About the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) academic post

About the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) academic post

Education > GPs in training > AGPT Academic Post Program > AJGP Post
Last updated 5 March 2024

Step inside the world of medical publishing

The Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) Editorial Fellowship Academic Post is a rare opportunity for GP registrars to go beyond clinical training and work inside a national peer-reviewed journal, at 0.2FTE alongside an approved Academic Post position.. 
 
This is not a passive placement. 

For 12 months, you’ll be part of the AJGP editorial team — making real decisions, shaping content and influencing what GPs across Australia read in practice. 

What is AJGP?

AJGP is a leading, peer-reviewed journal delivering practical, evidence-based content to Australian GPs. Every article is designed to be clinically relevant, accessible and immediately useful in real-world practice. The journal publishes 11 issues per year in print, online and via a digital journal format. 

What makes this fellowship different?

You won’t just learn about publishing — you’ll do it. 

From early in the program, you’ll take on the role of an editor, with structured training to support you as you build confidence and capability. This is hands-on, high-impact experience you won’t get anywhere else. 

What you’ll do

Over 12 months, you’ll work across the full lifecycle of a medical journal: 

  • Assess submissions and contribute to accept/revise/reject decisions
  • Select and brief peer reviewers and interpret their feedback  
  • Work directly with authors to strengthen and refine their articles  
  • Build advanced skills in critical appraisal, medical editing and writing  
  • Shape the journal’s direction through editorial planning and content strategy  
  • Gain behind-the-scenes exposure to the production and publication process  

And the highlight?

You’ll have the opportunity to curate your own AJGP issue. Commission articles on a topic you’re passionate about and lead it from concept to publication. See the issue curated by the most recent AJGP Editorial Fellow, Dr Joanne Cunningham here. 

How it works

  • One day per week (Fridays) with the AJGP team  
  • Flexible: work remotely, with optional time in one of the RACGP offices Australia-wide 
  • Integrated with your academic post time, including dedicated research allocation. You’ll work 0.3FTE at your chosen university completing your research project and 0.2FTE at the AJGP in the Editorial Fellow position  
  • Your usual Academic Post university teaching allocation is waived 
  • Direct mentorship from the Medical Editors and the Editor-in-Chief 

Why apply?

This fellowship gives you a professional edge — whether your future is clinical, academic or leadership-focused.  

  • By the end of the year, you’ll have: 
  • Real editorial experience on a national journal  
  • Confidence in evaluating and shaping medical evidence
  • Strong writing and critical appraisal skills  
  • Insight into how research becomes practice  

Who should apply?

Curious, motivated GP registrars who want to broaden their skillset, think critically about evidence and be part of shaping the future of general practice. 

How can I apply?

If you're interested in the AJGP academic post, you'll need to submit the standard academic post application form and complete the extra AJGP post fields. To be considered for the AJGP Editorial Fellowship you will be required to submit a detailed personal statement (approximately 500 words) of your interest in this post, how you see this will impact your career and what you perceive you can contribute. 
 
If you would like to be connected with a previous AJGP Academic Post holder please email gpedresearch@racgp.org.au. 
 
The Editorial Fellow role description can be found here. 
 
The details of the Editorial Fellow’s structured learning program are highlighted in the RACGP Curriculum for Australian General Practice 2019 Special Skills Unit – Editorial Fellow (EF19). It is highly recommended that you review these documents carefully if you wish to apply for the AJGP academic post. 


Dr Laxmi Iyengar

2022 AJGP academic post holder 

"It’s such an incredible position and an opportunity that you probably won’t get at another time if you miss it. Why wouldn’t you do this position – you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. My advice to registrars is not to be scared at all, the universities want you, they want you to do the research. "

Interview with 2022 Australian Journal of General Practice Academic Post holder

Hear what our recent AJGP Academic Post holder has to say about her experience at the AJGP and also in the Academic Post Program more general.