Supervisors

To ensure that registrars are well supported and have reliable access to teaching and advice throughout their training, the supervisor/team of supervisors is required to undertake the activities in the below list:

• Provide on-site clinical supervision and feedback as per the relevant college requirements.
• Physically be on site for set portions of time, relevant to the registrar’s training level.
• Provide ‘in practice’ teaching time to registrars as per the relevant college requirements.
• Facilitate the delivery of the mandatory General Practice Orientation Program to all GP registrars during their first two weeks of employment in community General Practice.
• Assist registrars in drawing up a feasible and achievable learning plan.
• Facilitate formative assessment of registrars including External Clinical Teaching (ECT) visits, miniCEXs (for ACRRM pathway registrars) and training advisor visits.
• Complete a formative assessment evaluation of their registrar’s progress at least once per semester.
• Ensure that first year (typically GPT/PRRT 1+2) registrars are released from their clinical duties in order to attend mandatory out of practice teaching (facilitated by JCU).
• Inform JCU as soon as possible of any concerns regarding a registrar, including any critical incidents or adverse events.
• Participate in JCU supervisor education activities.

To be eligible to become an accredited JCU supervisor, a GP must meet the following requirements:

• hold a college fellowship (FRACGP and/or FACRRM);
• have not less than four years FTE experience in general practice to supervise registrars on the RACGP pathway (this can include postgraduate training experience in general practice) with a minimum of five years’ experience to supervise RACGP GPT1/2 placements;
• have not less than five years’ full-time equivalent experience in rural and remote medicine or other rural specialist practice (including training time) to supervise registrars on the ACRRM pathway;
• work in a training post accredited by JCU to the standards of the respective college;
• have signed the training practice’s Training Post Agreement (TPA) in place with JCU GP training;
• be registered with AHPRA as a specialist GP with full and unrestricted registration;
• participate in continuing professional development that is aimed at improving performance as a general practice educator; and
• provide excellent professional and clinical role modelling.

As a new supervisor to JCU GP training a schedule of activities has been designed to help orientate you with your new role and give you the best start to this new journey. This support includes: 

• 3 introductory sessions developed to support new supervisors in their role as soon as they become supervisors. These sessions are delivered locally at a node level and include information on the roles and responsibilities of supervisors, an introduction to teaching, learning and feedback;
• An opportunity to participate in the JCU micro-credentialed Certificate of Clinical Supervision;
• Scheduled supervisor professional development activities that are offered face-to-face and virtually across our regionally distributed training locations; and
• JCU GP will financially and logistically support supervisors to attend these various activities.
• Access to the JCU GP Senior Fellows group.  This is a group of highly experienced GP training supervisors who are available to provide support and guidance.

Continuing support

JCU offers a comprehensive program to support all of our supervisors in their development, in supporting their registrars and managing any challenges. The local JCU office is the first point of call for supervisors and their training posts, with local medical educators, who are all practicing GPs, and local administrative staff available to respond to any queries that supervisors may have. Senior JCU staff are also available to provide counsel and support to supervisors in matters regarding registrar training.

Along with in person support, JCU supervisors have access to a large range of teaching and other resources through JCU GP Training's online platform, including:

• JCU Cultural Awareness Training Modules;
• JCU Training Online Modules;
• case of the week;
• formative assessments for registrars;
• clinical online modules;
• RACGP Check issues;
• JCU Supervisors Guide to Registrars in Difficulty; and
• Supervisor teaching topics.

Professional Development

In accordance with the ACRRM and RACGP vocational training standards GP Supervisors are required to participate in a minimum of nine (9) hours of continuing professional development (CPD) per annum, which is aimed at consolidating and enhancing their skills as GP educators.

To assist in achieving this, JCU provides a range of education activities including:

• Workshops and local evening supervisor sessions
• New supervisor initial training
• Certificate in clinical supervision
• One day workshops
• Expert panel webinars

For up-to-date details, registration and program information, please visit the events calendar and search for ‘supervisors.