Humans of Rural Medicine
HOW DO I BECOME A RURAL GP?
In Australia, specialist general practice training is overseen by two colleges
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) are both approved by the Australian Medical Council to train and examine GP registrars seeking to attain fellowships. This leads to vocational (specialist) registration as a GP recognised by the Department of Health.
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ACRRM offers a 4-year specialist training program specifically designed for doctors desiring a career in rural generalism, leading to Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM). During this time, registrars are not only trained as traditional GPs, but they also obtain advanced specialised training in a field that they desire.
RACGP offers a traditional 3-year specialist training program that is designed for standard general practice, leading to Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). They then offer an additional 1-year of rural medicine training on top of their traditional 3-year program. This leads to an additional qualification, Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP). The FARGP cannot be obtained as a separate fellowship and FARGP holders must obtain the FRACGP.
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Both the FRACGP and FACRRM are equivalent in terms of the recognition of a vocationally trained general practitioner, however in terms of rural medicine training, only the FARGP is equivalent to the FACRRM.
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Both colleges accept applications as early as intern year (for PGY2 start), meaning that you could become a specialist as early as PGY5!
ACRRM GP Training
Core Clinical Training Time (first 12 months)
Core clinical training time working in metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals. You can apply to the training program as an intern and undertake your second year as part of GP training. There are compulsory rotations.
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Primary Rural and Remote Training (24 months)
Training takes place in rural and remote posts in hospitals, general practice, Aboriginal Health Services, community health services and other posts. You will build clinical and procedural skills, provide comprehensive and continuing care across the primary and secondary continuum. Advanced skills training can be integrated at this stage with ACRRM approval.
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Advanced Specialised Training (12 months)
Training in one of 10 ACRRM-specified disciplines, extending your skills and knowledge in one specialised area relevant to rural and remote general practice. Training can occur in metropolitan, rural or remote posts.
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RACGP GP Training
Hospital Training Time (first 12 months)
The first year of the program is spent in a hospital which can be completed anywhere in Australia, not necessarily in the region of your RTO.
You will need to complete the following rotations before starting your general practice training: general medicine, general surgery, emergency, paediatrics, and a range of other rotations to provide a breadth of experience.
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Prior to commencing your general practice term, you will need to have completed a basic life support course in the previous 12 months.
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Find out more:
https://www.acrrm.org.au/fellowship/pathways/agpt
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General Practice Training (18 months)
our training organisation will have a list of the placements you will need to complete. You will receive supervision and teaching from GP supervisors. Registrars in the general pathway need to complete at least 12 months in outer metropolitan, rural or Aboriginal health posts during their training. Registrars in the rural pathway must complete at least 18 months in a rural practice setting.
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Extended Skills Training (6 months)
The six months of extended skills training provides an opportunity to develop your general practice skills and can be completed in a variety of RACGP-accredited settings. There is a range of options for extended skills, including palliative care, sports medicine, sexual health or skin cancer medicine.
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Optional Advanced Rural Skills (12 months) - FACRRM 'equivalent'
This leads to an additional Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP). This training year is undertaken working in accredited rural training posts and accredited advanced rural training posts. There are two core modules which must be completed.
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Find out more:
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