AMSA Applauds Government for GPSN Funding

The General Practice Students’ Network (GPSN) has been awarded $1 million in government funding to go towards the promotion and increased awareness of General Practice amongst medical students.

The newly developed GPSN, a joint venture between the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) and the General Practice Registrars’ Australia (GPRA), is chaired by AMSA National Coordinator Mr. Joe Rotella.

The GPSN aims to promote the specialty of General Practice as a worthy and challenging career choice for medical students through a committed group of representatives at each of Australia’s medical schools.

With the additional funding, provided through General Practice Education and Training (GPET), the GPSN is set to offer a mentoring program, career information sessions, a monthly newsletter and a national GP student summit in 2008.

“Since its inception early this year, the GPSN has grown in leaps and bounds,” said Mr. Rotella.

“Students’ enthusiasm for the Network has been overwhelming. It’s fantastic to see General Practice given the attention it deserves as an interesting, flexible and challenging career choice.

“The $1 million in funding will contribute significantly to the development and expansion of GPSN initiatives. Our aim to hold a national summit for students interested in General Practice is now well on its way to being realised,” said Mr. Rotella.

AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “The GPSN is a fantastic organisation born out of students’ passion and enthusiasm for General Practice as the cornerstone for the Australian healthcare system. It is vital that we foster and support this enthusiasm, and AMSA applauds the government for realising this. I am confident the GPSN will go from strength to strength and raise vital awareness of General Practice amongst medical students.”

Source-AMA
LIN /J