Rural Advanced Specialist Trainee Support

During the period January 2006 and May 2009, the College implemented a project to improve the rural experience of Advanced Trainees (Senior Medical and Paediatric Registrars) working in rural locations, primarily through social network support. The project received funding from the Australian Government, through the Department of Health and Ageing's RASTS Program.

The aim of the project was to enhance the rural experience of these Trainees; to help make their time in the rural location a more pleasant one and thereby encourage them to consider returning at some time in the future, either to provide locum support or on a longer-term basis.

Focusing on the social aspects of both trainees and their partners moving to a new location, away from their usual circle of family and friends, it included activities such as meet-and-greet, orientation to new locality, welcome dinners or connecting with people/activities in their rural location.

For further information, please e-mail the Rural Project Officer at: rasts@racp.edu.au.