Educational Aims and Objectives for Registrar Training in Rural Psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

RANZCP trainees in psychiatry are required to have at least three months experience in a rural area, or with populations who are socially or economically disadvantaged. This requirement was introduced in the College by-laws in 1996 [ 1 ] and applies prospectively to all trainees who commenced training after 1 December 1997. In some training programs relatively few trainees have completed experience in rural areas since this time, for a variety of reasons [ 2 ]. Firstly, the alternative to rural experience (a rotation involving working with economically or socially disadvantaged populations) can be done in many metropolitan areas, thus alleviating the need for temporary relocation to the country. Secondly, the low availability of suitably accredited rural posts may prompt the arrangement of an alternative training experience. Thirdly, the educational value of a rural training experience may not be readily apparent.