Overview
RACGP has been a longstanding member of the Joint Consultative Committee on Anaesthesia (JCCA). Although ongoing improvements were made to the JCCA program, the RACGP along with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) have developed a Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (RGA) qualification. The aim of the new RGA training program is to enhance anaesthesia services available to rural and remote communities.
The 12-month training program is available to rural generalist registrars and fellows seeking formal training and certification in anaesthesia.
Ongoing management
The three Colleges formed a Tripartite Committee which facilitates:
- consistency of anaesthetic training
- access to established educational resources to supplement the clinical based training program
- standardised examination process
- linking ongoing CPD to the currency of the qualification.
In addition to the Tripartite Committee, RACGP Rural Faculty’s Rural Anaesthesia Advisory Group meets regularly to consider common issues facing Rural Generalist Anaesthetists (RGAs) and promotes the development of advanced skills training. It is made up of RACGP representatives from around Australia who are all rural GP Anaesthetists committed to the interests of RACGP members and their patients.
Members of the RACGP Rural Anaesthesia Advisory Group also represent the RACGP Rural Faculty on the RGA Tripartite Committee and the RACGP Rural Faculty strongly advocates for the best outcomes for our members.
Grandparenting for award of the RGA
Current practising RGAs who have completed the JCCA training program can apply for grandparenting to the RGA until 31 December 2024 on the ANZCA website. Basic requirements include working in MMM3-7 with current credentialling for anaesthesia.
Rural Generalist Anaesthesia Training
The new RGA qualification meets the requirements of RACGP’s Additional Rural Skills Training. For information on available RACGP training positions and the application process please contact rg@racgp.org.au.
Further information
If you have any questions or comments on the RGA qualification, please email rga@anzca.edu.au or read the FAQs on the ANZCA website.