Cultural training
A number of other organisations, including some of the Specialist Medical Colleges, are working on the development of cultural training programs for overseas trained doctors (OTDs). The Department of Health and Ageing is also developing a self-paced, online, cultural education program for OTDs due for release in 2006. It covers a range of cultural and medical issues apparent in the Australian medical workforce including communication styles, professional standards and ethics and the Australian healthcare system. Information on all of these sites will be provided on DoctorConnect as they become available.
Below are some resources for formal and informal cultural awareness training. Some of these are reference sites. Others are organisations delivering courses or information about courses for cultural training. You can also contact your local Rural Workforce Agency or Division of General Practice for advice on available training and/or funding.
Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet
This website is an excellent source of Indigenous (Aboriginal) health information, covering cultural, historical, social, economic and physical environment issues. This site also includes online medical and technical dictionaries, a list of formal training courses and links to other websites with valuable Aboriginal cultural information.
Cultural Diversity---a guide for health professionals
This resource is produced by the Queensland Government’s Department of Health. It provides resources and guidance on how to be culturally sensitive in the delivery of health services.
Cultural Diversity in Health
Produced by the Postgraduate Medical Council of New South Wales, this site aims to help doctors to better communicate and relate with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Health Matters
The Australian Broadcasting Commission has produced this excellent website. While aimed at the general public, it is an excellent source of information on current Australian health issues, news and stories in both national and regional contexts.
Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV)
Cultural resource kit for overseas trained doctors.