Australian patients will soon have access to the most capable, professional and appropriate GPs, with Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt announcing today that the RACGP will resume responsibility for delivery of general practice training.
“General practice training is back with the RACGP, where it should always have been,” Mr Hunt said.
The Commonwealth Government has acknowledged the substantial expertise and progress of the RACGP in delivering several major Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) responsibilities in recent times.
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said the transition to a profession-led training program is consistent with other specialist medical colleges and represents the maturity and fundamental expertise of the RACGP.
“This announcement reflects the professionalism of the RACGP,” Dr Seidel said.
“The RACGP has proven itself and is trusted to lead training of Australian GPs.”
Dr Seidel said securing the delivery of the AGPT Program is an exceptional outcome for the profession.
“Having the profession direct selection, based on contemporary evidence-based criteria, ensures only the most skilled registrar candidates are granted entry to general practice training,” Dr Seidel said.
“Complete RACGP control of selection will improve completion rates and lessen the costs associated with remediation and withdrawal.
“It is exciting for general practice and the broader community that in only four to five months we are succeeding.”
Dr Seidel said the initial stages of the AGPT Program candidate selection transition to the RACGP have run smoothly.
“The successful planning, promotion and delivery of the RACGP AGPT selection process has been an RACGP-wide effort,” Dr Seidel said.
“By directly managing the process in conjunction with the regional training organisations (RTOs), we have been able to better align selection to the knowledge, skills and approach required of an RACGP Fellow.
“Medical knowledge and skills, effective communication, professionalism, sound management, and quality ethics are expected from every medical practitioner we select for general practice training.”