Addiciton psychiatry training in rural Australia: A Victorian initiative

Abstract

Objective: The shortage of addiction psychiatrists in Australia results in poor access to specialist care. This is most evident in rural Australia, a population experiencing significant issues related to drugs, alcohol and mental illness. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of addiction psychiatry training in rural Australia. Purposeful and well-coordinated educational opportunities for health professionals in rural settings can assist in recruitment and retention. This report will describe the establishment of an addiction psychiatry training programme in regional Victoria.