As the new training year commences, I extend a warm welcome to each of you.
It is with great pleasure that we greet our newest GPs in training to GPRA, including the ACRRM and RACGP registrars that I have met recently, and especially to my colleagues in Longreach, Barcaldine, Winton and Blackall in remote Central Queensland. I offer my best wishes to all GP and Rural Generalist (RG) Registrars for a productive Semester 1 and ongoing. You have embarked on a journey within a remarkable specialty – the BEST specialty there is – and a supportive GP peer community.
As a practising GP myself, I hold a profound passion for GP training. Many of us share similar experiences to yours, and therefore you are not alone in your training journey.
Should you have any enquiries regarding your training pathway or wish to seek advice concerning your employment conditions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of registrar advisors are ready to assist you.
GPRA has a steadfast commitment to attract and support future GPs across all parts of Australia – from Tassie to NT, from Sydney to Perth.
This month we amplified our advocacy with our GP Training Leave Support Fund, an independent fund to support GPs in training – from all GP training pathways – for paid parental leave, study leave and exam leave. The concept of an independent, perpetuating fund is indicative of how innovative thinking can shape the future of healthcare for all Australians. We remain steadfastly dedicated to attracting more junior doctors into the GP / RG training space through novel yet proven methods of supporting members, noting our independent fund idea was borne out of consultation with other service sectors, such as the Police and their Police Benevolent Fund. If you’re connected with someone in the media or in policy in health departments, talk it up. Critical mass is important and we cannot emphasise enough how important the registrar, junior doctor, and medical student voice is.
In addition to our GP Training Leave Support Fund, we are currently delivering some exciting initiatives in the Northern Territory (NT).
We are currently accepting applications for four prestigious NT GPRA scholarships tailored for GPs in training. Three of these scholarships are for current NT-based GP registrars, while we have also introduced a brand new scholarship opportunity open to registrars based outside of the NT. Please check the links provided for both the NT GPRA scholarships, and also keep an eye on our website next month for details on our new, upcoming Cultural Education Grants in the NT.
My ongoing promise to you is that GPRA will continue to advocate for GP trainees in both the general practice sector and with the Federal Government on issues that matter to GP trainees. We continue to be the independent voice in a time of great change to general practice.
GPRA is here to represent all of our members, no matter what pathway you are on. Our role is to amplify your voice to ensure that your training needs are met at a training, practice, policy and government level. If you need support with a training issue contact us, or additionally if you would like to provide feedback, please help GPRA support you by telling us what you would like to see more of in the coming weeks, months and years, and what is important to you in the context of future general practice.
Until next time,
