The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is pleased to launch their new and innovative VACCHO Aboriginal Medical Cadet Program.
A first for VACCHO, the specialised program offers a life-changing opportunity through the two-year Medical Cadetship for a number of medical students from Victoria.
It will see cadets develop their skills and knowledge by gaining hands-on experience in a real-life setting working as highly valued contributing member of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).
VACCHO is looking to provide cadets with the opportunity to experience the rich programs and holistic care provided through ACCHOs including health promotion, family services, child-care centres, aged care and social emotional wellbeing.
VACCHO wishes to thank the Department of Families Fairness and Housing and the Aboriginal Workforce Fund for their support of this program.
VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher AO says the Aboriginal Medical Cadet Program presents an exciting and unique opportunity for members, the cadets, and most importantly community.
“Over the last eighteen months we have seen Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations play a critical role in the protection of our community against COVID – and this cadet program will be instrumental in inspiring the next generation of medical practitioners in this sector.”
Ms Monica Barolits-McCabe, CEO, Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) has also welcomed the program.
“This program will encourage more Indigenous medical students to return to work in the ACCHO sector when they graduate as doctors.”
“Aboriginal community controlled health services understand the comprehensive needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and Indigenous doctors’ unique medico-cultural skills can complement those services very effectively.”
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER, 2021.
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For media inquiries contact Michael Lynch on 0427 760 936
BACKGROUND
VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 32 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 25,000 Aboriginal people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.
