General Practice Registrars Australia Ltd. in collaboration with the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today announces the launch of the General Practice Student Network (GPSN). GPSN’s primary role is to function as a General Practice interest group, seeking to promote the benefits of a life and career in General Practice, as well as address the mistruths that foster negative perceptions about the specialty.
“Building on from the successful Mentors program, GPRA is keen to keep its focus in enhancing and promoting the image of General Practice amongst medical students”, said Managing Director of GPRA Mr. Amit Vohra.
Mr. Rob Mitchell, AMSA National President said, “AMSA is keen to support this initiative and we hope to bring back some of the ‘prestige’ to the profession. The GPSN will be fundamental in fostering medical student interest in the specialty of General Practice.”
Mr. Joe Rotella, AMSA National Coordinator and an enthusiastic medical student who has already committed to a career in General Practice, will become the first Chair of the GPSN. “The GPSN aims to become the largest student network promoting General Practice, and is the only one of its kind”, he said.
The primary objectives of the GPSN are to:
• facilitate networking between students interested in General Practice
• provide an avenue for medical students to nurture an interest in General
Practice
• promote the specialty of General Practice to medical students through
medical student ambassadors
“Initiatives such as the GPSN will facilitate informed career decision-making by increasing the exposure of medical students and hospital doctors to the specialty of General Practice,” said Mr. Rotella.
The Program has been met with widespread enthusiasm and is already showing great results. “General Practice remains at the centre of the health care system in Australia and we feel it is our duty to protect this legacy,” said Mr. Vohra.
“GPRA aims to address potential myths associated with General Practice and improve the image of the profession with young doctors. We hope to work closely with AMSA in positioning the GPSN as the premier General Practice network for medical students across the country,” said Mr Vohra.
For more information or comment:
Mr. Amit Vohra, Managing Director, GPRA- 0431 909 502
Ms Claire Wise, Public Relations Officer, AMSA- 0425797972
