General practice training terms
Your general practice training term begins when you start the FSP. You must complete four general practice training terms (24 months) as part of your core vocational training requirements. We recognise that some registrars have already been working in general practice before they start their program. If you already have two years (FTE) of comprehensive Australian general practice experience (as determined by a General Practice Experience Assessment), you may be considered for RPLE which will reduce your program requirement to three six-month terms (ie 18 months) assuming your progress in the FSP is satisfactory.
You must be supervised throughout your training until you are awarded Fellowship. Your supervisor will be located in your practice. In some cases, and only when approved by the RACGP upon submission of a supervision plan and under appropriate accreditation standards, your supervision might be approved to be undertaken by an offsite supervisor. The role of a supervisor is to provide in-practice education (educational supervision) and clinical supervision (oversight of your daily practice). They may also conduct workplace-based assessments, including providing reports on your progress.
You can remain in the same practice for the entirety of your program; however, where it’s possible, working in different practices is useful to expose you to a variety of practice communities and management systems. This will prepare you for working across the breadth of Australian general practice. If you remain in the same practice for the entirety of your program you’ll be asked to complete an additional educational activity as per the Pre-approved alternative model – Practice diversity.
Your practice location is reviewed during assessment of your eligibility. You may apply to us if you wish to change practices or work at an additional practice while undertaking FSP. Generally, applications for a change in practice will not be accepted 3 calendar months prior to the commencement of training in FSP and for 3 calendar months after the commencement of training in FSP, except where exceptional and unforeseen circumstances can be demonstrated. Any change to your practice (in either the education or post-education components of the FSP – see Education and training requirements) needs to comply with the General practice fellowship program placement guidelines and depending on any medical registration addenda may need to be approved by Ahpra. You can request a change using the Change of Circumstance form available from the FSP portal. Additional reviews of location may occur at other times as required.
Please note that the General Practice Fellowship Program Placement Guidelines are revised regularly, in addition to revisions to the Commonwealth Government’s distribution priority areas (DPA) locations and MMM classifications. FSP registrars' practice location must remain an approved placement as per the guidelines for the entirety of their program. A change in practice location may be necessary if the DPAs or MMM classifications change.