Settling into a new GP Practice

As an IMG entering the Australian general practice system, your first placement might feel unfamiliar – but understanding the basics of how practices operate will help smooth your transition and build your confidence.
Settling into a new practice can be a daunting experience but putting in a bit of work at the start will make a big difference and hopefully make your time at that practice useful and rewarding.
Negotiating a contract

Most GP registrars in Australia are employed by private GP clinics.

The minimum terms and conditions for the employment of these registrars is set out in the National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER).  

The exception is some registrars who work in community controlled health, Australian Defence Force Registrars, some Aboriginal Medical Services, and registrars on remediation who may have separate employment terms and conditions.

The NTCER outlines the minimum terms and conditions for GPs in training under the AGPT program – you can negotiate for more.  GP registrars on the AGPT training program are defined as employees. However, IMGs on GP training pathways other than the AGPT are likely to be employed as independent contractors at their practice. The NTCER also helps set out for practices which minimum conditions are applicable to IMGs employed under GP training pathways other than AGPT.

Supervision

Generally, every registrar will be allocated a supervisor who is responsible for them during the training semester. Your supervisor will be the first person you approach for issues around employment, training, education, support and wellbeing. Your practice manager will also be another great source of information for you at your practice.

The supervisor is usually located in the same practice but not always, especially in remote locations. Nonetheless, the supervisor should be accessible to the registrar to ask for advice and support. It is a good idea to ask your new supervisor upfront how they would like you to contact them when you need urgent and non-urgent advice.

In addition, to ad hoc advice from your supervisor, you should also receive in-practice teaching time that is protected. The amount of teaching time will vary depending on the GP training pathway you are training under and how far through your training you are. It is up to every supervisor and registrar to negotiate when this will be and what should be included in that time. Be proactive in scheduling that time with your supervisor.

Day to day operations of the practice

GP clinics in Australia come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.  Many practices will have multiple GPs and at least one practice nurse. They might also include other allied health staff such as a psychologist, dietician or physiotherapist. The administration team are an important part of the day to day running of a practice and may include a practice manager and/or reception team.

Most GP practices will be open during regular business hours at the very least. That is, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Many will start earlier and finish later and some will also be open on weekends.

GPs will also work in a number of settings beside the standard GP clinic. Many GPs will also visit patients in residential aged care facilities. Often in regional, rural and remote locations, GPs will also work in the local hospital.

GP practices in Australia will all differ in what kinds of services they offer. This will usually depend on the individual GPs who work there and the equipment available at each practice.

Some practices will offer walk-in appointments for acute injuries or illnesses. Some might offer specific assessments for particular occupations. Some will offer particular investigations such as spirometry. Some might undertake particular procedures such as skin excisions or aesthetic medicine injections. Each practice is unique.

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