Media release
5 November 2008
Remote GP Training Body Welcomes Funding and Increased Numbers
RVTS Ltd welcomes the announcement today by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and the Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, that funding for the scheme will be continued. Prime Minister Rudd and Minister Roxon also announced an increase in the number of training places from 15 to 22 per year from 2011.
RVTS Ltd Chair, Dr Cathy Love said that the announcement provides the necessary certainty for existing registrars and those currently applying for the program.
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme is a general practice training program for medical practitioners in remote and isolated communities throughout Australia. The four year program, which delivers structured distance education and supervision to doctors while they continue to provide general practice services to their communities, meets the requirements for Fellowship of both ACRRM and RACGP.
RVTS has been training registrars for the past 8 years including providing vocational training support to GPs in some of the most remote communities in the country.
There are currently 35 registrars in the program located in all states (except Victoria) and the Northern Territory.
Dr Love said that the increased funding and numbers will mean that there will eventually be more than 80 registrars participating in the scheme. "This, of course, translates into 80 rural and remote communities having the benefit of an RVTS supported doctor".
RVTS Ltd is a not for profit company whose members are ACRRM, the RACGP, and the registrars and supervisors participating in the program.
All enquiries to Dr Patrick Giddings, CEO, RVTS Ltd.
02 6021 6235
0408 573 955