RACGP Mentoring Program

Find support and guidance from a fellow GP

Starting any new profession can be a challenge, and the early days of a life in medicine can be especially daunting. But the guidance of an experienced hand can make all the difference.

The RACGP’s Mentoring Program is an exciting opportunity for GPs in the early stages of their career to establish a relationship with a seasoned GP. The program matches 60 mentors with mentees and provides a platform for GPs to seek support, guidance, and advice on tackling a career in general practice.

The program has been designed to help RACGP members connect and help each other manage the pressures of the profession, with a particular focus on wellbeing, collegiality, and career development.

The program provides mentors and mentees with matching, training and support services over 10 months and is available to all RACGP members.

What’s it really like to take part in the RACGP Mentoring Program?

I found the mentor program really helpful. It was wonderful to have an external person to discuss clinical scenarios with, discuss how to work as a GP in a practice long term, and craft a professional future you want and be supportive of you. I loved been able to talk through things and have found this invaluable. I look forward to us been able to meet in real life, when COVID allows it!

Dr Erika Tomlinson, mentee 2020

After looking for different ways to give back to the community, the Mentoring Program was a way to give my support to fellow GPs. I hope through my ability to assist people in their decision-making processes that I am able to help them discover their underlying motivations, consider their ‘deal breakers’, and develop an approach to achieve their desired outcome.

Dr Karina Lim, mentor 2020–21

I found being involved in the Program as a mentee to be very useful. It really helped provide clarity around some issues that had been buzzing around in my head for ages. A great opportunity to soundboard ideas with someone experienced in the issues I was grappling with.

Dr Skye Curlis, mentee 2020

My mentee really appreciated and benefited from the opportunity to speak outside of [the] constraints [of a commercial or educational setting] as one colleague to another; to hear the message that general practice in Australia is the place to be for clinical autonomy, professional satisfaction, a great income and the best working conditions you can get as a doctor.

Dr Nick Tellis, mentor 2020-21

I really enjoyed the Mentoring Program. It has made a difference to my personal and professional life.

Dr Fran Levin, mentee 2020

Benefits for both mentors and mentees

A mentoring relationship is a two-way street. It provides:

improved social and emotional wellbeing

enhanced collegiality and connectivity between colleagues

confidence in communication and leadership skills

increased motivation, job satisfaction and self-worth