Faced with medical deserts, this Gard municipality will finance the studies of its future doctor

Le maire Eddy Valadier et son adjointe Catherine Hartmann ont présenté le docteur Tempéré. Midi Libre – Correspondant

The City of Saint-Gilles has just signed its first agreement to finance the studies in general medicine of a young Gardoise.

"Determined to ensure that Saint-Gilles never becomes a medical desert, we have worked to develop the healthcare offering in our territory, explained Eddy Valadier. Certainly, we are not yet at a critical point, but to govern is to predict and the situation is not going well improve quickly."

The mayor, Eddy Valadier, the municipal elected officials responsible for health and Astrid Tempéré, a medical student, found themselves around the table. An important part of the city's Health Plan, the signing of the first agreement to finance the studies of a young Gardoise in general medicine is a reality.

Anticipating the future

Saint-Gilles has nine doctors, five pharmacists, nearly fifty nurses, six physiotherapists, two midwives, eight dentists, an analysis laboratory and a health center. medical imaging. "But the wheel is turning and when retirement time arrives, it will be too late to start looking for a successor", defends the first councilor.

After the creation of the health center "My health my region", in collaboration with the regional council, the recruitment of two salaried general practitioners, a midwife and the installation of the headquarters of the Territorial Professional Health Community (CPTS) of Costières in Camargue in Saint-Gilles, the first signing of a commitment agreement for the financing of medical studies completes the system.

Four years of training before installation

This fourth pillar allows the city to establish solid foundations in a health plan which will facilitate access to care for all Saint-Gilles residents. Astrid Tempéré still has four years of training to complete. During this period, it will be financially supported by the municipality. In exchange for which she undertakes to settle in Saint-Gilles and will provide replacements in the event of the absence of a doctor. "And then, as everyone knows how good life is in Saint-Gilles, it will stay there, that's for sure." 

Astrid Tempéré was thus able to present her career path and her ambitions: "I began training as a lawyer before turning to medicine, as my father. I clearly felt the local needs, particularly far from the city center, in the 15,000 hectares of countryside where people do not always have the opportunity to travel. This is why I am considering combining the office's activity with home visits." 

Places still available for other candidates

As for life in the town, few concerns: "For my local integration, I am a rider, I already ride in a holy club -gillois. On the other hand, I am much more comfortable on a horse than in front of a microphone, so I will stop there!", the young student concluded with a smile .

And if future doctors are interested in the same device ? "If others want to try the experience, there still has room", confided Eddy Valadier. To the wise.