National Reconciliation Week 2021
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs annually from 27 May – 3 June.
The theme for this year is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’.
RCE Webinar
In March of 2021 GPRA hosted a Remote Clinical Exam (RCE) preparation webinar, featuring recent (2020.1) RCE candidate, Dr Damian Hannon.
Dissatisfaction with employment and training is the reality for many GP trainees
New data from GPRA’s GP Trainee Benchmarking Report highlights continuing dissatisfaction with general practice training and employment with a worrying gap between what GP trainees’ rate as important in their training and employment arrangements, and what they are able to receive.
Renewed interest in our employment terms and conditions
President’s update | February 2021.
After years of stagnant wages during which the GP registrar base rate of pay did not even increase in line with inflation, there is renewed interest in our employment terms and conditions.
The RACGP must do better for exam candidates in WA lockdown
MEDIA RELEASE General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is calling on the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to respond quickly and compassionately to all Western Australia (WA) exam candidates unable to sit the written exams due to the current COVID-19 lockdown in metropolitan Perth and the Peel and South West regions. GPRA is aware…
RACGP Exam Update (12 November 2020)
GPRA continues to strongly advocate to the RACGP on behalf of GP trainees on a range of issues in relation to the written exams.
‘Thank you GPs’ campaign launched
GPSN launched their national ‘Thank you GPs’ campaign this week, inviting everyone to express a message of gratitude to their GP.
RACGP exams: our ongoing advocacy for better outcomes for you
GPRA has continued to strongly advocate to the RACGP on behalf of GP trainees on a range of issues in relation to the written exams.
Round table communique
The following is a summary of the discussion which took place between the panellists and participants who attended this round table. View the Statement from the GP trainees’ Round Table discussion on employment arrangements.
Bipartisan approach to GP trainee employment begins at GPRA Round Table
In a watershed moment, GP trainee representatives from across Australia joined to discuss long-standing problems with general practice trainee employment and began to explore potential solutions at a Round Table discussion hosted by GPRA.
More must be done to restore the trust of GP trainees in the RACGP
GPRA calls on the RACGP to extend leniency to enable the affected exam candidates to undertake the clinical exam without the usual prerequisite pass in the written exam. Additionally, the RACGP must commit to an investigation which is open, independent, and informed by the trainee experience.
Cancelled exams—GP trainees deserve much better
GPRA is calling on the RACGP to respond quickly, decisively and with upmost compassion to all affected trainees.
Cancelled KFP and AKT devastating for GP trainees
GPRA is very disappointed to learn that the RACGP KFP and AKT exams were cancelled due to a technical outage at their external exam provider.
GPRA welcomes extension to temporary COVID-19 telehealth MBS items
GPRA welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to extend the temporary telehealth arrangements under Medicare for another six months.
What I’ve learned as a JMO during COVID-19
Due to COVID-19 and a state-wide JMO term ‘freeze’, I was heading into five months of heat and the unknown in Port Hedland. By Dr Jess Piggott.
The passing of Dr Harry Nespolon: memories and reflections
GPRA President Dr Sama Balasubramanian shares his thoughts and reflections.
NAIDOC Week 2020
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to come together in honouring the history, achievements and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
GPRA Discussion Paper: Employment Conditions for GP Registrars
Read the Executive Summary and download the full Discussion Paper here.
GPRA propose framework of change to GP registrar employment model
“We insist that the voice of GP registrars be heard; GP registrars must be kept central in discussion about their employment arrangements and consideration of any new employment models. We must strive to have modern, equitable and flexible employment arrangements which considers the circumstances of GP trainees,” said Dr Balasubramanian.
New GPRA survey shows worrying impacts of COVID-19 on GP training
General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) President Dr Sama Balasubramanian has today highlighted findings from GPRA’s recent GP trainee survey which show the worrying impacts of COVID-19 on GP training.
GPRA urges use of COVIDSafe app
“We urge everyone to download and use COVIDSafe; the success of the app is dependent on a high uptake in the general population; low participation rates will reduce the app’s efficacy,” Dr Balasubramanian said.
Advice on common GP trainee COVID-19 issues
This is a stressful time for everyone in general practice—particularly for GP trainees.
With a growing number of concerns raised by GPRA members about exams, training time, placements, contracts and leave, GPRA has also felt the impact.
As we respond to issues related to the current pandemic situation from our members, we are beginning to see common issues and concerns. As such, we have provided a list below for your reference.
COVID-19 screening tests must be expedited for all frontline medical staff
“GPRA has received a number of reports from GP trainees having to wait for more than three days to receive their COVID-19 test result. GP trainees have quite limited paid sick leave to cover this time out of practice. If their COVID-19 test is found to be negative they must be supported in their return to work when deemed safe, according to our evolving public health criteria”.
GP trainees concerns on inadequate personal protective equipment to respond to COVID-19
“GPRA has received a number of enquiries from worried GP trainees who are reporting that their GP practices are considering, or have already implemented, steps to ration the use of PPE amongst their GPs and GP registrars.”
Member update, February 2020: Advocacy for GP trainees
GPRA is the voice of GP trainees. This is what we have been doing recently as your advocate.
GPRA position statement: The NTCER
The National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER) GPRA position statement S03 Read the PDF here. 1. PURPOSE This document outlines the position of General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) on the use of the National Terms and Conditions for Employment of Registrars (NTCER) [1]. 2. SCOPE This document applies to general practice…
President’s Update – July 2019
By Dr Sama Balasubramanian GPRA has been working hard for you over the last six months. We’ve been continuing to seek improved employment conditions for GP registrars; having conversations with the colleges, RTOs and other organisations about creating a better training experience; and speaking directly with registrars about their issues and observations in the GP…
IGPRN and GPRA welcome Minister Wyatt as Minister for Indigenous Australians
IGPRN and GPRA welcome Minister Wyatt as Minister for Indigenous Australians Indigenous General Practice Registrars Network (IGPRN) and General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) today congratulate the Honourable Ken Wyatt AM on his appointment as Minister for Indigenous Australians. “It is a historic moment in Australian history to welcome the first Indigenous person to hold the position…
National Reconciliation Week
During NRW, Australians from all backgrounds are inspired to walk together as they contribute to recognising reconciliation as a collaborative journey.