General practitioners (GPs) are primary healthcare providers responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of medical conditions. Their duties include conducting patient consultations, performing physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic tests. GPs diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care, and make referrals to specialists when necessary. They play a vital role in chronic disease management, offer vaccinations, and promote healthy lifestyle choices. GPs also educate patients about their health conditions, maintain medical records, and facilitate continuity of care.
A number of Ochre sites also provide VMO services. A GP VMO is a General Practitioner who, in addition to their general practice work, also provides medical support to the local public hospital as a “Visiting Medical Officer” or VMO. This is especially common in regional or remote areas where access to specialised care may be limited. Working as a GP VMO in rural practice provides a diverse and interesting array of medicine you just won’t find in urban or regional settings.