The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is being further bolstered with a $900,000 funding boost for the Specialist Trainee Support Program (STSP) which endeavours to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors are supported to specialise in their chosen field once graduating from medical school.
AIDA’s CEO, Donna Burns welcomed the news announced by Minister Mark Butler this week.
“So far, more than 40 doctors and medical students have received 200 hours of culturally appropriate, tailored support from our STSP team,” Ms Burns said.
“This includes performance coaching, advocacy and cultural support, while sharing learnings and experiences in a culturally-safe place. This additional funding will ensure the STSP program can continue to truly make a difference to not only the careers of our doctors, but the healthcare system at large.”
The funding will also help the recruitment and retention of First Nations doctors who are looking to start or who are currently undertaking non-GP specialist medical training.
The STSP is improving recruitment, selection and retention of First Nations specialist trainees, increasing the focus of cultural safety in medical college-led training, and providing tailored one-on-one support to current and prospective trainees.
This helps grow the First Nations workforce, reduces barriers for doctors to work and train in rural and remote communities, and increases the number of trainees in undersupplied specialities.
To find out more about the STSP click here: https://aida.org.au/medical-pathways/specialist-trainee-support-program/.