A MULTIMILLION-dollar contract awarded to James Cook University to train young doctors is likely to result in more locally trained GPs for the Far North.
In a first for an Australian university, JCU has been selected to provide training for graduates seeking to become specialist general practitioners (GPs) under the Federal Government’s Australian General Practice Training Program.
The contract, understood to be worth about $20 million a year, covers a majority of Queensland except for Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Darling Downs.
The program, which will start from January 1, is part of the biggest shake-up to Australia’s medical training sector in 20 years.
Nationally, there are more than 4000 doctors training to be GPs in the program, 1000 of which are in Queensland.
Medical graduates normally undertake three to four years of postgraduate training to be registered as a specialist GP.
Program leader and GP educator, Associate Professor Harry Jacobs, said the windfall for JCU would result in more locally trained GPs.
“We know from worldwide experience that if you have people in your region, and you train them in your region, they’re much more likely to stay in your region,’’ he said.
“What we’re trying to do is guarantee a future medical workforce in Cairns, in the Hinterland, and really anywhere north of Caboolture and out to the regions, to ensure people get training opportunities and exposure to regions that need medical workforce.
“As we know, a lot of (graduates) enjoy the regions and decide to stay on.”
JCU has a long history in general practice training, having worked closely with GP colleges, current GP training providers, general practices, hospitals and communities across North Queensland.
But critics have questioned if the university is equipped to roll out such an extensive program that covers a majority of the state.
The Dean of the College of Medicine and Dentistry at JCU, Professor Richard Murray, said the university would receive assistance from a “managed network” of other institutions.
“We have a relationship and association with the University of Queensland’s Rural Clinical School sites, which has facilities in Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg,’’ he said.
“So there’s certainly an agreement with UQ that they’ll be lending whatever support they can to make this a success.”