Opportunities for Bonded Medical Scholars

Rural Health West and the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia are offering support services for Bonded Medical Program participants in order to prepare them for rural health work and facilitate placements in rural areas.

Rural Health West and the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia have designed a support program specifically for bonded scholars to:

prepare scholars for rural placements;
provide career advice and guidance;
provide professional development opportunities; and
assist with rural placement facilitation.

Through this support program, bonded scholars are able to:

access clinical upskilling webinars;
attend networking and career events;
apply for financial support to attend conferences and educational workshops;
receive cultural awareness training ... and more.

For more information about this program please contact Rural Health West on 08 6389 4500. If you have a specific query about rural practice please contact hubs@RCSWA.edu.au

Reforms to the Bonded Medical Program from 1 January 2020

New arrangements for the Bonded Medical Program

The Bonded Medical Program aims to provide more Australian trained doctors where there are workforce shortages, particularly in rural and remote Australia.

There are two schemes under the Bonded Medical Program; the Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) scheme and the Bonded Medical Places (BMP) scheme.

A new Bonded Medical Program commenced on 1 January 2020, with existing participants able to opt in to the new arrangements.

To support the new arrangements for the Bonded Medical Program, the Australian Government Department of Health has developed an innovative IT system, the Bonded Return of Service System (BRoSS).

Key features of the reforms are:

a consistent three year Return of Service Obligation (RoSO). BMP participants who have a 12 month RoSO will keep this under the new arrangements;
more options and flexibility so it is easier for participants to complete their RoSO;
replacement of the individual contract/deed of agreement with a statutory scheme;
a program specific online web portal (BRoSS) and mobile phone application to allow participants to self-manage their RoSO; and
support to all bonded participants through the Rural Workforce Agencies.

For further information on the new arrangements is available below:

Further information about the reforms can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships to attend the WA Rural Health Conference 2020 will be available soon. Stay tuned for more information.

Webinars

Bonded Scholars can access the Rural Health West "Distance is no obstacle" Podcast series aimed at providing medical education and information to rural health professionals.

Click here to access current episodes.
Click here to access the Rural Health West webinar library.

Bonded Scholars will have access to the Rural Clinical School Webinar series, more information to be released soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to come from a rural or remote area to be eligible?

No. The Program is open to all first year medical students who are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.

Will I have to pay the HECS-HELP?

Yes. You will be responsible for your HECS-HELP debt. Further advice on your individual income and HELP repayments can be obtained from the Department of Education HELP enquiry line on free call 1800 020 108 or www.studyassist.gov.au.

Do I have to log in to BRoSS to update my personal information?

Yes. You are required to log in to BRoSS at least every 6 months to keep your personal information up-to-date.

Will I receive a scholarship with my place under the Bonded Medical Program?

No. There is no scholarship associated with the Bonded Medical Program. However, you may apply for scholarships.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No, there are no contracts. You only have to accept your offered place at university and agree to participate in the program via BRoSS.

The Bonded Medical Program new arrangement is a statutory scheme. There are no individual contracts or deeds of agreement. You only have to agree to participate in the new arrangement.

What are some faster ways I can complete my RoSO?

If you work 24 months, full time in MM 4-7 locations and have become a Fellow, and you continue to do so, you will attract the scaling benefit. This provides credits towards your RoSO which can result in your 3 year RoSO being reduced to 2.5 years.

If I take maternity leave or long service leave, can I get an extension of time to complete my RoSO?

No, periods of leave such as maternity leave or long service leave do not count as reasons for extension. 18 years is considered sufficient time to complete your RoSO.

If I receive an offer of a bonded CSP from one university, will it be valid at another university

No. The bonded CSP is allocated and linked to the university making the offer of a Bonded Medical Program place at medical school.

Can I complete my RoSO working at an Aboriginal Medical Service?

Yes, you can complete your RoSO at an AMS if it is located in an eligible location.

Can I defer the start of my medical degree?

Yes, providing your university agrees. Universities may allow you to defer starting your study after you have been offered a bonded CSP. It remains at the university’s discretion as to whether a bonded CSP would be offered to you when you commence your study the following year.

How long do I have to complete my RoSO?

You are required to complete your RoSO within 18 years from the day you complete your medical course. RoSO can be non-continuous, full time or part time work, and fly-in/fly-out work in eligible locations.

RHW-Bonded