Event Review – GP Obs Workshop

A drizzly Saturday morning on the 18th of July brought medical students (and one eager dentistry student) out of their respective dens and brought them all to the RACGP office in West Leederville to learn from practicing GP Obstetricians about their work.

In the morning the students were treated to speeches from practicing GP Obstetricians, rural health workforce professionals (Rural Health West) and training facilitators (RACGP). The speeches included information about the realities of working as a GP Obstetrician in rural and outer-metropolitan centres, the highs and lows of the career and what to expect from it as a career. There was also information about the diverse training pathways and support pathways available for students interested in this career choice.

We then broke into smaller groups for workshops. These workshops covered per and post-natal care as well as normal vaginal birth processes and how to manage potential complications. Students were able to work in small groups with clinicians and practice hands on practical skills that many students would not normally be exposed to in their training due to pressures on numbers of places for students.

The workshop was a great opportunity to learn some new skills and meet some passionate doctors. By the afternoon finish we walked out with a great perspective and a vital new skill set. This event is popular for a reason. Make sure to try and get a ticket for next year!

Andrew Szabo

UWA Med Pre-Clinical Rep