Twenty staff from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across NSW and ACT are the fifth cohort to undertake the highly successful Diploma of Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs).
The unique nationally recognised course, developed by general practice training provider GP Synergy and TAFE NSW, was first delivered in 2015 and has seen almost 70 ACCHS staff achieve the qualification.
Jessica Ride has worked at Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service for nearly four years and is enthusiastic about improving Aboriginal health.
“I love what AMSs stand for!
“It’s refreshing to work with people that have the same passion for Aboriginal health as I do, I enjoy being an ambassador for change and making a difference.
“I love the interaction with the community and getting to know all types of people from our diverse culture and that AMSs provide not only a culturally safe place for the community but also a culturally safe work environment for employees.
“I’m undertaking the diploma as part of my career succession plan as it will provide me with skills and knowledge I can use every day, from creating positive interactions with patients and fellow staff to being part of creating, implementing and monitoring operational plans for the practice,” Ms Ride said.
GP Synergy Aboriginal Cultural Education Unit Manager, Anthony Paulson, welcomed the students to their first intensive five-day study block that covers areas from cultural safety to implementing and monitoring infection prevention control policies, and relevant Medicare items.
“The diploma was developed as a means to improve healthcare service delivery for local Aboriginal communities through practice manager upskilling.
“It’s also helping AMSs increase opportunities for doctors training to be GPs to undertake Aboriginal health training in a community-controlled setting.
“GP Synergy is currently supporting more than 60 doctors undertaking Aboriginal health training across NSW and ACT.
“The diploma plays an important role in GP Synergy’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals to help close the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians,” Mr Paulson said.
