Increased training places welcomed by students
The Federal Government today announced there will be 1200 general practice training places by 2014, 975 Pre-vocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) places by 2013, and 900 specialist training positions in private, community and rural settings by 2014, at a total cost.
AMSA's statement is printed below, and if you would like more information:
Click here to view the Governments media releases (four in total).
Click here to view the AMA's media release.
AMSA's Media Release - Increased Training Places Welcomed by Students
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) congratulates the government on its commitment today to fund a record number of postgraduate training places for Australia’s future doctors.
AMSA President Ross Roberts-Thomson said there has been a significant shortfall in the number of vocational training places compared with the increasing number of medical students, and that today’s announcement was great news for students, the health care arena and the community.
“AMSA has long called for an adequate number of internships and further training places to cope with recent increases in student numbers,” he said.
“The $484m investment in additional GP and specialist training places is a really positive step in addressing health workforce issues in Australia.
"Medical students around Australia, especially those set to graduate from 2012 onwards, will breathe a collective sigh of relief when hearing these announcements and will now be more optimistic and certain about the future of their training in Australia.
“However, governments must also ensure that all medical graduates have a training place immediately after graduation, as one in four graduates are not currently guaranteed an internship. Without an internship, graduates are unable to gain full registration and progress to any kind of further medical training.
“The pre-vocational general practice program (PGPPP) is an important program for graduating students as it provides a valuable educational experience. The $148m investment by a the Government to increase the number of placements in this program acknowledges the vast demand for training experience in general practice and is welcomed by AMSA.
“AMSA looks forward to working with the Government and Health Workforce Australia to ensure that the community continues to have sufficient numbers of high quality doctors in the future,” said Mr Roberts-Thomson.
