Nearly a year ago RWAV recruited dietitian Amy Burrowes to work at Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice and the community is already seeing the results.
“I love seeing the improvement with patients after treatment and seeing them utilise the information I’ve given them,” said Amy. “Many patients have lost considerable amounts of weight, and that’s always good to see.”
Amy, 25, works at the practice full-time and one day a month at the local Indigenous clinic. And, if she wasn’t busy enough, Amy does sports health and writes a nutrition blog, “Food for Thought.”
The practice employs a diabetes educator and they recruited Amy in order to compliment those services. “There is a really strong allied health focus at the clinic, and our multidisciplinary team work very closely together,” she said.
During the recruitment process Amy utilised the Rural Health Professionals Program (RHPP) through RWAV and received funding to put towards relocation costs and professional development.
“It’s definitely a big help and great support,” said Amy.
Under the program Amy was funded for two months of rent, relocation costs involved with moving from Melbourne to Echuca and some costs for professional development and training.
Amy is settling into the community and plans to stay in Echuca. “I’m really enjoying my work, I have never worked in primary care before,” said Amy. “I love the different types of people and the different settings.”
“I hope to continue to improve my knowledge so I can help more people in the community.”
