Rural and Remote Medical Services Ltd (RARMS) has welcomed a new cohort of medical students from the University of Sydney to its Lightning Ridge Medical Centre as part of its rural and remote GP medical workforce development strategy.
"RARMS was set up as a charity to help vulnerable rural and remote communities which struggle to attract and retain GPs" said Mark Burdack, CEO of RARMS.
"A key part of our role is supporting medical students with an interest in working rurally by giving them a positive experience of rural general practice with our higher qualified and experienced rural GPs.
"RARMS is fortunate to have incredible clinicians like Dr Chaitan Kada who live and work in Lightning Ridge. Medical students get access to leading experts in rural and remote health. As locals our doctors and staff know their communities and can teach students how to work as part of a multidisciplinary health team.
"Dr Kada trained in India and the UK where he was granted admission as an Anaesthetist and Emergency Doctor. He subsequently trained and qualified as a GP in the UK before setting up in rural Australia.
"This is the caliber of GP we have in our rural and remote towns and they provide a high quality experience and education for our students" said Mr Burdack.
One of the medical students undertaking training in the Ridge, Tina Wu said:
"We've really enjoyed our placement over the last few weeks at RARMS Lightning Ridge!
"From day one, we felt welcomed into the team and have had a very hands-on experience learning from everyone.
"It was a fantastic insight into the uniqueness of rural medicine, which gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to build strong community relationships and deliver the best possible care, all while navigating logistical challenges.
"When we were off the clock, we also had a blast fossicking for opals, relaxing at the Bore Baths and exploring the eclectic town itself" said Ms Wu.
RARMS principal GP Dr Chaitan Kada said:
"As medical practitioners we have a duty to educate and train the next generation.
"Rural and remote practice is a highly specialised discipline. We deal with everything from health promotion and prevention to cardiac arrests, motor vehicle accidents, cancer care and general health care.
"Rural and remote GPs are some of the most skilled medical professionals in Australia, and it is great to work with a charity like RARMS that shares my passion for training the next generation of specialist rural GPs" said Dr Kada.
RARMS works closely with the University of Sydney Rural Clinical School in Dubbo, and recently signed an agreement with the Australian National University Rural Clinical School. RARMS is working with the universities on a new approach to rural training targeting rural origin students and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. RARMS also works with PhyzX and the University of Sydney to enable allied health students to gain experience working in remote areas and supports students from the University of Newcastle and Monash University with nurse training.
For further information please contact Mark Burdack on 0418974988.
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