Changing training sites
You can remain in the same training site/s for the entirety of the program. You need to apply to change training sites or work at an additional training site while undertaking the FSP.
Applications for a change in training site or to work in an additional training site will not be accepted until three months after the commencement of training. Requests received within this time frame will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis following the Extenuating and unforeseen circumstances guide.
An extenuating and unforeseen circumstance is something outside your control, can reasonably be considered to have been unforeseen and can be shown to have a direct and significant impact on you. The RACGP considered extenuating and unforeseen circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Any change to your training site (in either the education or post-education components of the FSP) 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 may apply for a change in training site if:
- you have an identified career and/or education and training need that can't be met in your current training site, and this has been approved by your ME
- you, or a significant family relation, have extenuating and unforeseen circumstances
- you're unable to maintain employment in an appropriate training site due to changes that make the training site unsuitable for the FSP.
Any changes in training site must be requested through a change in circumstance form, available on the FSP portal.
If we identify you need to change training sites
If you're unable to find employment in an appropriate training site or you have a career and/or education and training need that can't be met in your current training site, your program officer may be able to assist you in managing the process of changing to a more suitable site.
Overseas doctors
Overseas trained doctors and foreign graduates of accredited medical schools are subject to section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973. The Act restricts their access to Medicare benefits for a minimum period of 10 years ('10-year moratorium) unless they work in a rural or remote location (DPA). If you're in this category, it means you must train in non-metropolitan areas (MM 2-7).
If you're subject to 19AB, make sure your training site is in a DPA location so that you'll be eligible for a Medicare provider number.
The MM model defines whether a location is metropolitan, rural, remote or very remote. The model measures remoteness and population size on a scale of MM categories MM 1 to MM 7. MM 1 is a major city and MM 7 is a very remote community. More information on MM areas can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.