Changing training sites
You may remain at the same training site/s for the duration of your program. However, if you wish to change training sites or to work at an additional training site during the FSP, you must submit an application for approval.
Application process
Applications to change training sites or to add an additional training site will not be considered until at least three months after the start of your training. Any requests submitted within this period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in line with 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 considers extenuating and unforeseen circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Guidelines for training site change
Any change to your training site, whether during the education or consolidation phase of the FSP) must comply with the General Practice Fellowship Program Placement Guidelines. Depending on your medical registration, approval from Ahpra may also be required.
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 (with approval from your ME)
- you or a significant family relation have extenuating and unforeseen circumstances
- you're unable to continue at your training site due to changes that make the training site unsuitable for the FSP.
Outcome of a change in circumstance request
Please note that you must wait for the outcome of your change in circumstances request before making any changes, such as relocation. If changes, such as Ahpra supervision, need to align with your change in circumstance request you should notify us via email in addition to submitting your change in circumstance form.
Impact on training
Given that the program encourages embedding GPs in their community, submitting multiple change in circumstance requests can impact the continuity and stability of your training. We may further investigate requests which are frequent in nature, to ensure the best training experience for you.
Submitting a request
All requests for a change in circumstance must be submitted using the change in circumstance form, available on the FSP portal. Please ensure that your request is submitted at least eight weeks prior to the proposed start date at the new site. You must wait for a decision from the RACGP before relocating to your new site.
If we identify you need to change training sites
The RACGP Accreditation team may identify that your training site doesn't meet the RACGP Standards for general practice training or it has become de-accredited. If this happens, you'll be required to pause training and source a different training site. The RACGP will support you in this transition with information on potential training sites for you to move to. Depending on the situation, you may also be placed on leave until you can find suitable employment.
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 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 (MMM 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 MMM model defines whether a location is metropolitan, rural, remote or very remote. The model measures remoteness and population size on a scale of M/MM categories MMM 1-7. MMM 1 is a major city and MMM 7 is a very remote community. More information on MMM areas can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.