College-led training

ACRRM and RACGP are delivering training to GP registrars under the government-funded Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT) from 2023. The only university in Australia to deliver general practice training, James Cook University has had 764 GPs successfully complete fellowship training since the training program was established in 2016. Read about our impact, outcomes and experience in the 2021-2022 Annual Report.

As part of GP training transitioning to the Colleges, we have been actively sharing our experience and expertise in delivering our technologically enabled, regionally distributed rural training model. We’re striving to continue as a training entity in 2023 and beyond, supporting the colleges to deliver effective, locally based training so our rural communities have equitable access to skilled GPs. We’ve established a continuum of education to a fulfilling GP career, from the point of admission to medical school through to award of fellowship and ongoing professional development. We have a track record for producing socially accountable, work-ready doctors who willingly pursue careers in rural and regional areas.  

ACRRM and the RACGP are committed to minimising disruption for GP registrars, training practices and GP supervisors during the transition period and changeover to the 2023 training year. Existing AGPT registrars and new applicants can expect a continuation of high-quality, fit-for-future general practice education, support, supervision, and training sites. Training progress will also be honoured by the Colleges.

For more information on college programs:

• RACGP Transition Information
• ACRRM Transition Information
• ACRRM and JCU co-designed Transition into Partnership Plan for the delivery of college-led Training across rural Queensland
  
• AGPT 2023 FAQ’s

Communiques

• ACRRM, RACGP and Australian Government Communique 20 Sept 2022
• Cultural Educators and Mentors Communique 23 August 2022

If you are a registrar, practice manager or supervisor with a question about registrar placements and practice agreements from 2023 under college-led training:

• ACRRM Registrar Placements and Practice Agreements: 2023
• RACGP Registrar Placements and Practice Agreements: 2023

JCU Update for Registrars on Transition

The Australian General Practice Training program is transitioning to ACRRM and RACGP in 2023. James Cook University continues to focus on the delivery of high-quality GP training under the current funding arrangement until the official transition period.

We are proud of what we have achieved in the North Western Queensland region and will continue to collaboratively build a workforce for the health of our regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

In 2022, we continue to value our strong collaborative working relationships with 362 accredited training posts, where 530 registrars currently train under the high-quality supervision, oversight and tutelage of experienced and expert clinical supervisors, medical educators and 11 regionally distributed training node teams.

This year 144 new registrars joined the JCU GP training program across Queensland, commencing clinical placements in hospital training terms, community General Practice, Aboriginal Medical Services, or in developing further specialised skills. Through suitable clinical placements, early career training advice, introductory workshops, small group learning, and orientation, registrars are supported into General and Rural Practice.

With the easing of COVID restrictions, we continue to be mindful of public health measures, yet determined to deliver a high-quality training and support community of learning practices. COVID 19 will leave some lasting impacts, some positive like tele-ECT visits, less emphasis on close contact exclusion, and unlikely to limit opportunities or progress through training, education, or clinical work.

For our current GP registrars

We encourage you to get involved in your local communities, form communities of practice, study groups, or peer learning and engage fully in cultural immersion. JCU will assist you to optimise your training, yet often the greatest personal and professional fulfillment comes from the extracurricular involvements in your community. Be inspired by those around you, look at the stories and videos on our website and share your story with our team at cmdcommunications@jcu.edu.au if you feel inclined.

In 2022, we continue to be supportive of the Commonwealth Government rural health imperatives, and the vital importance of developing a pipeline and a sustainable clinical workforce in comprehensive primary health care, general practice and rural generalism.

This forms the basis for a promising future in college-led training beyond 2023.

Each training officer, team leader, medical educator, supervisor, liaison officer, and the whole of the GP training team at JCU, are here for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of these contacts or email us via one of the available options.

For our future GP registrars

Explore the rewarding career that is general practice in 2023 and beyond. The regional, rural and remote communities of North Western region have many opportunities for a balanced life and rewarding career. Join the commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and work towards improving health outcomes through a range of educational opportunities and support.

This year we have put together a campaign called ‘Be there. For them’ which is designed to give insight into the life of our registrars and fellows training and practising in our communities. Read about this campaign these communities of enterprising businesses, dedicated volunteering initiatives, and vibrant social scenes and watch our videos featuring Cloncurry, Barcaldine, Emerald, Yeppoon and Mundubbera.

Discover more about training as a GP in our region and apply to the AGPT program.

For more information on the College-led transition from ACRRM and RACGP

ACRRM and the RACGP are committed to minimising disruption for GP registrars, training practices and GP supervisors during the transition period and changeover to the 2023 training year.

Throughout 2022, the colleges will continue to work with the RTOs to help meet the workforce needs of GPs and identify training opportunities in their regions.

Existing AGPT registrars and new applicants can expect a continuation of high-quality, fit-for-future general practice education, support, supervision, and training sites. Training progress will also be honoured by the Colleges.

For more information on college programs:

• RACGP Transition Information
• ACRRM Transition Information
• AGPT 2023 FAQ’s