As part of its remit from the Commonwealth Government, the Flinders NT Regional Training Hub (FNT RTH) is charged with identifying university-level medical students with an interest in rural practice, providing them with support including assistance with career planning placement opportunities and access to mentoring.

Following a discussion with the Medical Education staff at Central Australian Health Services, the FNT RTH offered sponsorships for seven Year 4 Flinders NT Medical Program (NTMP) students to attend the Pre-Internship (PRINT) Conference in Sydney.

The PRINT conference was developed to help medical students to make a smoother transition into their intern year. The conference content was based on an internship readiness survey to ensure that the timetable is in line with the delegates needs.

Expert keynote speakers and panel members included trainees, consultants and directors of medical departments and prevocational training. Highlights of the conference included the Junior Medical Officer and Career Panels which provided tips and advice regarding how to look after yourself, task prioritisation, teamwork and career progression.

The conference also includes practical workshops. On offer at this year’s Sydney conference were workshops covering fluids and insulin, suturing skills, dealing with difficult bosses, clinical scenarios, radiology, and prescribing skills.

The medical students who attended the conference reported that although some of the workshops had a NSW focus, the clinical scenarios and the fluids, insulin prescribing and the suturing workshops were particularly helpful.

As attendance at this conference is invaluable in a successful transition to Internship, FNT RTH are looking at the feasibility of providing this sponsorship each year to Flinders NT medical students that have an interest in pursuing a rural or remote career.