Australian healthcare system orientation

Among other things, orientation to the Australian healthcare system clearly needs to include comprehensive information on the Medicare system and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Familiarity with Australian drug names is also an important and sometimes overlooked part of this process. Even common drugs, such as paracetamol (which is called acetaminophen in many countries), may be known by other names.

Some clinical bridging courses and cultural awareness courses also contain training on the Australian healthcare system. Advice on available healthcare orientation courses can also be obtained from the Postgraduate Medical Councils, Rural Workforce Agencies and the Divisions of General Practice.

The Department of Health and Ageing is currently developing an online training programme for the Australian healthcare system. The website should be available later in 2006, so watch this space. In addition, a number of the Specialist Medical Colleges are being funded by the Department to develop various orientation programmes. These will be highlighted in DoctorConnect as they come online.