YOUR AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK 2023 - GPTT
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YOUR AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK 2023
YOUR AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK
2023
APPLICATIONS OPEN 10.00 AM AEDT MONDAY 21 MARCH 2022
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 11:59 PM AEST TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2022
FIRST INTAKE ELIGIBILITY FINALISATION TUESDAY 24 MAY 2022
FIRST INTAKE NATIONAL ENTRY ASSESSMENT TUESDAY 14 – THURSDAY 16 JUNE 2022
Your AGPT application handbook: 2023 FIRST INTAKE INTERVIEWS SATURDAY 23 JULY – SUNDAY 7 AUGUST 2022
Disclaimer
The information set out in this publication is current at the date of first publication and is intended FIRST INTAKE OFFERS FINALISED FRIDAY 19 AUGUST 2022
for use as a guide of a general nature only and may or may not be relevant to particular patients
or circumstances. Nor is this publication exhaustive of the subject matter. Persons implementing
any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or
judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular circumstances
when so doing. Compliance with any recommendations cannot of itself guarantee discharge of the This guide provides important information to help you apply for You can also find this guide at www.racgp.org.au/agpt
duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional and the the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program in 2023.
This publication is a guide only. Although we’ve made every
premises from which the health professional operates. The self-assessment flowchart in the section ‘AGPT Program effort to ensure the information it contains is correct at the
Accordingly, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Ltd (RACGP) and its employees 2023 eligibility’ will help you determine your eligibility for the time of printing, changes are possible. You should refer to
and agents shall have no liability (including without limitation liability by reason of negligence) to AGPT Program. www.racgp.org.au/agpt for up-to-date information.
any users of the information contained in this publication for any loss or damage (consequential Applications for first intake entry into the 2023 AGPT Program We look forward to receiving your online application for the
or otherwise), cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the open at 10.00 am (AEDT) on Monday 21 March 2022 and close at AGPT Program 2023.
information contained in this publication and whether caused by reason of any error, negligent act, 11.59 pm (AEST) on Tuesday 19 April 2022.
omission or misrepresentation in the information.
Recommended citation
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Your AGPT application handbook: 2023.
East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2021.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Ltd
100 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne, Victoria 3002
Tel 03 8699 0414
Fax 03 8699 0400
www.racgp.org.au
ABN: 34 000 223 807
Published November 2021
© The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2021
This resource is provided under licence by the RACGP. Full terms are available at www.racgp.org.
au/usage/licence. In summary, you must not edit or adapt it or use it for any commercial purposes.
You must acknowledge the RACGP as the owner.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and seas on which we work and live, and pay our
respects to Elders, past, present and future. The Australian General
Practice Training Program:
ID-1635.1 An Australian Government
initiative
CONTENTS
Preface 2
Message from the RACGP President 3
Registrar profile 4
Acronyms and initialisms 6
Why choose to train towards Fellowship with the RACGP? 7
General practice training 10
Opportunities and supports in general practice 14
New Fellow profile 17
RACGP national selection process 18
Stage 1: Application and eligibility 19
AGPT Program 2023 eligibility 20
The 10-year moratorium 21
General/rural pathway eligibility guide: AGPT 23
Overview of the online application system 24
Online application form 25
Section A: Personal details 26
Section B: Eligibility 27
Section C: Prior experience 29
Section D: Special provisions 30
Section E: Training preferences 31
Section F: Referees 32
Section G: Applicant declaration 33
Supporting documents 35
Delays to the application process 38
Mandatory supporting documents 39
Registrar profile 43
Stage 2: National entry assessment 44
Stage 3: Interview and offers 45
Glossary 48
AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 1
THE AGPT PROGRAM IS MESSAGE FROM THE RACGP PRESIDENT
THE PREMIER PROGRAM
FOR DOCTORS WISHING TO When you choose a career in general practice, you choose to
become a specialist in your patients’ lives. Nothing is more
rewarding than getting to know your patients and providing
remote area, where you’ll be welcomed into the community and
exposed to an even wider set of experiences, further broadening
your skill set. You’ll help address inequalities in healthcare and
PURSUE THE SPECIALTY OF personalised care based on trust and understanding. Building
meaningful relationships with patients and their families across
ensure all Australians have access to high-quality care regardless
of their location.
GENERAL PRACTICE
their many health needs is a rewarding, person-centred approach
to healthcare unique to general practice. We’re excited about the changes ahead in 2023 as the general
practice colleges take back responsibility from regional training
The relationships you form with your community will help you organisations (RTOs) for training the next generation of GPs.
deliver effective healthcare across all stages of life and in response As we work towards that milestone, our highest priority is
to a huge variety of presentations. A career in general practice is ensuring the transition is seamless for our registrars, supervisors,
as diverse as it is fulfilling – every consultation is different, and educators, practices and other training sites and for the
The RACGP is a leader in the provision of general every consultation is an opportunity to help someone take the next communities we serve.
step to better health.
practice training, and we’ve supported more than The RACGP training model is profession-led and community-
23,000 GPs to achieve Fellowship since 1958. The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program with
the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is
based, and it links with continuing professional development
programs to support lifelong learning for our Fellows.
the premier training pathway for future GPs. This guide takes you
through the selection process for the AGPT Program and answers When you choose a career in general practice, the RACGP is
We are Australia’s largest professional general practice your questions about specialising in general practice. behind you all the way. You’ll join a collegiate community of
lifelong learning, and the RACGP will continue to support you
organisation, representing more than 40,000 GPs During your time in the AGPT Program you’ll treat a range of post-Fellowship with high-quality education recognised throughout
across the country working in or towards a career patient populations, train under diverse supervisors and mentors,
and learn about different general practice business models. The
the health sector. We look forward to you joining us in the exciting
career of general practice.
in general practice. RACGP will support you throughout your training and equip you
with all the knowledge, skills and experience you need to practise Dr Karen Price
independently anywhere in Australia. RACGP President
From 2023, we will assume direct responsibility for Big cities and small towns alike need skilled GPs, so a career in
delivering the AGPT Program under a profession-led, general practice will take you wherever you want to go. You can
choose to train in a fast-paced city environment or in a rural or
community-based model. This will bring the general
practice training into line with other medical specialist
training programs across the nation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The AGPT Program is an Australian Government initiative.
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REGISTRAR PROFILE DR GEMMA JOHNSTON
AGPT REGISTRAR
Born in Darwin, Gemma belongs to the
TRAINING LOCATION:
Jawoyn people of the Northern Territory BROOME, WA
and has always wanted to be a doctor. TRAINING REGION:
She is currently completing her general WESTERN AUSTRALIA
practice training and is based in Broome.
What triggered this career path for you?
When I was a medical student, I was lucky enough to complete my general
practice rural term over eight weeks up in Wyndham at the very top of WA,
in the East Kimberley. I loved everything about it – the diversity of being the
person to deliver babies, working in the emergency centre, visiting people
in their homes or flying out to nearby communities. I also really enjoyed the
lifestyle aspect – one minute you’re working in the office and the next I was
in the supervisor’s troopy [jeep] going down the road to go fishing. This
really opened my eyes to a different kind of working lifestyle.
What do you enjoy most about working in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health?
I like the fact that you're part of the community. When you go down to the
shops, you see members of the community and your patients and you get to
see their journeys outside of medicine. I think that’s a big part.
The job can be both rewarding and quite challenging. Sometimes you get
really complex cases from our Aboriginal population, and you're in an area
where there's limited access to specialists and services, so it forces you to
think on your feet and treat people out of your comfort zone.
4 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 5
ACRONYMS AND INITIALISMS WHY CHOOSE TO TRAIN TOWARDS
FELLOWSHIP WITH THE RACGP?
ACRRM Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
ADF Australian Defence Force Attaining Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) means a GP is competent to deliver safe,
specialised and high-quality general practice care in Australia’s metropolitan, rural,
AEDT Australian Eastern Daylight Time remote and very remote communities.
AEST Australian Eastern Standard Time
AGPT Program Australian General Practice Training Program
AHPRA Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
AMC Australian Medical Council
Support Rural support Flexibility
AMG Australian medical graduate
The RACGP supports nine out With more than 20,000 rural RACGP registrars have access to
ARST Advanced Rural Skills Training
of every 10 Australian GPs, members, RACGP Rural flexible training arrangements,
FARGP Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice including 5500 registrars registrars benefit from an as well as the option to
annually working towards established, well-supported complete further training for the
FGAMS foreign graduate of an accredited medical school Fellowship. program that meets their Fellowship of Advanced Rural
specific needs. General Practice (FARGP) and
FRACGP Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners rural generalist training.
GP general practitioner
GPSA General Practice Supervisors Australia
MMM Modified Monash Model
OTD overseas-trained doctor (also referred to as an international medical graduate)
Advocacy Aboriginal and Torres Strait
RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Islander workforce
RPL recognition of prior learning With more than 40,000
members, the RACGP has a The RACGP provides dedicated support
You will find further explanation of some of these terms in the glossary. powerful voice to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
for registrars at all levels of doctors applying for the AGPT Program and
government. registrars working towards Fellowship.
6 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 7
About FRACGP Rural generalist medicine is a well- • 12 months of advanced rural skills The RACGP journey towards Fellowship
established model of care practised by training (ARST) in an accredited
Attaining FRACGP demonstrates to
many GPs in rural and remote areas procedural or non-procedural
governments, the general practice
across Australia. training post
profession, and Australian and overseas HOSPITAL TRAINING TIME
communities that you’ve met the required • six months of core emergency MEDICAL SCHOOL (FOUR TO SIX YEARS)
level of competence to practise safely and FARGP medicine training. The minimum requirement for entering general
unsupervised in any Australian general The RACGP’s FARGP qualification is practice training is one year of training in an
Visit www.racgp.org.au/fargp for more
practice setting – metropolitan, rural, recognised as an appropriate end point Australian or New Zealand hospital. If you have
information.
remote and very remote communities. for rural generalist training on state and more than one year of hospital training experience,
It also allows you to access specialist
territory rural generalist programs and APPLYING FOR GENERAL you may be eligible to reduce your training time.
under the AGPT Rural Generalist (AGPT AGPT Rural Generalist Policy
medical registration and, consequently, PRACTICE TRAINING
RG) Policy, which you can find on the In addition to the opportunities under
A1 rebate rates under Medicare legislation. If you decide that a career in general
Department of Health website at www. the RACGP’s FARGP, the AGPT Program
The pathway to awarding FRACGP health.gov.au/resources/publications/ provides additional flexibility under the AGPT practice is for you, submit an application
FARGP REGISTRAR PATHWAY
involves recognising differences in agpt-program-rural-generalist- RG Policy if you wish to train to become a during your intern year or any year
experience, formal and informal learning, policy-2020 rural generalist. subsequent (ie PGY2 onwards).. Enrolling in the FARGP allows you to complete an
required general practice experience, and extra 12 months of ARST, extending your active
The FARGP gives you the opportunity to AGPT RG candidates must choose to train
assessment processes, including formative training from three years to four years. Enrolling
develop additional emergency medicine towards FRACGP combined with FARGP. You
and summative assessments. in the RG gives you a further 12 months.
skills and procedural or non-procedural can opt to train as a rural generalist at any
The FRACGP is underpinned by a skills in the following areas: stage of your training. You can also opt out of We recommend completing the FARGP and RG
comprehensive suite of RACGP education
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait
AGPT RG if your situation changes down the GENERAL PRACTICE TRAINING during your general practice training so you get
materials, including the Competency profile track and continue the AGPT Program with (THREE YEARS) the most out of your experience and fulfil the
Islander health
of the Australian general practitioner at no disruption. majority requirements before heading into the
the point of Fellowship, the Curriculum • adult internal medicine Vocational training towards FRACGP is three years
The AGPT RG Policy gives rural registrars full time (or part-time equivalent), including hospital Fellowship exams. You can also complete the
for Australian General Practice
• anaesthetics extra time to complete the training, which
training (12 months), general practice placements FARGP and RG post-Fellowship (see below).
and the Standards for General
can include the opportunity to complete
Practice Training. • child health (18 months) and extended skills training (six months).
more than one advanced skills training term
• emergency medicine and eased restrictions to transfer between
training regions. ACADEMIC POST
Why not combine • mental health care
Visit www.racgp.org.au/rural-generalist
FRACGP with additional • obstetrics
for more information.
You can apply for an academic post term after
rural skills training over completing your first general practice term.
• palliative care RACGP FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATIONS Applications may open before you finish this term, so
four years to expand your • surgery. The RACGP assessment includes the Applied keep an eye on application dates and discuss with
skill set? Additional skills will be considered on Knowledge Test, the Key Feature Problem your training coordinator early. Register your interest
application to the RACGP Rural Censor as exam and the Clinical Competence Exam. and start thinking about your research project.
About the Fellowship of part of an individually designed program. This 12-month post is completed concurrently
Advanced Rural General You have four years to complete the with your clinical placement. The post can be done
requirements and achieve FRACGP and as the extended skills component of your training
Practice (FARGP) and rural program, as extended training time or as an FARGP
FARGP. Developing your additional rural
generalist training skills with the FARGP helps give patients APPLICATION FOR FELLOWSHIP ARST, if approved by the RACGP Rural Censor.
GPs are an integral part of rural more options for accessing safe and
communities, and the skills they practise comprehensive care in Australia’s rural, Successful completion of RACGP
depend on the context in which they work remote and very remote communities. training and assessment.
and the specific needs of their community. The FARGP pathway offers the greatest FARGP PRACTISING RURAL GENERAL
The term ‘rural generalist’ describes a rural benefits when completed over the full period PRACTITIONER PATHWAY
GP who is working to the full scope of their of the training program, well before you start The FARGP and RG are available to eligible
practice with skill sets informed by the preparing for your final FRACGP exams. practising GPs. The pathway recognises the skills,
needs of the community they serve. Their RACGP FELLOWSHIP experience and training of practising rural GPs.
To attain your FARGP, you must have:
skills encompass comprehensive general
practice and emergency care and required • an FARGP learning plan(s)
components of other non-GP specialist care • 12 months in a rural general
in hospital and community settings. practice setting CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
VOCATIONAL TRAINING PATHWAY ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
8 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 9
GENERAL PRACTICE TRAINING Recognition of prior learning
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for an
Basic and advanced life support
During your training, you must complete further skills in basic
exemption from the first year of the program. Certain requirements and advanced life support. You must have completed a basic life
must be met in order for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to support course in the 12 months prior to starting your first general
be granted by the relevant State Censor, so it’s important not to practice term, and all courses must meet RACGP criteria.
assume you’ll be granted an exemption before applying.
The AGPT Program is a three-year, Rural and general pathways Visit www.racgp.org.au/bls-als-guidance for more information.
Visit www.racgp.org.au/rpl-policy for more information.
full-time (or part-time equivalent) Registrars in the general pathway train mainly in metropolitan
program. If you decide to complete the areas. In this pathway, you must spend at least 12 months of the Employment during the program
general practice training time in an outer-metropolitan, rural or Taking leave from training
FARGP or rural generalist training, non-capital-city location or in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait While in the program, you must be an employee of the practice
Various forms of leave are available to registrars in the AGPT where you work; you can’t work as a contractor. You’ll need to
you’ll have an additional year (at least) Islander health training post. Alternatively, you can combine two
Program; visit www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ negotiate an employment agreement with the practice before
six-month periods in these locations.
to complete the program. agpt-program-leave-policy-2020 for more information. you start your training. The National Terms and Conditions for
Training in the rural pathway occurs in a variety of locations outside You should note that apart from statutory leave, you can’t start the Employment of Registrars outlines the minimum employment
You have some flexibility in when and how the essential metropolitan regions, in areas designated as Modified Monash your program with leave. conditions that practices must meet, including pay rates and leave
components of your training are completed, such as the Model (MMM) 2–7, which range from larger regional towns to more allowances. Visit https://gpra.org.au/ntcer for more information.
remote areas of Australia. After providing appropriate supporting evidence, you may place
ability to complete the training part time.
your RACGP membership on hold during periods of approved leave
Generally, doctors training in rural areas are expected to live in the that are three or more months in duration. You aren’t required to
Hospital training (12 months) rural community where they work. You can find more information pay fees while your membership is on hold.
on MMM areas at www.health.gov.au/health-topics/health-
You’ll spend the first year of the AGPT Program in a hospital,
workforce/health-workforce-classifications/modified- Visit www.racgp.org.au/gpit-membership-guidance
and you can complete this training anywhere in Australia for more information.
monash-model. Doctors affected by the 10-year moratorium can
(not necessarily in your training region).
only train in this pathway unless they have an exemption.
Some hospital rotations (medicine, surgery, emergency and
Rural qualifications can be completed by general pathway
paediatrics) must be completed by the end of your first year of
registrars, although we recommend the rural pathway. Those
training, before starting a general practice placement. In addition,
applying for the Rural Generalist Fellowship would automatically be
your hospital experience should include a range of other rotations to
on the rural pathway.
broaden your experience.
These rotations can be completed at any time during your
hospital years and don’t need to be completed to allow you to
Extended skills (six months)
apply for training – you can complete them during the first year Extended skills training gives you an opportunity to further develop
of the program. You may not be able to do a specific paediatric your general practice skills, and you can complete this training in a
rotation, so you have various options for completing the paediatric range of RACGP-accredited settings.
experience, such as certain emergency terms. You have many options for extended skills training, including
Visit www.racgp.org.au/mandatory-terms-guidance palliative care, sports medicine, sexual health and skin
for more information. cancer medicine.
You’ll receive a list of available extended skills posts once you join
General practice placements (18 months) the training program.
The RACGP will assist you to find community general practice
placements to suit your training needs and personal circumstances. Cultural awareness and safety
Once you join a practice, you’ll receive teaching and supervision Culturally safe practice is determined by Aboriginal and Torres
from experienced general practice supervisors. To supplement Strait Islander individuals, families and communities. It’s defined
the learning outside of your practice, you will be assigned an as the delivery of safe, accessible and responsive healthcare free
experienced medical educator who will facilitate your learning in a of racism through ongoing critical reflection about knowledge,
range of settings, from small group workshops to large educational skills and attitudes, practising behaviours, and power differentials.
workshops. Your medical educator will also provide teaching All registrars in the AGPT Program complete specific training in
and feedback through practice visits and mentoring throughout these areas as essential building blocks in providing culturally safe
your training. healthcare across Australia.
10 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 11
Training regions Training region contacts Tasmania
The following map shows the available training regions on General Practice Training Tasmania
the AGPT Program.
Tip Australian Capital Territory/New South Wales
W: gptt.com.au
We encourage you to research each training region to determine The three training regions Western New South Wales T: 03 6215 5000
the area where you would like to train. The training organisation covering the Australian Capital Lower Eastern New South Wales E: enquiries@gptt.com.au
currently responsible for each region can give you information Territory and New South Wales are North Eastern New South Wales
regarding training before you start in 2023. currently managed by one training GP Synergy Victoria
organisation.
W: gpsynergy.com.au Eastern Victoria
If the location where you want to T: 1300 477 963 (Int: +61 2 8321 4000)
train appears to straddle two or E: applicant@gpsynergy.com.au Eastern Victoria General Practice Training
more regions, contact the relevant W: evgptraining.com.au
training organisations to determine Queensland T: 1300 851 753
the correct region. E: enquiry@evgptraining.com.au
North Western Queensland
Western Victoria
James Cook University
W: jcugp.edu.au Murray City Country Coast GP Training
T: 07 4781 3262 W: mccc.com.au
E: gpselections@jcu.edu.au T: 1300 622 247
E: info@mccc.com.au
South Eastern Queensland
General Practice Training Queensland Western Australia
W: gptq.qld.edu.au Western Australian General Practice
T: 07 3552 8100 Education and Training
E: gptq@gptq.qld.edu.au
W: wagpet.com.au
Northern T: 08 9473 8200
South Australia E: gpcareers@wagpet.com.au
Territory
GPEx
W: gpex.com.au
North Western Queensland T: 1300 473 972 or 08 8490 0400
E: selection@gpex.com.au
Western Australia
South Northern Territory
Eastern
South Australia Queensland Northern Territory General Practice Education
North W: ntgpe.org
Eastern T: 08 8946 7079
Western NSW E: registrar@ntgpe.org
NSW
Lower
Eastern
Western NSW
Victoria
Eastern Victoria
Tasmania
12 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 13
OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORTS The RACGP’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and
registrars have access to:
RACGP Specific Interests
RACGP Specific Interests, a national faculty of the RACGP,
IN GENERAL PRACTICE
• support to complete the selection process for the AGPT recognises the additional interests and/or expertise held by GPs.
program, including workshops to help prepare for the AGPT Membership is not constrained by geographical location, clinical
national entry assessment expertise or career stage.
• tailored Fellowship exam support It’s never too early to start exploring your interest areas. Being
• GP mentors a GP involves lifelong learning, and your clinical interests may
RACGP Rural: change over time. Whether this is due to personal interests, clinical
General practice offers a wide array of • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars and peers advancements or the changing requirements of your patient
options, allowing you to focus on your • champions the role of rural GPs and provides a strong voice to
• the Yagila Wadamba Support Program population, RACGP Specific Interests will help you engage with and
government and stakeholders to address the challenges of rural learn from like-minded GPs.
areas of interest or tailor your career to general practice • the Growing Strong Award
suit your desired work–life balance. • maintains policy leadership to secure a sustainable rural • tailored webinars.
GPs with subject matter expertise have established, and lead, the
numerous RACGP Specific Interests groups. Group activities vary,
health system with some involved in developing educational materials, policy and
In this section, we outline some opportunities available to you The RACGP also partners with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait
during your general practice training and possibly to expand on • delivers the FARGP and RG training to broaden patient access to Islander organisations, including the Indigenous General Practice clinical guidelines. Others share their research and news through
later in your career. safe, comprehensive healthcare Registrars Network, Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and member communications and online meetings. All offer networking
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. and learning opportunities to their members.
• delivers education activities to develop clinical skills and support
RACGP Specific Interests groups broadly fall into clinical, vocational
Diversity within general practice lifelong learning Visit www.racgp.org.au/atsi-health for more information.
and organisational areas of general practice. Membership is a
Clinical practices range in size, site and structure – some are • administers the Rural Procedural Grants Program to provide benefit available to all RACGP members.
private, some are publicly funded, some are in cities, and some financial assistance for education for rural and remote GPs Yagila Wadamba Support Program
are rural. Many GPs choose to run their own practice, but others Visit www.racgp.org.au/specific-interests
• provides support and guidance to assist medical students, Co-named by the Wurundjeri Council, Yagila Wadamba (meaning
work as employees or contractors. Some choose to work in more for more information.
junior doctors, registrars and GPs ‘learn to heal’) is an annual support program for Aboriginal
than one practice, some do locum work, and many combine clinical and Torres Strait Islander registrars. The two-day workshop
work with work in areas of specific interest, such as dermatology • offers opportunities for networking, mentoring and concentrates on exam performance and other key areas of general Australian Defence Force
or sports medicine. Some GPs might do sessions in hospitals or in professional development. practice training. Participants are able to network with their peers
non-clinical areas, such as administration, teaching or research. We encourage Australian Defence Force (ADF) doctors applying for
Visit www.racgp.org.au/rural for more information. in a friendly and welcoming environment while taking advantage
General practice gives you many options and possibilities. the AGPT Program to speak to their training region to discuss their
of the opportunity to hear and learn from medical educators
options. The AGPT Program offers flexibility for ADF doctors.
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellows. Attendees are
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait supported to not only perform at their best in exams, but to thrive Visit www.racgp.org.au/adf-training for more information.
RACGP Rural
Islander Health throughout their general practice training.
RACGP Rural is a faculty dedicated to rural and remote health. It’s
Australia’s largest representative body of rural GPs. Improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Visit www.racgp.org.au/yagila-wadamba for more information.
is one of Australia’s highest health priorities.
With more than 20,000 members, including almost 10,000 GPs
The RACGP is committed to raising awareness of Aboriginal and Growing Strong Award
living and working in rural and remote Australia, RACGP Rural
recognises the challenges specific to rural and remote areas and Torres Strait Islander health needs and founded the faculty of Through the generous donation of RACGP member Dr Nathan
supports rural GPs and their communities through advocacy, RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in 2010 to Pinskier and Mrs Susan Pinskier, RACGP Aboriginal and Torres
research, education and policy development. help ‘close the gap’ in health and wellbeing outcomes. Strait Islander Health has established the Growing Strong
Award. The award was established to support Aboriginal and/
The unique characteristics of Australia’s rural areas offer diversity in RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health advocates for
or Torres Strait Islander registrars during the early stages of their
complex health presentations and give you opportunities to expand culturally appropriate health delivery systems that improve health
general practice career. The award is presented each year at the
your skills and take on a wide variety of clinical opportunities. outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
RACGP’s annual conference, with the recipient receiving support
In many rural and remote areas across Australia, GPs with We’re dedicated to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to attend the conference (including airfares, accommodation
additional rural skills training (ARST) offer the only specialist general practice workforce and building workforce equity. The and registration), with all remaining funding going towards the
medical services (such as emergency medicine, mental health, faculty provides dedicated support and activities for Aboriginal and recipient’s exam fees.
anaesthesia and obstetrics) available to their communities. Clinical Torres Strait Islander candidates applying for and completing the
The Growing Strong Award supports Aboriginal and Torres
opportunities for rural GPs can include hospital- and community- AGPT Program, as well as for registrars working towards FRACGP.
Strait Islander registrars and complements the RACGP’s existing
based work using a range of procedural and non-procedural skills; Standing Strong Together Award, which is open to Fellows working
emergency response; after-hours services; outreach clinics; and to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
population health initiatives. Islander people.
Visit www.racgp.org.au/atsi-awards for more information.
14 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 15RACGP Foundation PhD pathways
Established in the 1950s, the RACGP Foundation supports GPs
and registrars to do medical research into primary healthcare and
The RACGP supports registrars to complete a PhD alongside
general practice training on a case-by-case basis. Those
DR ALEX MAIN
develops research career pathways. currently enrolled in or intending to enrol in a PhD should contact AGPT NEW FELLOW
gpedresearch@racgp.org.au for support and guidance.
The foundation raises funds to offer a diverse range of research
grants, scholarships, Fellowships and awards that provide
opportunities to complete valuable research. RACGP Academic Post Program TRAINING LOCATION:
The RACGP Foundation is known for its support of early career
researchers and has been credited with starting and supporting
The RACGP Academic Post Program offers registrars within the
AGPT Program a 12-month, part-time salaried research and
ADELAIDE HILLS
many general practice research careers. teaching role in an academic institution, completed simultaneously TRAINING REGION:
with part-time clinical training.
The grants are designed specifically for early-career researchers SOUTH AUSTRALIA
and encourages registrars interested in general practice research to The program gives registrars the opportunity to build their skills
apply for funding and gain experience in the field. in research, teaching and critical thinking. Registrars receive
mentoring and support from their university’s department of general
Through funding and industry collaboration and by nurturing
practice. The RACGP also provides an activity support program,
registrars and general practice researchers, we can build the
which includes face-to-face workshops and attendance at least one
body of evidence that can be implemented on the front line
national conference, with registration and travel costs covered.
– from researcher to practitioner to patient.
The academic post introduces registrars who may otherwise
Visit https://foundation.racgp.org.au/grants or email
not have an opportunity to engage in research and teaching in
foundation@racgp.org.au for more information.
an academic environment. Registrars with previous research
experience will also find the post a valuable experience.
General practice research
NEW FELLOW
The Academic Post Program gives you the chance to:
General practice research underpins clinical practice and is the
Why did you choose general practice?
• contribute to the evidence on which general practice is based
foundation of the high-quality, innovative, efficient and effective My interest in general practice was nearly derailed in
general practice required to deliver positive patient outcomes
for a healthier Australia. GPs must be able to critically appraise
and interpret research evidence as part of their everyday
• gain experience in research and teaching
• disseminate research in professional journals and at conferences PROFILE my pre-vocational years. I had a number of job offers
and clicked particularly well with the surgical team.
But it was around a year into my surgical training
general practice. • help build the foundation for a career as a general practice
that the excitement of surgery and acute medicine
academic or medical educator
Opportunities for academic training support the development of a began to wear off. It was then I realised that what
future workforce that has the necessary skills to complete and lead • join a nationwide cohort of other academic post registrars. makes medicine enjoyable is the constant intellectual
general practice research.
Visit www.racgp.org.au/academic-posts for more information. During a work experience stimulation offered by the generalist medical
position while in medical school, specialties. I also realised that what sustains my
interest is forming long-term relationships with patients
Tip
Alex experienced the caring, and seeing the difference this makes to their lives.
intellectual and engaged nature
You can get involved in research as part of What excites you about general practice?
your FRACGP or FARGP training by applying of GPs firsthand. It wasn’t until The biggest single myth about general practice is
for the RACGP Academic Post Program.
Working part time in a university department
a year into his surgical training that it’s ‘boring medicine’ – scripts, referrals, coughs
and colds. What is crazy about this myth is that the
and in general practice offers significant that he realised generalist opposite is true – general practice can be very mentally
advantages for your career aspirations.
Getting involved in research during
medical specialties offered him demanding. On an average day, I’ll see patients with
a mixture of mental health, skin, eye, cardiovascular,
your training can also create valuable the stimulation and satisfaction musculoskeletal, neurology, paediatrics, respiratory
opportunities for building an academic
career you can pursue in parallel with needed to make medicine medicine, women’s health, men’s health and wound
care. These problems are usually undifferentiated
general practice.
enjoyable. Alex is now a Fellow and require listening, concentrating and problem
solving from first principles. This in contrast to a
of the RACGP and a valuable specialist practice, where problems are usually already
member of the team at Norton differentiated and there are narrow range of presenting
complaints, so clinicians often use pattern recognition
Summit Medical Centre in the and follow protocols.
Adelaide Hills.
16 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 17RACGP NATIONAL STAGE 1: APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
STAGE 2
SELECTION National entry assessment Key dates
PROCESS FOR
Tip
14–16 June 2022
10.00 am AEDT Monday 21 March − Applications open If you’ve sat RACGP Fellowship exams on
THE 2023 AGPT
Eligible candidates sit the Candidate any pathway since January 2019, starting
Assessment and Applied Knowledge Test 11.59 pm AEST Tuesday 19 April − Applications close on the AGPT Program doesn’t reset the six
(CAAKT), a computer-based test featuring semesters you have to enrol in exams. The
PROGRAM Knowledge Test questions and Situational
Judgement Test questions.
Tuesday 24 May – Eligibility assessment outcome
AGPT Program application and
RACGP suspends your candidacy, but any
previous attempts remain.
For more information, refer to the Fellowship
The CAAKT is based on the RACGP eligibility check Exam Attempts Policy at www.racgp.org.au/
Curriculum and focuses on knowledge, fellowship-exam-attempts-policy
skills and attributes related to You must register and then submit an online application.
becoming a GP. The application includes:
• mandatory personal details and work-related
information fields
STAGE 1 • mandatory supporting documentation The RACGP will assess whether some applications are eligible for
the AGPT Program on a case-by-case basis. Instances when this is
• referee details the case include, but aren’t limited to if you have:
Application and eligibility • training region and pathway preferences. • previously participated in the AGPT program and were
21 March – 24 May 2022 Your application is assessed against the AGPT Program eligibility involuntarily withdrawn
criteria. To be eligible, you must: • conditions, restrictions, suspensions and/or undertakings on
Applications for the first intake of the 2023
AGPT Program open at 10.00 am (AEDT) on
STAGE 3 • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian your medical registration.
permanent resident or on an accepted temporary visa with an We may require such applicants to provide additional
Monday 21 March 2022 and close at 11.59 pm active Australian permanent residency application documentation with their application. We’ll contact you if we need
(AEST) on Tuesday 19 April 2022. more details or supporting documentation.
Interview and offers • have recognised medical qualifications
Candidates must complete an online application • hold, or expect to hold, general medical registration prior to You should send any questions about RACGP AGPT Program
23 July – 7 August 2022 eligibility, application information or queries about mandatory
form at www.racgp.org.au/agpt beginning your training program
supporting documents to agpteligibility@racgp.org.au
The application process includes providing Candidates who achieve the required • be willing to withdraw from any other medical training programs
standard in the CAAKT will progress to in which you’re currently participating Applicants who want to apply to both the RACGP and
supporting documentation and referee Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine should email
details. Candidates can nominate up to the next stage of selection and may be • have fulfilled all requirements of the Australian Medical Council educationpolicy@racgp.org.au to ask for more information.
four preferred training regions between allocated to an interview in line with their or the Competent Authority pathway, if you obtained your The RACGP will reach out to you prior to applications opening with
the rural and general pathways. CAAKT score, cohort ranking, and stated medical qualification outside Australia or New Zealand (for details of the options available.
training region and pathway preferences. overseas-trained doctors only)
The RACGP will check applications and • have a minimum of one exam semester remaining to
supporting documents to establish eligibility Format of the interviews can be either
complete all Fellowship exams, as per the Fellowship Exam
for the AGPT Program. multiple mini-interview or a single
Attempts Policy, if you’ve previously sat Fellowship exams
interview with a panel. since January 2019.
We’ll notify candidates of their eligibility no
later than Tuesday 24 May. Candidates are notified of the interview
outcome via email and must respond to
any training offers in writing.
18 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 19AGPT PROGRAM 2023 ELIGIBILITY THE 10-YEAR MORATORIUM
FOR OVERSEAS DOCTORS
The following flowchart can be used to determine eligibility for entry into the AGPT Program in 2023.
Citizenship Are you an Australian/New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, or will be by 21 September 2021? Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cwlth) applies
to some doctors seeking to practise in Australia, including
Yes No overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) and foreign graduates of an
Tip
accredited medical school (FGAMS). The Act restricts access
We advise you to apply for an
to Medicare benefits and requires these doctors to work in
Primary medical Did you obtain your Are you a temporary resident who obtained your primary medical exemption as early as possible
a distribution priority area (for GPs) or a district of workforce
qualification primary medical qualification in Australia/New Zealand and is currently applying for because approval can be a lengthy
shortage (for specialists) for a minimum period of 10 years in
qualification in Australia? Australian permanent residency? process.
order to access Medicare arrangements. In this guide, we refer
to these restrictions as a moratorium. The RACGP AGPT eligibility team
Yes No No Yes isn’t responsible for granting
Section 19AB applies for a minimum of 10 years from the date a
exemptions to Section 19AB –
doctor first gains medical registration in Australia, which includes
applicants seeking an exemption
Did you obtain your primary medical qualification in New Zealand? You are not eligible provisional or limited registration. The moratorium ends at the
must contact the Access Programs
10-year mark, provided the doctor is a permanent resident or
Section of the Department of
citizen of Australia. The moratorium otherwise continues for a
Yes No Health via 19AB@health.gov.au.
temporary resident until they become a permanent resident or
Exemptions must be submitted
citizen of Australia.
to the RACGP by 5.00 pm (AEST)
Are you an AMC* graduate who has successfully completed all elements of the AMC? 6 July 2022.
Yes No
Will you receive your Will you have done so and received your
AMC certificate by AMC certificate by 21 September 2021?
21 September 2021?
Yes No
Yes No
Will you have completed the
Please contact competent authority pathway via
the RACGP on AHPRA† by 21 September 2021?
1800 472 247
Yes No
You are not eligible
Medical Do you expect to have general medical registration without conditions or undertakings in Australia by the
registration commencement of training?
Yes No
Other training Are you enrolled in any other specialist vocational training programs (including AGPT)? Please contact
programs the RACGP on
Yes No 1800 472 247
Please contact the RACGP on 1800 472 247 It appears you are eligible
*Australian Medical Council
†
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority
20 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 21When applying for the AGPT Program, you must nominate either
the general or rural pathway for each of your training region
preferences. If you’re subject to Section 19AB, you’re restricted
New Zealand doctors
Doctors who obtained their primary medical qualification at an GENERAL/ Tip
RURAL PATHWAY
accredited Australian or New Zealand university and were either
from nominating the general pathway and must train on the
a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand from the date of
rural pathway. Applicants subject to Section
enrolment for that qualification aren’t subject to Section 19AB of
ELIGIBILITY
The general pathway is for doctors who wish to train primarily in the Health Insurance Act and may train on either the general or rural
19AB can’t train on the general
inner- and/or outer-metropolitan areas. Doctors on the general pathway.
pathway unless they provide a
pathway can train in MMM 1–7 areas. Doctors who train on the formal letter of exemption from
GUIDE: AGPT
rural pathway generally do all of their training in rural and remote
If you’re unsure of your moratorium status, refer to the Section the Department of Health to
areas (MMM 2–7). You can find the MMM classification for any
19AB flowchart in the section titled ‘General/rural pathway eligibility the RACGP under Section 19AB
given area by using the locator tool on the Department of Health
guide – AGPT’ for more information, contact the Department by 5.00 pm (AEST) 6 July 2022.
of Health at 19AB@health.gov.au or search ‘19AB’
website at health.gov.au
at health.gov.au
Note: If you’re subject to Section 19AB, you can only
select rural pathway preferences, unless an exemption is Moratorium scaling OTD and FGAMS applicants can use the following
submitted to the RACGP by 5.00 pm (AEST) 6 July 2022. ‘Moratorium scaling’ is a non-cash incentive that gives OTDs and flowchart as a guide to determine if they’re subject to
FGAMS the chance to reduce their moratorium period by working
Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act. Applicants
in an eligible location and meeting a monthly Medicare billing
threshold.
should identify which of the two categories applies to
Section 19AB exemption them and then follow the arrows to determine which
You can find more information on scaling at health.gov.au/ pathway they’re eligible to apply for.
If you’re subject to the 10-year moratorium but believe you have
health-workforce/medicare-billing-restrictions/10-year-
exceptional circumstances that are outside your control and would
moratorium-scaling
prevent you from training on the rural pathway, you can apply to
the Access Programs Section of the Department of Health for a If you believe you’ve received a scaling discount on your
letter of exemption that would make you eligible to apply for the moratorium, check your revised end date through the Department 1 2
general pathway. of Human Services PRODA system at humanservices.gov.au/
organisations/health-professionals/services/
An example of when exceptional circumstances may be approved is
medicare/proda You obtained your primary medical qualification overseas You obtained your primary medical qualification in Australia
if you provide evidence of caring for an immediate family member
with a medical condition (supported by independent medical If you need more detailed information about your individual (but not in New Zealand) or New Zealand
evidence) requiring you to be in a metropolitan area. circumstances as it relates to Section 19AB, including eligibility and
applications for an exemption, contact the Department of Health
To apply for an exemption, or for more advice,
Access Programs Section at 19AB@health.gov.au
email 19AB@health.gov.au By the commencement of training will you have been medically Were you an Australian/New Zealand citizen or
registered in Australia for a period of 10 years or longer and permanent resident at the time you enrolled in your
You’ll only be considered for a general pathway training place after
currently hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship? Australian/New Zealand medical degree?
providing definitive evidence that you’re not subject to Section 19AB
or showing that you hold a letter of exemption from the Department
of Health. Refer to ‘Health Insurance’ (Section 19AB Exemptions No No
Guidelines) Determination 2019 subsection 6 at comlaw.gov.au
and search ‘Section 19AB Guidelines’.
Were you assessed as eligible to sit the By commencement of training will you have
AMC examinations prior to 1 January 1997? been medically registered in Australia for a
Yes Yes
period of 10 years or longer and currently hold
Note: The determination of your Section 19AB status, for
Australian permanent residency or citizenship?
the purposes of the AGPT Program, is based on your date
of first medical registration in Australia, as listed on the Yes No
Yes No
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Register of Practitioners.
If your date of first registration in Australia as provided on It appears that you may It appears that you It appears that you may It appears that you
the application differs from the date listed on AHPRA, you’ll not be subject to Section may be subject to not be subject to Section may be subject to
need to submit additional documentation that supports the 19AB of the Act (the Section 19AB of the 19AB of the Act (the Section 19AB of the
different date. 10-year moratorium) and Act (the 10-year 10-year moratorium) and Act (the 10-year
should be able to apply moratorium) and may should be able to apply moratorium) and may
for both the general and be restricted to the for both the general and be restricted to the
rural pathway rural pathway rural pathway rural pathway
? ?
22 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 23OVERVIEW OF Tip
ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
THE ONLINE If you want to pursue a dual
APPLICATION SYSTEM
Fellowship with both the The following is an outline of the sections you need to complete and
RACGP and ACRRM, register information you need to provide in the online application system.
your interest by emailing Tip
educationpolicy@racgp.org.au
Application category classification Make sure you answer
Before completing the application, you need to determine your all residency and medical
Registering applicant category. Each applicant category has specific mandatory qualification questions correctly
supporting documentation requirements. because these determine
To register online, go to www.racgp.org.au/agpt and register
your applicant category
with a current and active email address. If you experience problems submitting your online application, first You’ll fall into one of four applicant categories:
classification. Review the
Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email within two make sure you’ve completed all mandatory fields (denoted by a red 1. Australian medical graduate (AMG) flowchart below to determine
hours, which will include: asterisk*), including: your category.It’s important to
2. AMG born overseas
• postcodes provide the required supporting
• a six-digit applicant ID that will be your username
3. Foreign graduate of an accredited medical school (FGAMS) documents to avoid delays in
• a temporary password valid for one login only – you’ll need to • email addresses processing your application.
change your password after you’ve logged in for the first time. 4. Overseas-trained doctor (OTD)
• correct number of digits in telephone numbers.
If you don’t receive a registration email or if you experience any You must determine which applicant category you fall into to be
If you still experience problems, email a copy of any error messages
trouble logging in to your applicant portal, contact the RACGP at able to supply the correct mandatory documentation.
to agpteligibility@racgp.org.au
agpteligibility@racgp.org.au Applicant categories are determined by three factors:
If you experience problems but don’t receive an error message,
Applicant categories are only used for the AGPT Program
call us on 1800 472 247. 1. Country of birth
Note: Late applications won’t be accepted. eligibility process.
2. Country in which you obtained your primary medical
You should review the following flowchart to determine your
Applicant portal qualification
applicant category. The questions in the flowchart also appear on
All registered applicants have access to an individual 3. Residency status at the date of enrolment in an Australian/ the screen before you start the online application. You can refer
Submitting your online application applicant portal. You can only access your portal after you’ve New Zealand primary medical qualification back to this page at any time during your application.
successfully registered.
See the section ‘Online application form’ for more information on
filling out the form. Questions marked with a red asterisk (*) on the You can use this portal to:
application form are mandatory.
• check the status of your application Were you born in Australia or New Zealand?
Once you’ve submitted your completed online application, we’ll
• upload further documentation, if requested by the RACGP
assess it to make sure you’ve completed all mandatory fields and Yes No
uploaded all mandatory documents. • update your contact details
You’ll receive a PDF copy of your application via email after you • view your completed application
Did you obtain your primary medical qualification in Australia Did you obtain your primary medical qualification in Australia
submit it.
• update your previous hospital experience or New Zealand? or New Zealand?
• check your 10-year moratorium status
Yes No Yes No
• check your eligibility status
Tip • change your training preferences up until 19 April 2022.
Apply as an AMG Apply as an OTD Were you an Australian or New Zealand permanent Apply as an OTD
Please make sure your application is resident or citizen at the time you enrolled in your
submitted by the due date: 11.59 pm (AEST) Australian/New Zealand medical qualification?
on Tuesday 19 April 2022.
Yes No
If you need to make any changes to your
application, email agpteligibility@racgp.
org.au with the relevant details. You’ll be
Apply as an AMG born overseas Apply as an FGAMS
notified once these changes have
been applied.
24 | AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 AGPT APPLICATION HANDBOOK: 2023 | 25You can also read
