Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is continuing to play a key role in strengthening the regional specialist workforce through its involvement in the Victorian Regional Anaesthetic Training Network (VRATN).
The program, established in 2021, provides a five-year training pathway for anaesthetic registrars, supporting them to train and work in regional Victoria.
NHW has been part of the program since its inception, hosting trainees and providing hands-on experience in a regional hospital setting.
NHW Executive Director Medical Services Dr Garry Wilkes said the program is already delivering strong outcomes for regional communities.
“Northeast Health Wangaratta has been part of the Victorian Regional Anaesthetic Training Network since its inception, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact it is having on building a strong regional specialist workforce,” Dr Wilkes said.
“The program has been highly successful for our service, with two trainees participating at any one time and gaining valuable, hands-on experience in a regional setting.”
“Initiatives like this are critical to strengthening our workforce pipeline and ensuring our community can access high-quality, specialist care closer to home.”
The first cohort of registrars who trained through the program have now qualified as anaesthetists, with 60 per cent choosing to take up roles in regional Victoria.
NHW Director of Anaesthesia Dr Jade Radnor said investing in regional training is key to addressing workforce shortages.
“Specialist medical workforce shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing regional healthcare. By investing in high-quality anaesthetic training locally we’re creating a sustainable solution,” Dr Radnor said.
“When doctors train in regional communities they are far more likely to stay, meaning continued access to specialised anaesthetic and surgical care for residents of the Northeast.”
“Regional training offers a unique combination of broad, hands-on experience and exposure to diverse cases, strong team culture and an excellent quality of life that comes with living and working regionally.”
“It’s an attractive and viable career pathway, not a second option.”
Dr Radnor said the program also maintains strong links with metropolitan services.
“Whilst trainees spend the majority of the five-year Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists training program in regional areas, they still rotate to metropolitan hospitals for experience in cardiac and neuro-anaesthesia.”
“It’s a long-term investment in health equity.”
The success of the Victorian model is now gaining national attention, with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) supporting and encouraging similar training pathways in New South Wales and Queensland.
For trainees, the program is providing valuable opportunities to build their careers in regional settings.
VARTN trainee Dr Mayank Koppa said the program plays an important role in addressing workforce gaps.
“The VARTN addresses gaps in regional healthcare by providing valuable trainee opportunities where it’s needed most,” Dr Koppa said.
NHW resident Dr Chamath Jagoda, who is pursuing a career in anaesthesia, said the program offers a clear and supported pathway.
“The VARTN provides the opportunity for me to continue from internship through to becoming a Specialist Anaesthetist, with strong local mentorship at every stage,” Dr Jagoda said.
“I feel really fortunate to be a part of a local pathway that’s been so supportive, and it’s only strengthened my enthusiasm to keep learning and become a Specialist Anaesthetist serving regional communities.”
The program is currently supporting trainees across eight regional health services, including Northeast Health Wangaratta, helping to ensure more Victorians can access specialist care closer to home.