Atherton home to next generation of GPs

Dr Aaron Sparshott is enjoying Atherton life after starting General Practitioner training at the Atherton Hospital this year through James Cook University’s (JCU) General Practice Training program.

Dr Sparshott and his young family moved to Atherton so he could undertake his training. He hopes to encourage more doctors to consider a career in rural and remote Australia.

“Rural doctors deal with everything from ingrown toenails through to heart attacks. There is a huge variety of practice, and you never know what’s going to play out” he says.

“The thing that attracted me to medicine was the interesting knowledge behind it, but also the ability to interact with people”.

JCU's General Practice Training program is funded through the Federal Government’s Australian General Practice Training program. Training to become a GP generally takes three to four years in a combination of hospital and general practice settings.

JCU General Practice Training Director Dr Peta-Ann Teague says JCU has [number] GP Registrar’s currently undertaking training in the Tablelands region.

“General Practitioners are an essential component of a contemporary health care, and JCU has been working hard to attract doctors out of the cities and into the regions. It is wonderful to see more doctors like Aaron choosing to practice in the regions”

Dr Sparshott says his family is enjoying life in Atherton. “I plan on staying in Far North Queensland for sure”.

For more details about JCU call 1300 823 874 or visit www.gmt.edu.au