AGPT Academic Post Program

Applications for the 2024 program have now closed, express your interest for the 2025 program below

Build your skills in research and critical thinking

The everyday practice of GPs is based on evidence. GPs need to be able to filter, critically appraise, interpret and apply the information available to them. The Australian General Practice Training program (AGPT) seeks to ensure registrars have the opportunity to build their skills in the areas of research, teaching and critical thinking through 12-month Academic Post training terms.

An Academic Post is a 12-month (0.5FTE) training term undertaken concurrently with clinical work as part of registrar training on the AGPT Program.

About the program

An academic post is an AGPT training term in which registrars learn academic skills through individualised learning plans with mentoring and support from training providers, universities and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

The post aims to provide exposure to research and teaching in an academic environment and encourages registrars to incorporate academic work into their careers. Successful grantees will complete their academic term within a Department of General Practice, or equivalent, at a University whilst completing their clinical training concurrently.

There are a total of 20 academic posts available every year. This includes two specialised posts, the AIDA post offered to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander general practice registrar, and the AJGP post , incorporates a standard Academic Post with additional editing work.

Why should I apply for an Academic Post?

The Academic Post allows registrars to diversify their skillset and experience various opportunities available to them throughout their general practice careers. The benefits of taking part in the program include:

  • Building skills in academia and research

  • Participating in teaching activities

  • Being a part of an academic unit within a university

  • Exposes registrars to a different career pathway in general practice

  • Network with other GPs in training and GP researchers/academic GPs

  • Receiving RACGP-funded registration, flights and accommodation to selected national conferences

  • Receiving access to professional development and research funding

  • Enhanced job opportunities

Helpful readings

Webinars

To find out how to apply for the program and to hear from previous Academic Post registrars about their experiences – please watch the webinars below.
 

2023 Academic Registrar Showcase webinar

2024 Academic Post pre-application webinar

2024 Academic Post NSW/ACT university information webinar

2024 Academic Post VIC university information webinar


 

2023 pre-application webinar

2022 Academic Registrar Showcase webinar

2022 pre-application webinar

2021 Academic Registrar Showcase webinar

Learn more

Previous Academic Post registrar interviews

Want to hear some advice from previous participants of the program? Watch this video to hear about why these four registrars chose to do an Academic Post, and what advice they would give to prospective applicants.

Why should I consider an academic post?

2017 Academic Post registrar Dr Rebekah Hoffman’s research focused on burnout and wellbeing of junior doctors. Watch the following interview with Rebekah discussing her experience in the program and advice she has for future applicants.

The Academic Post program experience

Want to know more about the experience of the Academic Post program? Hear from four Academic Post registrars who undertook the program in 2019. They will discuss their experience in the program and any advice they have for prospective applicants.

The specialised AJGP Academic Post position

Have you heard about our AJGP Academic Post position? Are you interested in applying? Learn from the most recent recipient of this position – Dr Laxmi Iyengar in this short video about the position and what it involves.

What are the steps to applying for an Academic Post?

The application period for the 2024 program is now closed, if you would like to express your interest for the 2025 program please do so here.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility for a post with their medical educator and liaise with their proposed university supervisor before commencing an application.

Registrars must:

  • Be enrolled in the AGPT Program; and
  • Have completed at least GPT1 of their core vocational training at the time of commencement of the post;
  • Have not obtained Fellowship

Registrars are also encouraged to request support from RACGP staff before and during the application process via email gpedresearch@racgp.org.au or phone (03) 8699 0418.

Join us for our academic post information webinar to learn about the program and prepare for the application process. Our panelist will included 2022 academic post registrar Dr Chavy Arora;  Monash University's Dr Chris Barton and RACGP Academic Post Coordinator Georgia Franklin.

Register now

The application guide for the 2024 program is now available.
 

Download 2024 program

Registrars must link with a university prior to beginning their application form. Please see below for an up to date list of the actively participating universities in the Academic Post program and their relevant contact details. If prospective applicants would like to know more about the research areas or teaching opportunities at any of these universities they can contact Universities directly or liaise with the RACGP Education Research Unit at gpedresearch@racgp.org.au.

Download the list now

Registrars must develop a research proposal as part of their application form and this must be done in collaboration with a university supervisor from a Department of General Practice, rural clinical school or equivalent. Access the list of participating universities and their contact details here:

Download the list now

A ‘specialised academic post’ is a post where some objectives of the term are predetermined. Specialised posts are designed to facilitate access to specific research opportunities. These terms count towards training in the same way as a standard academic post. There are three specialised posts available in the RACGP Academic Post program.

The application process is very competitive and can be challenging for some registrars, so we called upon our 2018 Academic Post registrar Dr Emily Kirkpatrick who sat with Dr Chris Barton, senior lecturer in primary health care from Monash Department of General Practice, to talk through the steps involved in preparing and submitting a quality application.

There are a total of 20 academic posts available every year and the application process is very competitive. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility for a post with their medical educator and liaise with their proposed university supervisor before commencing an application. Registrars are also encouraged to request support from RACGP staff before and during the application process via email gpedresearch@racgp.org.au or telephone 03 8699 0418.

2018 Academic Post registrar Dr Emily Kirkpatrick sat with Dr Chris Barton, senior lecturer in primary health care from Monash Department of General Practice, to talk through the steps involved in preparing and submitting a quality application.

The RACGP encourages registrars to start their applications early as will take longer than you might expect. The application form can be downloaded prior to officially starting the application, and you can return to edit the form prior to submitting.

The Medical Educator and the University supervisor will be required to read and sign declarations advising they are supportive of the registrar’s application. Please allow for time for this to ensure the application is submitted by the due date.

The RACGP does not accept late applications so it is important for application forms to be submitted on time. 

Applications for the 2024 program have closed. Application dates for the 2025 program will be announced in late 2023

Do not hesitate to ask for support. The RACGP Education Research Unit is here to support you throughout your application. Please contact gpedresearch@racgp.org.au if you require any assistance.


 

Specialised Academic Posts

Find out more about the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) and ‘Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) academic posts.

Current and Past recipients of the Academic Post Program

Have a read through the research projects of current and previous Academic Post registrars. General Information about the program is also found on that page.

Academic Post registrars in the news

Registrar news

Read about the experience of past academic registrars who have featured in newsGP.

Building bridges between primary care, research, and health policy

A recent recipient of a research scholarship and RACGP Academic Post wants to combine her skills to make a positive impact.

New wave of GP-researchers set to tackle vital questions

GPs in training across Australia are set to examine a variety of critical health issues and work to improve primary care for patients as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 2021 Academic Post program.

Working to further general practice research

GPs in training across Australia are set to examine a variety of critical health issues and work to improve primary care for patients as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 2021 Academic Post program.

Contact us

Should you have further questions, please contact
Georgia Franklin
03 8699 0418 gpedresearch@racgp.org.au