Medical education
The benefits of rural practice
The opportunities offered by a large rural practice for learning the diverse aspects of general practice are unrivalled. Where metro practices tend to refer patients to specialists, rural GPs must develop skills and interests in a variety of areas to compensate for the difficulties in accessing relevant specialists and services.
A large rural practice delivers exceptional learning experiences for GPs.
The Ararat Medical Centre GP Tteam include practicing GPs with specialities and interests including:
- Anaesthetics
- Obstetrics
- Geriatrics
- Paediatrics
- Palliative care
- Diagnostics
- Sexual health
- Travel medicine
- Emergency
- Skin Lessions (Identification & Removal)
The Ararat Medical Centre
Ararat Medical Centre is proud of its long tradition in teaching the next generation of practitioners. Having registrars work alongside the established doctors not only keeps us open to new ideas and methods, but encourages us to remain at the forefront of contemporary practice. We find that we learn from our registrars as much as we teach and guide. We have an excellent reputation for the FRACGP exams, and are able to offer comprehensive support towards this goal.
Accommodation
We own a number of properties within the city of Ararat and can provide secure and comfortable accommodation for registrars and their family. Please click here to view photos and information about our housing.
Our Mentors (Accredited Supervisors with RACGP & ACRRM)
Dr. Michael Connellan
Dr. Pieter Pretorius
Dr. Chee Sheng Wong
Dr Prasad Fonseka
Dr. Faraz Ahmad
Our Mentors are interested in teaching both registrars and medical students.
They see General Practice as a specialty area of medicine, with a multitude of skills and knowledge required to provide whole of life care for patients.
“I want to encourage others to have the confidence in their ability to diagnose and manage complex problems, as well as procedural work where appropriate,” - Dr. Michael Connellan
“I enjoy teaching students and registrars and being involved in ultimately them receiving Fellowship and hopefully being involved in Rural Practice long-term” - Dr. Pieter Pretorius
After hours
Whilst the after hours and emergency roster expectations is an exciting opportunity for improving skills for some, we understand that it might be daunting for GPs who have not had the experience or opportunities to expand their skills in this area.
The Ararat Medical Centre has developed a system to ensure GP Registrars are supported and eased into this vital service for rural towns.
We provide:
- hospital orientation for the Urgent Care Centre department
- orientation to after hours
- dual rostering with an experience GP for initial call outs
- graduated scheduling into the after hours roster
- 24 hour support from your GP mentor and all experienced GPs
- triaged after hours support system – this service reduces after hours call outs by 60%
Our Practice Manager and GP Mentors are always available to discuss any concerns and issues you have during your training term.
Great expectations
The experiences a GP can expect working with AMC include:
- Flexible work hours - we understand that family, friends and outside interests enhance your care and services to our patients. We want to ensure the workload and stress of GP life is not overwhelming for you.
- Weekend Work – our GPs share the roster – leaving them time for Melbourne visits or to pursue outside activities.
- Supportive GPs with varied interests – all of our qualified GPs are dedicated to assisting and supporting our GP Registrars.
- After Hours support system to reduce call outs – supported by the WestVic PHN, this service reduces after hours call outs by 60%.
- A GP dedicated to mentoring / tutoring in regular and protected teaching times.
- 24 hour support from GPs – as part of our continuing dedication to teaching and mentoring.
- Skills for managing simple and complex problems, preventative health, acute medicine and trauma, family and community care.
- Local Hospital rounds - as an accredited Visiting Medical Officer at East Grampians Health Service, registrars also take on the care of inpatients at the local hospital and are able to expand on the skills gained during their hospital years.
- Opportunities to explore obstetrics, anaesthetics and emergency care under the guidance of experienced local general practitioners. This can lead to an advanced rural training post as part of the later years of your training.
- Care – we also ensure our registrars develop an ability to care for themselves and have an adequate balance between work and play.
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