Over the last 18 months, the RACGP has been rolling out an Alcohol and other Drug GP education program. In South Eastern NSW almost 50 GPs have undertaken the training program.

Dr Aleksandar Misev of Argyle Medical Centre in Goulburn has completed the Treatment skills program to upskill and support the demand of his expanding patient cohort.  Dr Misev has found the program has helped him provide more comprehensive care to patients with AOD issues including harm minimisation and home detox, and he would recommend the program to others thinking about upskilling in this area.

RACGP offers a suite of training options to meet individual training needs.

• Online Essential Skills Training – focus on core AOD skills (available to all members).
• Treatment skills – the training builds on core AOD skills (minimum 6 hours).
• Advanced skills – enhances AOD skills to meet the specific needs of patients in your community.

Incentive payments are available for those who complete the Treatment skills and Advance skills programs.

As well as training opportunities the RACGP also run AOD Connect - project Echo, which is an AOD case discussion group run each Thursday evening. There is no prerequisite to join, all RACGP members currently treating, or interested in treating AOD patients are welcome.

If you would like more information on the training options available, visit the RACGP website.

Drug and alcohol, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Learning and workforce development, Southern NSW