COMMUNITY CONTACTS PROGRAM

In 2008 FURCS introduced a Community Contacts Program for the Year 3 GEMP PRCC students based in the Riverland, Barossa Valley, HMF and GGT. The aim of this program is to provide each student with a formal community contact. It is intended that these community contacts will help facilitate social and cultural introductions in the local area to enable students to fully immerse themselves in the distinct culture of their community.

Of paramount importance is the concept that varied and interesting clinical experience is not the only factor to be considered to encourage students to return to rural practice. It is also vital to ensure that students are socially, culturally and emotionally comfortable as they "gain a feel" for what general practice and the life in a rural setting have to offer.
Rural communities need these young people to return, even if they do not remain in a practice for years, 24/7, as the older GPs did. We have a responsibility to encourage and support them.

Community Contacts have been sourced in each rural region through personal networks and by canvassing key local organisations like Rotary. Invitations outlining the expectations of this role were sent to interested parties.

Community contacts meet the students early in the year and are involved in other functions and events throughout the year.

The community contacts are supported by a Lead Community Contact, Marg Brown, who has been appointed to encourage alliances/partnerships between consumers and students and represent the community contacts at strategic meetings.

Focus groups are currently being held with community contacts, Rural Clinical School administrative staff and students to evaluate the success of the program in 2008.

If you are interested in becoming a community contact please check out the following links:

PRCC community contact info for 2010.doc

CCP - 2010 expression of interest . doc

Newsletters

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #1-10 (May 2010)

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #3-09 (December 2009)

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #2-09 (April 2009)

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #1-09 (March 2009)

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #4-08 (December 2008)

Community Contact Program: Newsletter #3-08 (November 2008)

Updated May 21, 2010

All Contents Copyright Flinders University ©2002 | Contact: David.Badger@flinders.edu.au