Like many regional towns, Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre in Lakes Entrance has faced challenges recruiting experienced General Practitioners. After years of national and international advertising and engaging recruitment agencies, the clinic is now taking a fresh approach — and asking the community to get involved.
The clinic recently received funding through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Rural and Remote Community Support Grant.
“Rather than using the funding solely for traditional recruitment, we have decided to involve our community directly in the search for a GP,” explained Melanie Witham and Jen Moss.
A recruitment committee, made up of local business owners, a pharmacist, and community leaders, has been formed with support from the Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association. The committee is launching a community campaign to attract a GP seeking a sea-change or tree-change lifestyle.
“Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre has built a strong reputation for teaching and supervision, regularly attracting junior doctors and GP registrars. We are proud to train the next generation of GPs, but once they complete their training, many move closer to Melbourne,” Witham and Moss said.
“Recruiting an experienced GP would allow us to support more junior doctors and significantly increase appointment availability for the community. At present, we are the only clinic in Lakes Entrance accepting new patients and visitors, and demand continues to grow.”
The clinic hopes that by showcasing Lakes Entrance’s lakes, ocean, mountains, and vibrant outdoor lifestyle, they can attract a GP ready for a change.
Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre encourages the community to share the campaign widely, highlighting both the challenges
of regional healthcare and the innovative
ways communities are working to attract doctors.
