If you are a little confused about the structure of the 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 ofPhysicians, 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.
Who is AGPT (Australian General Practice Training)?
Formerly GPET (General Practice Education & Training), AGPT is a company that was created by the Federal Government a few years ago with the aim of organizing GP training. AGPT 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. Selection of candidates is initially organised by AGPT in conjunction with RTPs who interview 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 AGPT 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 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 placements 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 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 Medicine (Grad.Dip.Rural) –offered by 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.
Each organisation involved in GP training is seeking feedback from registrars which should explain why there are so many surveys. Information provided to AGPT may not be available to the RACGP or vice versa, hence the need to sometimes supply the same information more than once. Another point to keep in mind is that RTPs are essentially independent from each other. Although AGPT sets policies for all RTPs to follow, some of these policies are open to interpretation and may result in slightly different rules. Don’t necessarily rely on advice from friends doing the training program in another RTP.
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 your behalf to identify and rectify any problems and inconsistencies which may occur when there are so many different stakeholders involved in GP Training. If you feel confused or identify a problem with your training please discuss it with your RTP RLO (Registrar Liaison Officer) or contact GPRA directly on:
enquiries@gpra.org.au
www.gpra.org.au
Telephone: 1300 131 198
Fax: 08 9489 9544
chair@gpra.org.au
