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 work at an additional training site during the FSP, you must submit an application for approval, and the site you’re requesting to change to must already be an accredited training site.
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.
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
The following needs to be considered when submitting a change in circumstance request form to change your training site during training in the FSP (education or consolidation phase):
- Your training site needs to be in an MMM2-7 location, or MMM1 under extenuating and unforeseen circumstances
- Your training site needs to be an RACGP accredited training site as per the Standards for general practice training
- If your new site is able to support your supervision requirements for your stage of training
- If you have limited or provisional medical registration, your Ahpra approved site/s and supervisor/s need to match your change in circumstances request form
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.
We recommend you submit your change in circumstances request 12 weeks prior to relocation to ensure there are no delays. You can’t move training sites until approval for the site and supervisor is given.
Application considerations
To ensure a smooth transition from one training site to another, please ensure you factor in the following processes:
- Ahpra (if applicable) – If you have conditions with Ahpra, you must obtain Ahpra approval before submitting a change in circumstances request. Once you receive approval from Ahpra, and it’s reflected on your registration, you can then submit a change in circumstances request through the FSP portal. We recommend you contact Ahpra directly
- Location – Any change in your training site must adhere to the General Practice Fellowship Program Placement Guidelines. All training sites must be accredited by the RACGP. If you intend to apply for an MMM1 location, you can refer to the FSP consideration of extenuating and unforeseen circumstances guide. Allow approximately eight to 10 weeks (this timeline can vary, as it depends on Medicare) for processing any training site change applications
- Supervision – Your new supervisor must already hold accreditation as a supervisor. We recommend you nominate an on-site supervisor at your new training site. If you request a remote supervisor, approval of this request will be at the discretion of the RACGP, even if the supervisor is training accredited. See Remote supervision for more information
- Leave – Leave may be necessary for the following reasons:
- You have left your old training site and awaiting your new Medicare provider number before starting at the new training site
- You have left your previous training site and are awaiting Ahpra approval for your new nominated training site and/or supervisor. After receiving Ahpra approval, you also need to await approval from FSP and for your Medicare provider number
Refer to the change in circumstance form instructions for additional information.
Outcome of change in circumstance request
Please note that you must wait for the outcome of your change in circumstance 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 circumstances request 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 explore the circumstances for such requests where 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 circumstances request form, available on the FSP portal. Please ensure that your request is submitted 12 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 continuously evaluates that training sites can consistently meet the RACGP Standards for general practice training. When a training site is unable to meet the Standards, the RACGP will work with them, however there may be periods where it’s not suitable for a training site to employ registrars.
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 a suitable site to work in while you train in the FSP.