In-practice education
Work-based learning in community general practice under supervision is the core of general practice training. You’ll learn what it is to be a GP and what a quality general practice looks like. During this learning journey you’ll gain knowledge and skills through practice.
Your teaching plan
In the first four weeks of the term your supervisor will work with you to develop a teaching plan based on your learning needs, with details of learning activities to be carried out during your placement. We encourage you to take time to think about your own personal learning requirements and needs before meeting with your supervisor. The RACGP Curriculum and syllabus is also a valuable tool for developing the teaching plan.
The plan should include a schedule that shows when the activities will take place and who is responsible for each activity.
Throughout your placement, you and your supervisor should review and update the plan to ensure the in-practice teaching and learning activities are meeting your learning needs.
In-practice teaching activities
Most teaching activities will be with your supervisory team and related to your daily case load, such as one-on-one clinical case discussions and mentoring. These are important aspects of work-based learning.
Other teaching activities might include direct observation, case-based teaching, patient scenario discussions, joint consultations, formal teaching on specific topics, review of recorded consultations, demonstration of and participation in clinical procedures, random case analyses, small group discussions and cultural education. Your supervisor will tailor teaching activities to your learning needs and the context of your practice.
There will also be the opportunity for you to learn informally through quick conversations and discussions with your supervisor team throughout your workday.
In-practice teaching time
During GPT1, 2 and 3, your supervisory team will set aside time for in-practice teaching activities:
- GPT1 – minimum 3 hours (FTE) per week of which one hour must be scheduled and uninterrupted formal in-practice teaching.
- GPT2 – minimum 1.5 hours (FTE) per week of which one hour per fortnight must be scheduled and uninterrupted formal in-practice teaching.
- GPT3 - minimum 30 minutes per week scheduled and uninterrupted formal in-practice teaching.
If you are training part-time, these times will be proportional (pro rata) according to your training hours. In GPT1, the one hour of scheduled and uninterrupted formal in-practice teaching is preserved, regardless of the total teaching time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
All registrars are expected to develop competence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and it is a core unit of the RACGP Curriculum and syllabus. Cultural safety training is included in mandatory workshops at the regional and local levels. You’ll have access to a cultural mentor to support your learning in this area.
If you work in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service or Aboriginal Medical Service, you’ll also have additional supports dependent on your region and the service you’re working in.