General Practitioners

General Practitioners (GPs) working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCOs) across Victoria are highly skilled and valued members of their multidisciplinary teams.

Aboriginal health provides a challenging and rewarding career unmatched in other general practice settings. GPs are immersed within local Aboriginal culture and undertake complex medicine. They manage a wide range of clinical presentations including:

  • Chronic diseases
  • Preventative health care
  • Health promotion
  • Public health

Supporting GPs are teams of nurses, Aboriginal health workers, medical receptionists, practice managers, and a diverse range of allied health workers from nutritionists, alcohol and other drug (AOD) counsellors.

GPs who work in Aboriginal health learn about local Aboriginal culture; experience comprehensive primary health care, are given great support and opportunities unique to Aboriginal health.

In addition to their medical clinics, ACCOs are holistic organisations offering a range of programs and services to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and Communities.

For more information:

  • Download the VACCHO Statewide GP Workforce Strategy 2021 – 2031 (PDF, 1MB) here
  • Read VACCHO’s Victorian ACCO GP Workforce Profile 2021 Report here
  • Sign up to regular emails for GPs and practice managers and be advised of upcoming professional development opportunities and networking forums
  • Contact our Statewide GP Workforce Strategy Coordinator

VACCHO Balint Group

Would you value the opportunity to explore the emotional and relational aspects of your cases?

Join VACCHO’s Balint Group, an online peer clinical reflective practice group set up for GPs working in the ACCO sector. It’s a safe and guided discussion with a group facilitator and supportive peer network who will help unpack troubling or challenging cases, free from intrusive questions or criticism. The focus is on understanding the emotional and psychological dynamics between the clinician and the patient, not on diagnostics, treatment regime or finding clinical solutions.

How might a Balint Group benefit your practice?
• A regular opportunity to reflect on clinical cases in a secure space;
• A way of improving our understanding and tolerance of complex patients;
• Learning from colleagues’ different perspectives on each case; and
• Refreshing your interest and building confidence in your clinical work.

To join or for more information contact our GP Statewide Co-ordinator 

DATES

The VACCHO Balint Group will meet monthly on Monday nights, 6.30pm – 7.30pm.

These sessions are obligation free and GPs are welcome to join all or any session they can.

• FERUARY 6
• MARCH 6
• APRIL 3
• MAY 1
• JUNE 5
• JULY 10
• AUGUST 7
• SEPTEMBER 4
• OCTOBER 2
• NOVEMBER 13

VACCHO Statewide GP Gathering

A free cultural and clinical education program for GP and GP registrars from VACCHO’s Member Organisations. The 2023 Gathering will take place in May on Wurundjeri Country at the RACV Healesville.

Read about last year’s Statewide GP Gathering on Yorta Yorta Country here.

VACCHO Events for ACCO GPs

VACKH GP Workforce Working Group

VACCHO facilitates the GP Workforce Working Group, formed under the Victorian Advisory Council on Koori Health.

Useful links

Training, upskilling, Cadetships,          job opportunities

$

Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria – RWAV advertises a range of permanent GP and locum roles in Aboriginal health in rural and regional Victoria.