15 December 2007

Medical graduates will find clinical placements in NSW public hospitals

NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, welcomed the graduation of 240 students from the University of New South Wales’ Medical Faculty yesterday and assured all of them that if they have sought post-graduate training places in NSW public hospitals they will get them.
“We have been in the grip of a chronic medical workforce shortage in NSW and across Australia, with the previous Commonwealth Government refusing to fund enough places to train the next generation of doctors and nurses,” Ms Meagher said.
“The Iemma Government has campaigned strongly for increased numbers of medical graduates from Australian universities and it is pleasing to see that now happening.
“In 2008, 624 interns and graduates will start work in public hospitals across NSW as they continue their post-graduate training.
“Providing post-graduate training and clinical placements for medical students is a vital part of ensuring we build a strong and sustainable medical workforce for the future.
“The Iemma Government is delivering on its commitment to provide these necessary clinical training placements for all NSW HECS-funded medical students who seek them.”
Ms Meagher said the latest cohort of medical graduates would benefit from the UNSW undergraduate medical curriculum which places particular emphasis on integrating a strong grounding in the basic medical sciences with intense exposure to the social and interpersonal skills essential for future doctors.
“Medicine and health service delivery in the 21st Century is complex, involves team work with other health professionals and administrators, and a strong patient-focussed approach to care,” Ms Meagher said.
“UNSW has educated and prepared its graduates to meet these challenges.
“Pathologists and Radiologists are in short supply in health services, so in response to this, I have been advised that the UNSW Medical Faculty has negotiated agreements with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.
“From 2008, students will be able to participate in a streaming program while doing their first degree. This will potentially allow them to qualify one to two years earlier then they otherwise would.
“With medical workforce shortages remaining a real problem now and well into the future, this is an Australian first and a very welcome initiative.”

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au