This year, Peninsula Health will enable a record number of medical students to receive across the board training.
In addition, six local GP clinics will partner the effort and train more doctors across Frankston and the Peninsula.
2010 will see up to 102 students from Monash University’s Gippsland Medical School and Monash Central Medical School undertaking their training at Frankston Hospital and local doctor surgeries. The number more than doubles the intake of 2009.
Peninsula Health Director Undergraduate Clinical Training Dr Patrick Fiddes said the growth in students is the result of a strong relationship between the health service and Monash University.
“Most outer metropolitan areas are experiencing a shortage of doctors, which is why the partnership between Peninsula Health, Monash and local doctors is critical to attracting more health professionals to work in our community.
Dr Fiddes explained that the university students are from different year levels, and will learn first-hand from some of the most experienced and motivated specialists in their field.
“There is also strong support from local GPs who will collaborate with the Hospital in training and mentoring students. Learning from local General Practitioners will further complement their training in paediatric, adolescent, women’s health and mental health.”
Medical students in the second of their 3 Clinical Years of training will be allocated to the six local GP clinics that have signed on to the program for a 12 week period. These include:
• Beach Street Family Medicine, Frankston
• Ti-Tree Family Doctors, Mount Eliza
• Lang Park Medical Clinic, Langwarrin
• Mt Martha Village Clinic, Mt Martha
• Mornington Medical Clinic, Mornington
• Humphries Road Medical Clinic, Frankston South
“Our future patients will ultimately benefit from today’s investment in training and development of upcoming doctors and other health professionals.”
“In addition to the additional student intake, building work on the new Peninsula Clinical School at Frankston Hospital is about to start. This purpose-built facility with offer dedicated space and training resources for students and local professionals upgrading their expertise,” Dr Fiddes added.
