Understanding Neuroception and the Human Response to Trauma | 16 November 2023 | 9.00am

A workshop for anyone living or working with children or young people who have experienced trauma. The workshop aims to support understanding in the neurobiology of trauma and how it impacts functioning and behaviours. They will address the link between ADHD, Autism and trauma and dive into interoception and neuroception in the context of trauma. This workshop will provide participants with an understanding of how to support many of the challenging behaviours sometimes observed in children or young people who have experienced trauma. The workshop will be informative, interactive and inclusive.

Register here.

Registrations are now OPEN! 

The two-day event, hosted by Rural Health West in collaboration with the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia and the Western Australia Child Ear Health Strategy, will focus on regional ear health initiatives, improvements in ear and hearing health devices, and research. Attendees can expect interactive discussions and hands-on skill development opportunities.

 Date: Thursday 16 and Friday 17 November 2023

Time: Thursday: 8.00am - 5.00pm
           Friday: 8.00am - 1.30pm

Venue: The Esplanade Hotel by Rydges, Fremantle

Please visit the website to view further information about the Forum and to register.

Have you registered?

The theme for the Aboriginal Health Conference 2023 is: Dedication: the Story of our Elders. The conference will bring together health professionals from across rural WA, and provide the opportunity to learn from those who came before us. We will hear their stories and reflect on how we can move through the challenges faced by so many, and find a way forward together.

More information, including details on the travel support available for delegates, can be found on the conference website.

Name:                   Dr Jeremy Beckett

Occupation:        Medical Director, GRAMS

What are your professional interests and specialties?

My medical background is in general practice, anesthetics, and emergency medicine, but it was during my five years in East Timor that my interests in health service development and global health really emerged. Working in Aboriginal health since I returned in 2021 has been a great opportunity to build experience of similar principles in our own backyard.

Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a medical administrator in the Midwest-Gascoyne region?

I was born and bred in WA, moving to Geraldton in 2009 to pursue opportunities as a rural GP proceduralist. As the years passed, I found myself gravitating toward anesthetics and emergency medicine at Geraldton Regional Hospital, moving away from general practice almost entirely. In preparation for heading overseas, I studied the Diploma of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene in Liverpool (UK), and then went with my wife and four young kids to East Timor in 2016 to work in health development in a very underdeveloped post-war nation. Five years later we returned to Geraldton - which has very much become our long-term home - and I followed on from the work in Timor with a move into medical administration at the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service.

What do you love about the Midwest-Gascoyne?

Geraldton is a great town, especially in autumn and winter. Like the Goldilocks principle, Geraldton is not too big but not too small, not too remote but still distant enough from city life—it's just right! We have beautiful beaches, but if you drive ten minutes in from the coast you’ll find equestrian countryside or the beautiful rolling farmland of the Chapman Valley. We love the community here, the sport and local events, the fishing and the beach, and the day trips to Horrocks, Kalbarri and other nearby delights.

Did you always want to be a doctor? Why?

No, it’s something that took shape over many years. Though it has opened up so many great opportunities for me I’m still not quite sure that working as a doctor is where I want to be. I’m considering other possibilities.

What are your passions?

I’m very involved with my local church, and I’m passionate about seeing people find truth and hope in their lives. I am endlessly fascinated by the world abroad, which leads me to reading history, poring over maps and planning elaborate overseas adventures (many of which never become a reality). I’ve visited almost forty countries and have spent time living in Russia, England, and East Timor. I’m a passionate follower of footy and cricket, and I play with an uncommon blend of enthusiasm and incompetence. I love seeing my kids take on new challenges and growing in character and courage.  

When you aren’t working, where will we find you?

You might find me on the rocks near the marina fruitlessly hurling small dead fish into the ocean in pursuit of tailor. Or I might be meandering around our three-acre Geraldton property, thinking of ways to make my patchy sports lawn grow more luxuriant. Most likely, you’ll see me driving past you with a furrowed brow as I’m hurriedly ferrying one of my four kids to basketball training, music practice, or whatever extracurricular fun they’ve signed up for this week.

Annual General Practitioner Survey now open

The yearly GP survey conducted by Rural Health West provides valuable insights into the state of general practice in Western Australia's rural and remote areas. Your participation in this survey will assist us in pinpointing the current challenges and issues that affect you and your community, allowing us to develop services and programs that will be of great benefit to both you and the overall health of your community.

The Annual GP Survey is accessible to all primary care doctors practicing in rural and remote regions of Western Australia. You can securely complete the survey online using the provided details, or if you prefer, paper copies of the survey will be sent to you in the coming weeks. If you require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our database team at 08 6389 4500.

Complete your pre-filled survey securely online with these details:
ID: 
Last name: 

Take the survey HERE.

Partner Education Grants | 2023-2024 Applications now open!

Financial support is available for partners of Western Australian rural medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, allied health professionals,and Aboriginal health practitioners/workers who wish to enhance their career and employment opportunities while living in a rural location.
For further details and application options, please visit Rural Health West Partner Education Grant website

The Practice Assist team can help enhance efficiency, capacity and sustainability of your practice with a comprehensive suite of practice management resources and support services: 

If you require assistance, please contact Practice Assist on 1800 227 7478 or email. For more information visit the Practice Assist website. 

Practice assist is a joint initiative of Rural Health West and WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA).

Has this update been forwarded to you and you would like to receive our monthly member updates? Register here to join the network, membership is free to all health professionals in the Midwest-Gascoyne region.

The Midwest-Gascoyne Health Professionals Network is brought to you by the following stakeholder partnerships:

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