Call to improve GP trainee employment conditions

As you know, GPRA has been concerned about the progress of the transition to College-led training process to date, so it is disappointing to hear that the key funding agreements between the two colleges (RACGP and ACRRM) and the Federal Government have been delayed again. Hopefully, next month our members and the GP Training Sector will finally have clarity and knowledge about the next steps and how GP training across the nation will continue to be supported.

Future registrar payments and employment conditions underpin the future of GP specialist training – in recent months, GPRA has publicly called on policy and decision makers to improve employment conditions for GP trainees. This week, GPRA Board Member Dr Jessica Tidemann featured in a Canberra Times article about the declining number of junior doctors who are choosing general practice. Her enthusiasm for general practice is evident but she also sums up the systemic issues facing GP trainees, such as inadequate pay and employment entitlements, and makes the point that we are losing passionate junior doctors to other specialties.

GPRA will continue to offer all registrars in training an independent arena to voice any concerns or questions about the transition to College-led Training. The next webinar about the transition process will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 7.30pm. I encourage you to join us if you have questions or concerns about the transition process, or you just want to know more. You can register here.

Health on the agenda for May election

You may have noticed an election has been called! The two major parties have outlined their key health initiatives. Major announcements from the Government include $132 billion for health in the 2022-23 Budget and a new Health and Aged Care Minister if the Coalition is re-elected. Outgoing Minister Greg Hunt will be replaced by Senator Anne Ruston, who is currently the Minister for Families and Social Services.

The Labor Party leader, Anthony Albanese, announced $135 million to trial 50 urgent-care clinics to treat patients needing urgent medical attention if elected. The clinics would be based at GP clinics across the nation – GPRA looks forward to hearing more about how these clinics will operate and the opportunities they present for GP registrars. We will continue to monitor the election policies released by all parties over the coming weeks.

Events

Study Sessions – GPRA will host a series of online exam preparation study sessions, facilitated by Dr Abdul Qadeer QJ Malhi, to help GP trainees prepare for the RACGP’s CCE, AKT and KFP exams. These sessions are targeted to International Medical Graduates (IMGs), however, all GP trainees are welcome to attend. The study sessions will be held between April and June. You can register now.