Introduction
The AGPT’s Rural Generalist Policy (AGPT RG) allows registrars the option to train as an AGPT Rural Generalist (RG) with the RACGP.
150 training positions will be offered through RACGP nationally in 2021 for the 2022 intake.
Eligibility
Access to AGPT RG training is available to:
- New entrants to the AGPT program
- Existing AGPT registrars who are already training on a state-based rural generalist program
- Existing RACGP AGPT registrars (at the discretion of RACGP).
Benefits
Training under AGPT RG provides additional flexibility for registrars, including:
- Up to 6 years from the start of training to gain FRACGP and FARGP (an additional, optional 52 weeks of funded training and support are available compared to those who choose to complete their FRACGP and FARGP without choosing the AGPT RG training option).
- You can complete your ARST training in MMM-1 locations and / or with other RTOs if the placement required to complete your ARST is not available in the region in which you are training.
- You will be classified as an RG. This will allow you to access all benefits associated with the classification of RG as a specialty within General Practice, should the application to the Medical Board of Australia be successful.
This future proofing of current RG training is underway and includes the refinement of the design of the FARGP and FRACGP training endpoint.
Requirements
RACGP AGPT RG registrars must:
- Train towards FRACGP combined with FARGP;
- Be committed to rural practice, both during training and post-fellowship; and
- Be aware that additional skills training time is subject to application to and approval by their regional training organisation (RTO).
Flexibility to opt in/ opt out
We have secured a change to the AGPT RG policy that ensures registrars have the flexibility to move between the rural streams. This change means there is the option to opt into (and opt out of) the AGPT RG policy without the risk of having to leave the AGPT program and gives registrars time to understand which training pathway is best suited to them, and the needs of their community.
Opting in later in your training
You can opt into being classified as an RG and training as an RG later in your training journey.
This may be because you decide to undertake some Advanced Rural Skills Training (ARST) as you see the need for these skills in the community in which you are training or it may be because you have chosen to move to a remote or rural area that supports, and benefits from, your training in RG.
You may opt into being classified as an RG from any other pathway (general or rural).
Opting out
If your circumstances change in the future, you may opt out of training as an RG but continue to train towards the FRACGP.
You will, however, need to remain on the rural pathway and continue to work in an MMM2-7 location.
Note: Registrars who are also training on a state-based rural generalist program must continue to meet the obligations of that training pathway, effectively undertaking their AGPT Rural Generalist Training and their state-based rural generalist training concurrently.
How to apply
New applicants
- Indicate your interest in AGPT Rural Generalist Training during the AGPT selection process by ticking an ‘AGPT Rural Generalist Training’ box on their application form
- Select the rural pathway, and
- Be seeking to work towards fellowship of RACGP combined with the Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP).
Already enrolled with RACGP?
The RACGP or the relevant Regional Training Organisation (RTO) will make contact and offer the applicant the opportunity to train under the AGPT Rural Generalist Policy 2020 .
State-based Rural Generalist programs
Most states and jurisdictions have established Rural Generalist training programs to provide supported training frameworks and to help build a sustainable workforce in local rural communities.
It is important to note that AGPT RG is not the same as state-based rural generalist training programs.
These are different programs that involve different application processes and training obligations. Joining AGPT Rural Generalist Training when you apply to the AGPT program does not mean that you are accepted onto a state-based program, and state-based program members are not automatically considered AGPT Rural Generalists. Like all other applicants, state-based rural generalist applicants to the AGPT program must ‘opt-in’ to AGPT Rural Generalist Training, however they are not obligated to do so.
Transition to RACGP’s future Rural Generalist Fellowship (FRACGP-RG)
The RACGP will start to incorporate key elements of the future FRACGP-RG fellowship into the Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP) from 2022.
This will be a stepwise transition of our program to incorporate Rural Generalism and assist in a smooth, simple transition for trainees to the new Fellowship that would be launched upon accreditation. Immediate improvements will include working to further develop GP registrar skills training in emergency care.
Any registrars enrolled in the FARGP from 2022 can transition to the FRACGP-RG pathway once it’s accredited by the Australian Medical Council. The RACGP will work closely with current trainees to ensure they are completing the skills training which will allow them to complete a Rural Generalist Fellowship.
Further information
For more detail on the training requirements for AGPT RG, please visit: