Last week, the Western NSW GP Registrar Career and Networking event in Dubbo saw GP Registrars, medical students and local clinicians come together to connect, share experiences and explore career pathways in general practice.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) was proud to sponsor and attend the event alongside partners Dubbo Regional Council, and RACGP with contributions from regional development and research partners.
Hosted by The University of Sydney School of Rural Health’s Western NSW Regional Training Hub at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, the event welcomed 23 GPT1 GP registrars, 13 medical students and one junior medical officer from across the Central West. The event provided structured career speed networking, with 11 rotations giving participants the opportunity to speak directly with experienced general practitioners, rural generalists and regional partners.
Attendees heard from GPs with a wide range of clinical interests, including dermatology, paediatrics, mental health, women’s health and medical education. Many also shared their personal journeys of living and working in Western NSW, offering practical insights into career development, scope of practice and community life in the region.
WNSW PHN Senior Manager Partnerships and Strategic Projects, Dr Gerald Chitsunge, who practised as an Acute Care/Retrievals Doctor and GP in the region for many years, opened the evening with a welcome address. He reflected on his own experience of building a career in Western NSW and the professional and personal opportunities that come with working in regional and rural communities.
“Western NSW offers GPs the chance to practise at full scope, build strong relationships with patients and communities, and grow both professionally and personally.
“Events like this are important because they create real connections and give registrars and students an honest picture of what living and working in our region can look like,” Dr Chitsunge said.
Regional Development Australia representative, Ms Julie Webster, was also a popular part of the networking rotations. She provided practical information on accommodation and broader lifestyle and professional opportunities available to health professionals relocating to Western NSW.
WNSW PHN values this collaboration with University of Sydney School of Rural Health, Western NSW Regional Training Hub, Dubbo Regional Council, RACGP, and contributions from regional development and research partners – which provides a well-rounded view of training, work and life in the region.
WNSW PHN thanks the Western NSW Regional Training Hub, participating GPs, mentors and partner organisations for making the evening a success and for their ongoing support of the next generation of general practitioners in Western NSW.
