Experiences

Choose to be a GP > Experiences

Rural life as a medical student

A day in the life of a GP is as diverse as it is rewarding. No two days are the same, and the variety of work is one of the greatest appeals. Medical students may have the opportunity to undertake a rural placement in general practice and experience this firsthand. It’s a valuable way to get a taste of a career in rural general practice and experience how rich and rewarding it is to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
 

Joanne Kaczmarek

Joanne's story 

Jean-Baptiste Philibert

Jean-Baptiste's story 

GPs in training

GPiTs are at the beginning of their career in rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, with a variety of opportunities for vocational learning in the community. General practice training can take 3−4 years, with many GPiTs undertaking an optional fourth year in Additional Rural Skills Training to earn their Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP).

Dr Gemma Johnston

Gemma's story 

New Fellows

Transitioning from a being a GPiT to an independent, practising GP in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is a major career- and life-changing milestone. RACGP New Fellows are GPs who are in their first five years of Fellowship.
 

Dr Melanie Matthews

Melanie's story 

Dr Catherine Pendrey

Catherine's story 

Being a Rural GP locum

Locuming can provide GPs with a tree or sea change, new experiences, a bit of an adventure and the opportunity to make a difference in rural and remote communities. It comes with both challenges and great rewards, and is an incredible opportunity to see Australia and expand your practice.
 

Dr Laura Fitzgerald

Laura's story 

Dr Janelle Trees

Janelle's story 

Training GPs to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

The transition to RACGP profession-led, community-based GP training is a transformative moment in specialist medical education history. Among the many priorities, the new model is designed to attract and train more GPs across Australia, including in regional and rural Australia, to improve access to quality primary care and increase support for cultural education and training with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help close the gap in health outcomes.
 

Henry Neill

Henry's story 

Dr Kishan Pandithage

Kishan's story 

Working as a team to deliver medical care

Good healthcare not only requires a high-quality GP, but the involvement of a range of medical professionals who contribute to the health of the patient. Aboriginal health workers play a unique role in connecting the local community to the health service, as well as providing clinical care.

Dr Sarah Gleeson

Sarah's story 

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