21 March 2022
This notice is to advise that the RACGP has reviewed its policy and guidance on managing registrars who are also training in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
The new Registrars in the Australian Defence Forces Guidance Document replaces the previous RACGP Guidelines for implementing the RACGP Standards for GP Registrars in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and will come into effect at the beginning of each Training Regions second general practice training term in 2022.
There are several changes to the document summarised in the table below.
| Change |
Rationale |
Implication |
We have updated clause 3.1 and 4.ii.c to clarify Special training environments (STEs) are limited to a maximum of a 6 month placement during the 18 months of full time equivalent general practice training in RACGP accredited general practice posts.
|
STEs do not meet the principles of comprehensive general practice training. Therefore, while ADF registrars are fulfilling clause 3.5.iii of the RACGP Vocational Training Pathway Requirements for Fellowship Policy, they are limited to 6 months in an STE.
This does not preclude them from undertaking another 6 months in an STE in their extended skills term. |
ADF registrars are still able to meet the Vocational Training Pathway Requirements for Fellowship while undertaking some of their general practice training on defence force bases. |
We have made it clear in clause 3.1 and 4.1.ii.a that we strongly recommend ADF registrars undertake GPT1 and GPT2 in civilian general practice.
We have further advised limiting the number of weeks a registrar takes out of civilian general practice to undertake accredited military courses. |
Undertaking GPT1 and GPT2 in civilian general practice with minimal breaks will give ADF registrars the opportunity to develop the skills and expertise of a civilian GP while preparing for the Fellowship exams.
From 2023, the RACGP will require all ADF registrars to undertake GPT1 and GPT2 in civilian general practice. Clarifying this is a strong recommendation now ensures stakeholders are preparing for when it is mandated. |
The ADF have guidance on the best times for deployment of ADF registrars. |
| We have provided further information regarding ADF registrars undertaking extended skills posts in Australia and overseas in clause 3.4.ii and 4.1.iii |
Extended skills posts in STEs and for overseas deployments should only be undertaken after GPT1 and GPT2 to ensure the ADF registrar has enough comprehensive general practice experience. |
Stakeholders have clear information on when certain extended skills posts can be undertaken. |
| We have developed clause 4.2 to assist Training Organisations in a uniform process for managing the transfer of ADF registrars between training regions. |
Previously, ADF registrars transfers between training regions were not necessarily handled the same. This led to administrative burden when the relevant State Censor came to sign off on some ADF registrars’ completion of training.
Therefore, we have developed a process to ensure all ADF registrars are transferred with all of the necessary information for the new Censor to confidently sign off on their training. |
Administrative burden at the point of applying for Fellowship will be alleviated for all stakeholders. |
| We have removed all references to the ADF Censor. |
There is no longer an ADF Censor. Their role is now undertaken by the relevant State Censor. |
There are no implications as this was already the case. |
When will the policy come into effect?
This guidance will come into effect at the beginning of each Training Regions second general practice training term in 2022.
Where can I view the documents?
The updated guidance document can be accessed here.
All policies can be accessed via the Fellowship Pathways Policy Framework.
What if I have questions?
If you have any enquiries relating to the updated policy, please contact educationpolicy@racgp.org.au.