Strong Turnout Marks Successful Launch of a New Doctor-Led Network in Gippsland
On Saturday 2 May, more than 60 medical students, junior doctors, and registrars came together for the official launch of The Network Gippsland, a new peer-driven initiative built to support the region’s future medical workforce.
The Network, operating under the theme For Doctors, By Doctors, has been created to connect medical students and doctors progressing through medical training in Gippsland. The initiative focuses on education, mentorship, shared experiences, professional development, and building a strong sense of community among those living and working in rural medicine.
What makes The Network unique is that it has been developed by the very people it aims to support. The committee is made up of Gippsland-based medical students and training doctors who understand firsthand the opportunities and challenges of rural medical training and practice.
Supported by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine through the Rural and Remote Community Support Grant Program, The Network is the first initiative of its kind in regional Victoria.
Chair of The Network, Dr Noah Pallot, a Rural Generalist Trainee based in Sale, opened the event by sharing a clear vision for the future of healthcare in the region.
He spoke about creating a Gippsland where doctors not only train and work, but also build their careers, community, and lives. Dr Pallot encouraged attendees to actively shape the future of The Network by contributing ideas, participating in events, and building meaningful connections with one another.
The official launch was led by Latrobe City Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson alongside Dr Katherine Willis-Sullivan, Chief Medical Officer at Latrobe Regional Health.
The afternoon then featured an impressive lineup of respected speakers and clinical leaders who shared their knowledge, experience, and insights into the future of rural healthcare.
Professors Roger Strasser and Sarah Strasser, internationally recognised academics and leaders in the development of rural clinical schools and medical programs across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, spoke about their experiences both locally and overseas. Their session explored the evolution of rural medicine and the future of rural generalist practice.
Dr Liz Wearne, a General Practitioner, Clinical Educator, and Doctors Wellbeing Advocate from East Gippsland, delivered a powerful presentation on fair care and skill-building for equitable healthcare. She reflected on the privilege of working as a rural doctor and the profound impact rural clinicians can have on the lives of patients, particularly those who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
Attendees also heard from Mr Stephen Price, Director of Integer Financial Group and Founder of LeveragedMD, who presented a practical financial playbook for early-career doctors.
The event concluded with a cardiology masterclass from Associate Professor Dr Derk Pol, Co-Founder of the Gippsland Cardiology Service. Dr Pol shared his vision for delivering world-class cardiology services within Gippsland, reducing the need for patients to travel to Melbourne for specialist care.
The launch marks the beginning of a larger program of activities planned throughout the year. Upcoming initiatives include online tutorials, clinical workshops, guest speaker sessions, and social events, all designed to support and strengthen Gippsland’s emerging medical workforce.
The Network welcomes all medical students, interns, hospital medical officers, and registrars who are from Gippsland or currently working within the region.
Photo: The Committee and Guest Speakers celebrate the successful launch and first event of The Network, For Doctors, By Doctors.
Photo: Dr Noah Pallot, Chair of The Network, alongside Talia Cooke, a Monash University medical student who grew up in Gippsland and is part of the committee.