Competencies arranged by Role

Scientist, educator and researcher


Progressive capability profile of the specialist general practitioner

Last revised: 11 Aug 2025

The specialist GP as a scientist, educator and researcher 


This role includes how a specialist general practitioner has an underlying scientific basis to their work, including the social sciences, integrates evidence into care, supports the learning of others and engages with research. 

   

Milestone competencies 

Capability 

Theme 

Entry 

Foundation 

Consolidation 

Fellowship 

Integrate best available scientific evidence into practice 

 

Critical appraisal and integration of evidence 

 

Access clinical guidelines to assist in clinical decision-making. Understand the importance of appraising research evidence critically 

 

Access and appraise clinical guidelines to assist in clinical decisions in the GP context 

 

Access, appraise and integrate clinical guidelines and other research evidence into clinical decisions 

 

Integrate relevant clinical guidelines, research evidence and practice data into clinical practice 

 

Support learning and improvement through education, mentoring, and engagement with research 

 

Educator and mentor 

Identify opportunities to mentor and support peers 

Provide support and education to others in the practice 

Participate in mentoring, support, constructive feedback and effective education for junior doctors and colleagues 

Provide education, teaching and mentoring to colleagues, students, and others in the practice 

Research literacy 

Understand the importance of robust research methods in delivering trustworthy evidence 

Identify common research methods used in the general practice context to address clinical questions 

Demonstrate a basic understanding of common research methods used in the general practice context and the research questions they can answer 

Identify researchable questions and topics that warrant further research. Demonstrate an understanding of how common research and evaluation methods relevant to the general practice context 

Research engagement 

Identify benefits of patient and practitioner participation in research 

Identify the benefits and challenges of participation in research for patients and practitioners in the general practice setting 

Identify research participation opportunities in general practice.  Identify populations who are underrepresented in research relevant to general practice 

Participate in appropriate research as opportunities arise. Identify gaps in the research literature in areas of interest, and the importance of research evidence in advocacy for patients and general practice 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research 

Understand the historical impact of research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and recognise the importance of culturally safe research, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led research. 

Identify and understand the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and community-led research that respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities, knowledge systems and ways of being and doing. 

Identify opportunities to integrate culturally safe and strengths-based research principles into primary care and recognise gaps where further research can strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes 

Engage in culturally safe research as opportunities arise by partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, upholding data sovereignty, and applying strengths-based approaches. Ensure reciprocity in research by valuing community priorities, sharing findings meaningfully, and fostering sustainable benefits 

 

 

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