A BRECON doctor has welcomed the continuation of a Welsh Government campaign to promote Wales as a great place for doctors to train, work and live.
Following the success of the drive, which resulted in 91% of Wales’ GP training places being filled in 2017, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has now launched the next phase of the This is Wales: Train. Work. Live. campaign.
The international and UK-wide campaign is aimed at medical students, foundation doctors considering the next stage in their career, as well as trainees coming to the end of their training, to encourage them to train, work and live in Wales. It also targets recently qualified GPs, those in the early stages of their career and experienced GPs who may wish to work differently, or return to the workforce in Wales.
The continuation of the campaign offering financial incentives to medical professionals moving to Wales is welcome news to Brecon-based GP Sam Lonsdale who moved to Wales after training stints in other parts of the UK, Africa and New Zealand.
Sam, who works at the Ty Henry Vaughan practice in Llanfaes, said: “I come from a non-medical family, but that has never got in the way of my ambition to become a doctor.
“In school I really enjoyed science and away from the classroom, I have always been fascinated by people. From quite a young age, I thought that becoming a doctor would be a good way to combine the things I’m most passionate about. I also love to travel, so medicine appealed to me on that level too.
“I went to medical school in Birmingham and loved it. I made friends for life and met my husband there too. Since graduating, I’ve moved around quite a lot to do various parts of my training, including periods of time in Zambia.
“We decided to move to Wales as we wanted a lifestyle similar to the one we had when living in New Zealand. We also wanted to find a great place to settle down and raise a family. We have found all this and more in Wales and we’re so happy here that moving anywhere else is completely out of the question.
“It’s impossible to say what I like most about Wales – I love it all! There is a huge diversity in terms of both the people and the landscape, and that creates an incredibly vibrant place to work and live in. I love the atmosphere that’s found in Cardiff; it’s great for family life because there’s always so much going on.
“For work, I’m now based in Brecon, although through my GP training I have also been based in city practices in South East Wales and it has been great to experience the variety that working in city and rural practices bring. A big plus in my current placement is to enjoy a very scenic, relaxed commute to work – although in Wales, you are never far away from beautiful scenery.
“The training in Wales and the support I’ve received at my practices have both been exceptional. There are clear opportunities in Wales, which has allowed me to shape my career in ways that both interest and challenge me in equal measure. I also get plenty of time to spend with my family and enjoy life away from work, and I think that balance is everyone’s dream.”
At the launch, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I’ve been absolutely delighted with the success of this campaign, but there’s more work to do to ensure all of our GP training places are filled for the future. Today I will be announcing the continuation of the incentives we have put in place, and I’m pleased we are extending the campaign to encourage psychiatrists to come to Wales.
“I’m proud of the impact this campaign has had so far. It has shown that Wales is not only an excellent place to live but it’s also a great place to train and work.”
To find out more about the campaign visit www.trainworklive.wales.