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RACGP signs ‘milestone’ contract to deliver GP training


Matt Woodley


12/09/2022 5:29:23 PM

The deal represents the largest medical vocational training contract entered into in history by the Australian Government.

GP with doctor in training.
The new AGPT program will be nationally managed and supported, but locally delivered.

The transition to profession-led training is one step closer, with the RACGP having recently signed a contract with the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) from February next year.
 
The confirmation marks the latest development in the long journey back to profession-led training, which was announced in October 2017 by then Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.
 
RACGP President Adjunct Professor Karen Price has welcomed the news, saying general practice – and its future – has never been more important.
 
‘This is a key milestone in the transition to profession-led training, and the transition toward an even stronger future for GP education and training in Australia,’ she said.
 
‘We have signed the single largest medical vocational contract entered into in history by an Australian Government, which signals successive governments’ trust in the college’s capability to deliver high quality GP training for our community.
 
‘Just as general practice is integral to our health system, GP training is fundamentally important to provide our next generation of GPs, who will care for our communities into the future.’
 
The RACGP President said the new training program will be nationally managed and supported, but locally delivered.
 
‘We are well-aware that existing local teams are crucial to the success of GP training, including our local regional training organisation [RTO] colleagues, local supervisors, administrators and of course registrars – and they will remain so under our leadership,’ Professor Price said.
 
‘The college recognises the privilege and responsibility entrusted in us and we are committed to delivering a program that equips all stakeholders, including our GP supervisors, registrars, administrators and medical educators to provide world-class training.’
 
Meanwhile, RACGP CEO Paul Wappett has encouraged RTO staff to consider employment with the college, pointing out that, in many instances, those who do join will continue the same work, with the same stakeholders.
 
‘We are working to make this a seamless transition, with as little disruption to the delivery of GP training as possible,’ he said.
 
‘Although this is one of the most complex mergers that will happen in Australia this year, given that we are merging nine organisations into one, I am proud to see the progress we have all made, and I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver world-class GP training, and to secure the future of primary care in Australia.
 
‘Because everyone in Australia deserves access to world-class general practice care, no matter their postcode.’
 
The Transition to College-Led Training Advisory Committee meeting that confirmed the grant agreements funding the AGPT program, also provided more insight into the role of James Cook University (JCU) under a profession-led model.
 
‘[JCU] will be contracted by both GP colleges to deliver their college-led training programs in North Queensland,’ a committee communique stated.
 
‘The partnership will be further articulated in college communications to the sector.’
 
The next committee meeting is scheduled to take place on 11 October.
 
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Dr Evan Wayne Ackermann   12/09/2022 9:41:27 PM

The RACGP has had the administrative, professional and educational nous to manage a complex training program for some time - its important for the soul of the profession that the RACGP perform this role.
I am very proud that it has done this.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this transition.


RURAL GP   13/09/2022 8:48:01 AM

Great news. But, please explain ?
Why did I get the following message from the PHN yesterday.?
"The ACT and NSW Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will play a key role in gathering the local data to inform the distribution of the GP trainee workforce after being awarded a grant through the Australian Government’s Health Workforce Program.
As PHNs, our role will be to use our well-established relationships with local general practices to collect data on the current GP workforce, training practice accreditation, capacity and any retirement and succession plans. "
I dont get it ? To be clear I do not want to work with my PHN, which is just another layer of government. ( don't start me)


A.Prof Christopher David Hogan   13/09/2022 4:47:06 PM

I am very glad that GP training has returned to the RACGP where it belongs.
Can we ensure that
-full support is available to IMGs & their families
- the syllabus includes practice management
- the syllabus includes the history of General Practice in Australia


Dr Naeem Fatehee   13/09/2022 5:12:34 PM

.... like every other medical specialty. About time :)


Dr Tawhid Mohamed Sayed Hassanien   17/09/2022 8:40:03 PM

just wondering if this funding is just for local graduates only ?
is the RACGP continuing to support IMGs to be forced to work and train in rural areas AND fund their own training? does the RACGP represent the interest of only 50% of the workforce?