Registrars training with the ADF
Registrars who are training with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) must meet the same general practice training standards as civilian registrars. Therefore, the RACGP requires all ADF registrars to undertake at least 12 months in an accredited comprehensive Australian general practice. The registrar will normally undertake a 12 month release from ADF service obligations to complete GPT1 and GPT2.
If you take on an ADF registrar, there are some minor differences we want to make you aware of. You can also reach out to your training coordinator for more information on hosting an ADF registrar. You may also find the ADF guide useful for yourself and your Registrars.
Employing an ADF registrar
ADF registrars remain employees of their ADF service and are paid directly by the ADF. The ADF service (Army, Navy or Air Force) must be notified by the registrar to arrange a secondment agreement between the practice, the registrar and the service. The ADF will arrange for payment recovery from the practice. Practices do not pay ADF registrars directly. All leave payments and superannuation are paid by the ADF. The ADF registrar is responsible for organising the secondment agreement between the practice and their ADF service.
Civilian placement training interruptions
We advocate for minimal disruptions to an ADF registrar’s time in general practice. However, there may be occasions when the registrar must attend training related to their ADF duties. Therefore, we allow registrars to undertake up to four weeks of accredited military training courses within their 12 months in civilian general practice.
ADF registrar placements beyond the 12-month ADF release year (usually GPT1 and GPT2) are usually part time. ADF registrars in this consolidation phase of training will often have ADF obligations but may be released for civilian GP training to maintain their skills or prepare for exams. Deployment, exercises or training courses may interrupt training in the civilian environment. Communication to practices of pending interruptions are to be made by the registrar as soon as possible.
The ADF training coordinator for your region will work with you and the registrar should this occur.