If you are a little confused about the structure of General Practice training that is probably because GP training is organised very differently to any other vocational training program in Australia.
What is the difference?
Nearly all other training programs in Australia are essentially run by the colleges such as the College of Physicians, Surgeons or Emergency Medicine. The colleges select applicants, provide training material, play a part in organising educational activities (although these are primarily delivered by the relevant hospital) and set training standards and the examination. Registrars work in the hospital system under the supervision of consultants.
GP training most obviously differs from other training programs in that, other than the initial year of hospital terms, it occurs mostly in a private practice setting. What may not be as obvious is that the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is not responsible for all aspects of GP training.
What is GPET?
GPET (General Practice Education and Training) is a company that was created by the Federal Government in 2001 with the aim of organising GP training. GPET is the overarching body responsible for funding and accrediting the Regional Training Providers (RTPs). It has an annual budget, with the majority of these funds being distributed to RTPs for the provision of training. GPET is responsible for the Australian General Practice Training program (also referred to as AGPT). Recruitment and selection of candidates is organised by GPET in conjunction with the RTPs, who interview the applicants. Prior to the creation of GPET, the Federal Government funded the RACGP to select candidates, deliver training, accredit training practices and assess GP registrars for Fellowship (FRACGP).
What are RTPs?
RTPs are companies which were created and tendered to GPET in order to deliver GP training in their geographical area. Australia was divided into 22 geographical regions for the purposes of GP training thus creating 22 RTPs. Originally 15 RTPs began delivering training in 2002. Candidates applying for GP training are asked to nominate and rank in order of preference the RTPs in which they are willing to train. The regional administration of the training program, delivery of educational activities and training material is provided by RTPs.
What is the role of the RACGP now?
The RACGP sets the examination and training standards, accredits training posts and signs off on completion of training by registrars. FRACGP is awarded to the candidates who have passed the RACGP exam and completed training, i.e. RACGP no longer directly selects candidates nor does it deliver training.
What about rural training?
Currently, attainment of the FRACGP is necessary to become vocationally registered for independent general practice in Australia. Optional additional training for rural and remote practice is available. Registrars may be eligible for funding for additional emergency skills courses (talk to your RTP and start to arrange these ASAP, as courses such as EMST may have waiting lists as long as your training time!).
Registrars may also wish to undertake training towards FACRRM – offered by ACRRM – and/or the Graduate Diploma in Rural General Practice (Grad Dip Rural) – offered by the RACGP. See their respective websites for details
www.acrrm.org.au and
www.racgp.org.au .
Why does all this matter?
Understanding the structure and the fact that a number of entities are involved in GP training may help to explain some of the paperwork and hopefully reduce confusion.
In such an environment, with so many different entities involved, and each with a slightly different focus on GP training it also highlights the importance and relevance of General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA).
GPRA is working hard on behalf of Registrars in the training program to identify and rectify any problems or inconsistencies which may occur when there are so many different stakeholders involved in GP training.
GPRA also has Associate membership which is available to medical students and prevocational doctors.
Membership is free!
If you would like to join or have any enquiries please contact us on:
enquiries@gpra.com.au
www.gpra.com.au
Telephone 1300 131 198
Fax 08 9489 9544
chair@gpra.com.au
