Rural Health Issues: Culture Shock among New Doctors

Abstract

Orientating new doctors is - or should be - an important task in rural hospitals. Each hospital has its own distinct culture, i.e. a set of behaviours, assumptions, beliefs and values which determines how its members function. Apart from the practical aspects of work, it is important to try to induce new team members into this culture. This is made difficult by the rapid turnover of staff in rural hospitals, and by the annual influx of new community service doctors.