Australian Medical Association (AMA) NSW President Dr Michael Bonning was glowing in his praise for facilities at the Tablelands Clinical School (TCS) and endorsed in principle the concept of the New England Virtual Health Network (NEViHN) during a visit to the University of New England this week.
"UNE is delivering high-quality education for the next generation of rural medical practitioners," said Dr Bonning, who emphasised that new medical models are needed to meet rural healthcare needs across the state.
"Innovative models of care such as those proposed by NEViHN are vital to the health of regional, rural and remote communities."
Meeting with students in their TCS classrooms, Dr Bonning spoke about his own clinical career and the importance of early hands-on experience. He encouraged them to consider joining the AMA as a ‘community of practice’ to support them now and into the future.
Dr Bonning addressing UNE medical students at TCS
He also met with UNE's Dean of Medicine and Health, Professor Jennifer Williams, to discuss the healthcare inequity that exists for patients in rural and regional NSW.
While the TCS provides medical students with an exceptional student experience, Professor Williams said UNE is also looking to the future.
Dr Bonning and Prof. Williams
"We are excited to be exploring new ways to teach our medical students and address community needs," she said. "Where students are educated has a strong impact on where they want to work once they become fully fledged medical practitioners and specialists.
"We are hoping to use NEViHN as a vehicle for introducing solutions to the current health crisis in NSW."
NEViHN proposes healthcare delivery that employs the latest digital technology to support telehealth, remote monitoring and virtual health services. Developed by UNE in partnership with the Hunter New England Local Health District and Central Coast Primary Health Network, it aims to improve the efficiency and continuity of care, deliver positive student learning experiences, strengthen the healthcare workforce and, most importantly, improve health outcomes.
