Cockayne and Susie Lehmann at the Welcome.

With around 500 GP medical and cultural education delegates, the convention provides the perfect forum for strengthening bonds, formulating new plans and mingling with the key players in the industry to learn of contemporary initiatives and industry trends.

Dr Anne Kleinitz and Dr Edward Vergara hosting a workshop

NTGPE presenters at the convention today and tomorrow include Dr Tamsin Cockayne, Dr Anne Kleinitz, Dr Natasha Pavlin and Dr James Stephen, who will share their unique insights and experience from the Territory perspective.

THE colourful NTGPE booth is proving popular, with many visitors coming to have a chat and pick up a free branded lollypop! The yo yos are also proving as popular as ever.

Many NTGPE staff attended satellite meetings in their respective fields, including Medical Educators, Cultural Educators and Marketing, on Monday/Tuesday, prior to the commencement of the Convention.

The convention concludes 6 September.

For more details for Intake 2 for 2013, including key dates for the application and selection process please click here