The SSRS is now calling for applications for CPD Grants of up to $5,000. These Grants are available to support individual medical specialists access education and professional learning opportunities, who are living and working in towns and regions  classified as Rural Zone 2 - 3 or Remote Zone 1 - 2, according to the ‘Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas Classification’ (RRMA).

Funds can be used to support costs associated with participating in CPD activities, such as CPD event registration, travel, accommodation and locum cover.

To confirm your eligibility status, please view the Application Guidelines available on the SSRS website, or by using the link below.

The Application Guidelines and Application Form are available HERE.

Should you require further information, please contact Chris Rule at the SSRS Program Management Unit on 02 9256 9605, or ,at chris.rule@ruralspecialist.org.au.

Please note that applications must be verified by the relevant Specialist Medical College. Where the applicant is not affiliated with a College (i.e AoN practitioner, staff specialist), the applicant is also required to submit a letter from their employer, confirming their status as a specialist. Full details are provided in the Application Guidelines.

Applications must be submitted to Specialist Medical Colleges for verification by 26 February, 2009.
 

Projects being implemented by Specialist Medical Colleges under the auspices of the SSRS in 2009, are currently being initiated. Further information will be available via the Project Tab on the SSRS website in the coming weeks and months.

These projects will provide a range of CPD opportunities throughout 2009, and will also be advertised via the SSRS website. The projects funded under Round 8 of the Scheme are:

• Supporting Continuing Professional Development of Rural Dermatologists: Online (ACD)
• Rural Radiology Online Education (RANZCR)
• Peer Review Generated Education Seminars for Rural Psychiatry (RANZCP)
• Simulation Supporting Rural Specialists as Leaders of Clinical Teams (RACP)
• ERRNEST – Educating Rural Rehabilitation Networks, Enhancing Specialist Teams (RACP)
• Management of Diabetic Foot (RACS)
• Northern Australian Surgeons Network (RACS)
• Neurotrauma Workshop (RACS)
• Australian Indigenous On-line Health Program (RACS)
• Emergency management of severe burns (RACS)
• Rural Craft Group Audit (RACS)
• Perinatal mortality and morbidity: learning from adverse events to improve care (RANZCOG)
• Practice Visits: reviewing specialist practice to improve the safety and quality of care (RANZCOG)
• Better management of Rheumatic Heart Disease and other chronic diseases in northern Australia through the provision of education, the strengthening and expansion of existing clinical networks and the evaluation of management of these diseases (RACP) 

A number of these projects will be applicable to multiple specialty audiences.