Professional career needs of GPs and registrars working in northwestern NSW.
BACKGROUND
The Australian general practice workforce increasingly comprises international medical graduates. These doctors come from a range of professional backgrounds.


OBJECTIVE
This project aimed to document the current education, training and support needs of the general practice workforce, including international medical graduates, who currently train and/or practise in northwestern New South Wales.


METHODS
Cross sectional survey of all 66 registrars and all 149 GPs who work in this area.


RESULTS
Irrespective of doctors' origin or gender, priority information needs were related to indigenous health, rural health, and key community issues. Training and pre-employment opportunities, and continuing professional development were high priority areas for all participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational initiatives are best targeted at identified groups but not necessarily reserved for international medical graduates only. Supporting the professional careers of doctors in a region requires the provision of integrated educational programs that focus on specific information and skills deficits, as well as requested programs.
Alexander
Christian
C
Hunter New England Area Rural Training Unit, Tamworth, New South Wales. christian.alexander@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Fraser
John
J
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D019035:Rural Health Services