Program officer

Kate Patience, Workforce Officer, 5229 1922

Program summary

For new GPs and their families who begin working with in the region the following support is offered from the Workforce Officer:

• Follow up visits at the practice
• Assistance with finding accommodation, schooling and settling in
• Linking into peer groups, continuing professional development and other GP Association activities

If a newly placed GP is studying for the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) the Workforce Officer can link them in with others who are also studying for the exam.

Keeping connected

Once GPs are working in their practice it is an important role of the GP Association to keep them connected to their peer community and to the wider community for their own health and well being.

The GP Association provides a range of activities for GPs and their families to be involved in so they can link in with others and feel connected.

Education

The GP Association provides regular education events which are mainly held at the GP Association lecture theatre.  They free, open to all members and include a light supper.  Topics are determined by an annual survey and are range from immunisation, mental health, chronic disease and women's health.

All events are advertised on our weekly fax and on our events calendar.

The GP Association also links with neighbouring Divisions to provide a GP Refresher Weekend.  This is a two day workshop which provides education on a number of topics as well as an opportunity to meet up with other doctors in the area.

Clinical Attachments

The GP Association can facilitate clinical attachments at Barwon Health.  This enables GPs to choose a field they are interested in and spend time with a specialist in this field for a minimum of ten hours spread over a number of weeks.  Past clinical attachments have included pregnancy care, cardiology and cancer clinics.

If you are interested in doing a Clinical Attachment contact the GP Association so we can provide you with more information.

Peer Support

The GP Association of Geelong has a number of GP peer groups.

Written evidence proves being a member of a peer group prevents isolation, stress and burnout among GPs. (35% of the Division's GPs are members of a peer group)

GP peer groups are monthly meetings between a group of 6-8 GPs with a psychiatrist acting as a facilitator.

Social Networking

We believe staying connected and have opportunities to socialize are very important strategies to maintaining our GP workforce. In response the GP Association provides social events through out the year to enable GPs and their families to meet up with others in a fun and entertaining environment.

The events that occur through out the year may include:

• A music night feature local bands
• A family fun day
• The George Golding Memorial Trust Fund Annual Dinner
• The Annual General Meeting
• Christmas Social Night

All GP members are invited to all events via the weekly fax and on our events calendar. GP spouses and family are also invited to attend social functions.