PGYs primary care experience

An update from Dr Jo Scott-Jones, Pinnacle clinical director. A few years ago the Medical Council of Aotearoa brought in Community Based Attachments (CBAs) as part of the new doctors (PGY1 and 2) mandatory pre-vocational experience, to allow House Officers to gain a more in-depth understanding of the specialty of General Practice. A CBA is a 3-month period whereby the House Officer, while still under Te Whatu Ora employment, works “as a GP” – they manage their clinic appointments, see patients/whānau, set treatment and follow up plans. House Officers also have the opportunity to go out to the community for events such as immunisation days, education, advocacy etc. There are additional opportunities coming with an expansion of the NZRex programme and a NZ graduate “community based pathway” being developed.  There are expectations on the practice, particularly around close supervision, that ensure patient safety and co-ordinated duty of care. MCNZ assign Pre-Vocational Educational Supervisors (PES’s), with the duty of ensuring that both the practice and the House Officers have a safe and meaningful experience. The PES carries out accreditation of the practice, regularly meet with the House Officers to ensure their safety and welfare, and follow up any concerns from either party. The PES team in Lakes district say it well,  "We are very grateful to the practices who have agreed to take on these House Officers, as we are aware that it can be an added workload. We also know that the House Officers are very grateful for the experience - in some instances, this run has prevented a doctor from leaving medicine altogether! It is invaluable for our juniors to learn the difference between treating a disease versus preventing it. Mei kore ake ko koutou – we couldn’t do this without you."  This service is funded at approximately $1k a month - not a huge amount but it all helps.  If any practices would like to explore the accreditation process to become a part of this programme, please get in touch with Veronique Gibbons , Health Workforce Development Manager who will make the connection with your local coordinators.