getGP - Gippsland Education and Training for General Practice

It can be daunting arriving in a new region, possibly far from established friends and family, with numerous work, administrative and family matters to organise. Coming from an overseas country with differing culture and traditions, medical system and even language can add considerably to the burden. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming.
Following are some resources available to you when you first arrive in Gippsland, or later if you develop new needs or difficulties. Information about Gippsland and its amenities can be found at About Gippsland on this site.

Your first point of contact should be your training program supervisor or mentor, and the practice manager (of a clinic) or hospital medical officer manager. Often they can help you with the complexities of the medical system or personal needs - from local schools and churches to recommendations for a restaurant.

Other trainees within your intake year, or those more advanced who have probably dealt with similar issues themselves, are great resource people.

As a GP registrar you will automatically become a member of the local General Practice Division. They are a useful resource for medical and social enquiries (see details below).

Questions about the training program should be directed initially to your supervisor or practice manager, and then to getGP administration if necessary.

Rural Medical Family Network (RMFN) - incorporated Dec 2007.

The RMFN is a volunteer organisation formed to help meet the needs of the families of rural GPs. Sharing of difficulties, ideas and information brings families together through their common experiences and bonds. Social and orientation activities can be facilitated through this group.

Contact:
Mrs Gina Lambe
Chief Executive Officer, Rural Medical Family Network, Inc
Level 2, 20 Queens Road, Melbourne Vic 3004

Postal Address: PO Box 500 Warrandyte VIC 3113
Ph: 03 9349 7806 Fax: 03 9844 3908

Mobile:0437 497 800
Email: enquiries@rmfn-vic.com Website: www.rmfn-vic.com

RMFN Support Initiatives
for all details see www.rmfn-vic.com

Career Counselling Service for families of rural GPs
Enquiries Tel: 03 9349 7806
RMFN Spouse/Partner (of GP in RRMA 4-7) Education and Training Bursary - available annually and promoted through the RMFN Newsletter 'Country Connections'
Enquiries Tel: 03 9349 7806
Telephone Counselling Service
Tel: 1800 337 068

Overseas Trained Doctors Assistance

The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria has the experience and links to be of particular assistance to OTDs, with information on their web site at
www.rwav.com.au/assistanceprogram/otd_assistance/

OTD Orientation Manual

A comprehensive manual very worthwhile obtaining if you haven't already : Click Here

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria

Local contact Mr Kerry Watson, Workforce Development Manager Gippsland
Tel: 51750372 E-mail: kerryw@rwav.com.au

Victorian Doctors Health Program

A confidential compassionate service for doctors and medical students (or anyone concerned about a doctor) with health/drug and alcohol/mental health concerns. Operates independently from any other organisations.
Confidential Tel: 03 9495 6011
Further information www.rwav.com.au/assistanceprogram/personal.asp

Doctors' Health Advisory Service

Independent service with calls handled by a panel of senior GPs experienced in helping colleagues
Tel: 03 9419 0215
Further information www.rwav.com.au/assistanceprogram/personal.asp

Bush Crisis Line

Confidential/anonymous phone debriefing and counselling support service for remote health practitioners and their families. Toll free. Run by qualified psychologists with rural/remote and cross-cultural experience
Tel: 1800 805 391
Further information www.rwav.com.au/assistanceprogram/personal.asp

Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship Australia

An inter-denominational group including medical students
Website: www.cmdfa.org.au

Australian Chinese Medical Association of Victoria

Supports Chinese doctors and students
Website: www.acmav.net.au

GP Divisions

GP Divisions across Australia support GPs in their work. This includes extra support for families. Our local Divisions have prepared Orientation Information for new doctors and their families, which is given or posted to newcomers each year. If you haven't received yours, please inquire through our offices below.

Gippsland's Divisions also help facilitate 'meet and greet' activities for GPs' families. Confidential, immediate crisis counselling services for GPs, and health reviews for GPs done with absolute confidentiality by a GP from outside the region, are also available through some Divisions.
For more information, contact your local Division representative:

Ms Jenny Edwards, Central Gippsland

Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice
PO Box 253, Moe, Victoria 3825
Tel: 03 5126 2899 Fax: 03 5126 2890
Email: jedwards@cwgdogp.com.au

Ms Sara Donohue, South Gippsland

General Practice Alliance (GPA) South Gippsland
11 William Street, Inverloch, Victoria 3996
PO Box 105, Inverloch, Victoria 3996
Tel: 03 5674 3105 Fax: 03 5674 3124
Email: s.donohue@gpasouthgippsland.com.au

Mr Adam Dungey, East Gippsland

East Gippsland Division of General Practice
87a Main Street, Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875
PO Box 1210, Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875
Tel: 03 5153 0383 Fax: 03 5153 0384
Email: adam.dungey@egdgp.com.au

Social activities

Each year getGP runs social activities for our registrars, training practices and their families. These include the Meet and Greet at the beginning of the year and End of Year Dinner. For more information, contact administration staff.

The Rural Workforce Agency (see above) also organises social activities for overseas trained doctors in the region.

Your GP Division or RMFN (see above) can help with get-togethers with partners and family.

Childcare Facilities

Childcare Access Hotline
For information on child care facilities in Gippsland contact 1800 670 305. Will give you a list of accredited child-minding centres in the area.
National Childcare Accreditation Council
For information to assist you in selecting the best childcare facility for your children contact 1300 13 6554 or go to their website www.ncac.gov.au
Latrobe City Family Day Care
This service provides information and childcare to people living in the Latrobe Valley. For more information call 1300 36 7700.

Gippsland General Information and News

Visit your shire or city Information Centre or the Council Offices.
On-line, access the "Gippsland Portal" at www.gippsland.com for information and access to
- city and shire web sites
- entertainment including movie times
- radio stations
- local news and events
- job advertisements
- business information