In-practice education
Work-based learning within community general practice under supervision is the core of general practice training. You’ll gain knowledge and skills through practice and better understand what standard of practice is required to enable you to progress towards Fellowship.
Your teaching plan
In the first two weeks of the term your supervisor will work with you to develop a teaching plan based on your learning needs, with details of learning activities to be carried out during your placement (this is informed by the early assessment of safety and learning [EASL]). We encourage you to take time to think about your own personal learning needs before meeting with your supervisor. The RACGP curriculum and syllabus is also a valuable tool for developing the teaching plan.
The plan should include a schedule that shows when the activities will take place and who is responsible for each activity.
Throughout your placement, you and your supervisor should review and update the plan to ensure the in-practice teaching and learning activities are meeting your learning needs.
In-practice teaching activities
Most teaching activities will be with your supervisors and related to your daily case load, such as one-on-one clinical case discussions and mentoring. These are important aspects of work-based learning.
Other teaching activities might include direct observation, case-based teaching, patient scenario discussions, joint consultations, formal teaching on specific topics, review of taped or recorded consultations, demonstration of and participation in clinical procedures, random case analyses, small group discussions and cultural education. Your supervisor will tailor teaching activities to your learning needs and the context of your practice.
There will also be the opportunity for you to learn informally through quick discussions with your supervisory team throughout your workday.
In-practice teaching time
During your placements, time will be set aside for in-practice teaching activities, including ‘protected’ time that is free of interruptions (unless there is an emergency). In the first year of the FSP, one hour each fortnight of protected in-practice teaching time is scheduled. In the second year, it is one hour per month. Your in-practice teaching time is the same whether you are working part time or full time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
All registrars are expected to develop competence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and it is a core unit of the RACGP curriculum and syllabus. Completion of a cultural awareness module is mandatory in the first training term.
If you work in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service or Aboriginal Medical Service, you’ll also have additional supports, dependent on your region and the service you’re working in.