Overview
The RACGP facilitates relationships between experienced GPs who wish to volunteer their time as a mentor in order to support another member of their profession, and mentees who have requested the support of a mentor to further their career in general practice.
The RACGP provides training on making the most of the mentoring relationship to both mentors and mentees to help both parties develop a positive and supportive relationship.
What should I do if I have concerns about my mentee?
Depending on the nature of your concern, for example if you are worried about your mentee’s progress, an issue they have raised with you or an issue that you have observed about your mentee, then we encourage you to contact a member of the RACGP Mentoring team in the first instance for a confidential discussion (please see contact details below) and we will endeavour to assist.
You may also wish to have a confidential discussion with a fellow mentor or a colleague.
What if I believe that the issue meets the mandatory reporting requirements?
Each Australian state and territory has legislative requirements for mandatory reporting. WA has an exemption for treating medical practitioners. As a medical practitioner, you are required to know the law in your state. Queensland legislation requires mandatory notifications to be directed to the state Office of the Health Ombudsman where decisions are made whether to forward the report to AHPRA. As a mentor, if you believe that your mentee represents a risk to the public then you may have a legal obligation to report your concerns. AHPRA has a comprehensive guideline on their website.
If you are uncertain about the concerns that have been raised, AHPRA recommends that you contact them to discuss this or talk to your medico-legal provider.
The RACGP is not authorised to provide advice in respect to mandatory reporting requirements.