RGPWA launches its Alumni Network to strengthen connections amongst fellows and trainees

Having recently achieved five years of operations, the RGPWA marked the occasion by launching its new Alumni Network. The RGPWA Alumni Network is for trainees who have achieved rural generalist fellowship and aims to:

• Strengthen professional connections amongst RGPWA alumni and current trainees;
• Facilitate mentorship and career development opportunities;
• Support a culture of continuous learning through education workshops, collaboration and knowledge sharing; and
• Expand rural generalist networks in Western Australia.

Dr Nigel Hendrickson, one of RGPWA’s fellows and member of the RGPWA Alumni Network, completed all his rural generalist training with ACRRM in the Pilbara region and joined the RGPWA in his second year of training.

Nigel completed his advanced skill in Emergency Medicine at Karratha Health Campus and through the encouragement of his RGPWA mentors, Dr Wendy Sexton and Dr Daniel Saplontai, completed the Emergency Medicine Advanced Diploma (now known as the Advanced Emergency Medicine Training Program), the Certificate in Clinical Performed Ultrasound, and became an Advanced Paediatric Life Support instructor.

Reflecting on his journey to fellowship, Nigel is deeply appreciative of all the support he has received from the RGPWA.

“My mentors are supportive and encouraging. They challenge my assumptions, support me in times of need, and provide valuable advice in navigating the complexities of the rural generalist training program,” he said.

“In your medical journey, you should have a mentor – and I highly recommend RGPWA to all remote and rural trainees!”