RPLE for Rural Generalist Fellowship
If you’re working towards the Rural Generalist Fellowship, you may apply for RPLE to meet the specific outcomes of the Fellowship in addition to making a standard RPLE application. You can apply for RPLE for rural general practice experience, additional rural skills training, core emergency medicine training and the community project. If you are applying for RPLE as part of Rural Generalist Fellowship training, your application will be reviewed for approval by the RACGP Rural Censor.
Rural general practice experience in an MMM 3–7 location (12 months FTE)
If you can demonstrate completion of at least 12 months (FTE) of general practice experience in an MMM 3–7 location, you may apply for RPLE to cover the rural location requirement of your rural generalist training. The evidence to support this should include:
- curriculum vitae
- statements of service or letters of employment
- support letters or references from supervisors and/or colleagues.
You’re still required to complete 18 months core vocational training in a community general practice if you’re granted RPLE for your rural general practice experience.
Additional rural skills training (12 months FTE)
To apply for RPLE for the ARST training component, you must demonstrate that you’ve completed 12 months (FTE) of additional rural skills training in an accredited procedural or non-procedural post or have spent sufficient time in rural general practice to develop additional skills. Refer to the relevant ARST curriculum for the expected outcomes.
Evidence for an ARST application may include current certificates from accredited organisations for additional skills you are using in your practice.
If this isn’t available, the following evidence may be considered:
- copy of curriculum or outline of relevant training programs
- references or reports from supervisors and/or colleagues
- logbook or case studies (where relevant)
- reflection on your experience of completing an additional skills posting, and its relevance to rural general practice (250 words)
- evidence of attending relevant continuing professional development programs.
Core emergency medicine training (core EMT)
To apply for RPLE for the core EMT component, you must demonstrate that you’ve achieved the outcomes in the RACGP core emergency medicine training curriculum and the skills listed in the logbook. Evidence may include:
- certificate of completion from at least one advanced emergency skills course within the past three years
- participation in an on-call emergency roster
- completion of an emergency qualification such as the ACEM Emergency Medicine Certificate or Diploma
- significant experience working in an emergency setting
- achievement of the skills listed in the logbook.
Community project
A rural general practice community-focused project is a requirement for some ARST posts; for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The requirement for a community-focused project is determined by the Rural Censor.
The project can be on any topic relevant to the needs of your community. It is not a full-time project but must be completed within a minimum six-month timeframe. More information can be found in the Guidelines for a rural general practice community-focused project.
You will need to demonstrate the ability to complete a community needs assessment, identify needs or gaps in the community and demonstrate skills in planning, carrying out, evaluating, and presenting a ‘project concept’.
You may be eligible for RPLE as credit for a rural general practice community-focused project if you have previously been involved in a similar project or have a formal postgraduate qualification that included a project of this type. Examples of relevant projects include:
- postgraduate studies in public health or health promotion (eg Master of Public Health)
- postgraduate studies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- a university course that included a community-based needs assessment
- a research-based journal article or conference paper that has been peer reviewed and published.
Appropriate evidence for the community project component may include:
- a health-related project (minimum six months, including planning and evaluation) conducted in a rural location that involved the community in the planning, with descriptions and examples of processes used to consult the community and plan and evaluate the project
- a comprehensive description of the demography (including most common health issues) of a rural community in which you practise or have practised
- a transcript of results for an academic program and at least 100 words outlining how the program was relevant to rural general practice
- any peer-reviewed papers published (the abstracts will suffice)
- a reference from a local government official or representative of other relevant organisation detailing your community involvement.
When will I hear if my RPLE application is successful?
Unless you are advised otherwise, you should receive your GPE assessment outcome no later than 10 weeks after you submit a complete application. Your program team will review your GPE assessment outcome and training progress at the end of your first six-month FSP term and advise you of the outcome by no later than the eighth week of your second FSP term.