The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) urges federal and state governments to support the next generation of Australian GPs to secure a strong rural general practice workforce for the future.
The RACGP National Rural Faculty (NRF) has today released a position statement stressing the importance of policies that provide supportive structures across the full training continuum, without compulsion, to address current recruitment and retention issues facing the rural general practice workforce.
Dr Kathy Kirkpatrick, Chair of the RACGP NRF said that nurturing rural intention and providing positive early exposure to rural general practice is critical to securing a sustainable rural workforce.
“This position statement reaffirms the NRF’s commitment to supporting students on their journey through medical training and into the rural general practice workforce, advocating for strategies based on reward and recognition that enhance connectedness and support those seeking rural opportunities.
“Positive early exposure strategies must enable flexibility for the learner without compulsion; ensuring students are equipped with the necessary tools to make informed career decisions,” said Dr Kirkpatrick
Creating a critical mass of learners and teachers within strong rural communities can greatly enhance the rural experience both professionally and socially for the learner, as well as encouraging a team based approach to teaching and supervision.
“The quality of a graduate’s training placement has a strong impact on longer-lasting perceptions of the primary healthcare sector and ultimately determines their career decision-making process.
“The Government needs to ensure that quality, flexible rural opportunities are available to those who want them if they are to meet rural recruitment and retention objectives,” said Dr Kirkpatrick
The RACGP is keen to work with the Government to develop strategies that acknowledge the need for expanded financial and professional support for the future generation of rural GPs.