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Rural Retreats
These workshops are facilitated, Dr Maria Gardiner and Mr Hugh Kearns from ThinkWell. The program has been rigorously evaluated and the results show that over 90% of rural doctors who have attended in the past have made significant and lasting changes in their life.
Rural Doctors attending this Retreat will:
- discover that they have choices which ultimately influence their quality of life
- make decisions about what they would like to change to improve their lives as rural GPs
- develop strategies (including time management, communication, self-talk, self-awareness, saying no, dealing with -perfectionism etc) to assist with change
- deal with obstacles or barriers to change, including internal (self-talk, high expectations, perfectionism) and external (workload, others’ demands, lack of resources, financial and family pressures) barriers
- network with other rural doctors and share strategies for dealing with the challenges of rural practice
To ensure the full impact of the program numbers are limited to 10 rural doctor participants!
If you have any questions, or would like to enquire when the next retreat is, email events@doctorshealthsa.com.au.
Visit the events page for upcoming Rural Retreats.
The Retreats have been accredited by MIGA for 5 Risk Management points.
What previous participants said about the Retreats:
“For the first time in 12 months I’ve actually been relaxed”
“Highlighted some of the simple ways I can decrease time commitments at work and increase the time with family"
Rural Doctor Outreach Visits
We know that geographical isolation is one barrier that prevents rural doctors from accessing independent medical care and at Doctors' Health SA we are addressing this by funding visits to your region. We have run many of these over the year and they have all been very well received by the dozens of rural doctors who participated.
This is a way to access timely medical care for yourself. This initiative aims to directly support the health of rural and remote doctors working across SA and we are fortunate to have a team of experienced GPs who are keen to offer the service to their colleagues.
“It was the one appointment where I had all of my missing GP care put back to my life” feedback from rural doctor-patient.
What is a rural check-up consultation?
It is a free, grant-funded, private medical consultation between you and your visiting treating doctor. It consists of a history and examination and other investigations if required. It is a thorough clinical and risk assessment of your current health and can last up to two hours, if necessary. It is an opportunity to confidentially discuss any concerns you may have in a private setting. It will be conducted in your own rooms at your practice, at a convenient time on a weekend. The aim is to assess your current and emerging risks and work out a treatment plan with your visiting doctor.
What are the advantages of an outreach consultation for rural doctors?
- Convenient and timely access to an experienced doctor who understands rural practice.
- Time to explore the issues
- Elimination of barriers such as travel time and cost and absence from work
- Privacy, confidentiality and empathy
- No cost.
Your visiting team of Doctors' Health SA GPs:
- Dr Hema Shankar
- Dr Jill Benson
- Dr Lorenzo Ponte
Once an outreach visit it confirmed in your region, you can book an appointment. No appointments can be made on the day and appointments are limited. The DHSA GP team are happy to visit anywhere across rural and remote SA.
Contact Program Manager, Megan Galpin, on email megan.galpin@doctorshealthsa.com.au if you are interested in bringing this wonderful service to your region.
