Medical training in Australia is being upgraded to increase GPs awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) this week announced a new training framework which would see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, and ways of being and doing, embedded in GP education and training across Australia.
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Chair Karen Nicholls said First Nations medical education experts and leaders led development of the framework.
“It’s essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and GPs’ clinical education is framed by the needs and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities,” Dr Nicholls said.
“We’re aiming for 100 percent participation in cultural and health education among GPs in training and higher numbers of practising GPs undertaking training, as well as progress to grow Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP workforce.”
RACGP National Clinical Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Training Olivia O’ Donoghue said the framework aimed to drive transformational change.
“Holding space for and prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and wisdom is essential for the transformative change needed to enhance training and health outcomes for Our Peoples,” Dr O’ Donoghue said.
