We offer
Cultural Mentoring

JCTS provides support to GP registrars who choose to undertake training in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) or non-community-controlled sites.
One way that JCTS provides support is by connecting GP registrars with a dedicated Cultural Mentor. Cultural mentoring provides clarity around the cultural context of the local community and helps the registrar develop culturally safe clinical practice.
What is a Cultural Mentor?
A Cultural Mentor is a specific role which supports general practice training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training posts under the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.
What is the role of a Cultural Mentor?
The Cultural Mentor is the first contact for the registrar for community and/or cultural advice. They guide registrars, junior doctors and GP Training staff to feel safe, comfortable and confident as they interact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.
Cultural Mentors provide support and guidance to organisations to ensure they can provide a welcoming environment that is culturally appropriate, safe and respectful of the needs of the community and its members. This is a key step in building workable partnerships which can improve the quality and delivery of health services that can bring sustainable benefits to community and people.
Who can be a Cultural Mentor?
Cultural Mentors are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who have an in-depth knowledge of their region’s traditional lands and culture and are accepted by the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community ideally as part of that community.
JCTS works with the Aboriginal Medical Services health training posts who allocate either one of their staff members, Elders or community members to have this important role as a Cultural Mentor within their service.
What kind of advice can Cultural Mentors provide?
Cultural Mentors share their cultural knowledge to improve GP registrars’ knowledge of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to support their journey of cultural awareness, safety and competency.
A Cultural Mentor can provide advice about areas such as:
- Orientation to the community and the health service.
- Knowledge development about health, social and community matters.
- Reflection of registrar attitudes and worldview.
- Development of cultural skills and practices to enhance clinical service provision.
- Strategies to encourage registrar engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Do you have a question for a Cultural Mentor?
Send us an email and we will connect you with a local Cultural Mentor to answer any questions you may have.
Some examples of questions asked by GP registrars to a Cultural Mentor include:
- How can I tell if a patient is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander?
- What is the preferred language to use when prescribing medication?
- Can female doctors treat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male patients?
- How do I ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel welcome and safe in my practice?