Financial and legal support for GPs in Training

RACGP Wellbeing Hub > Resources hub – GPs in Training > Financial and legal support for GPs in Training

Guidance for registrars with financial and medico-legal concerns

Many doctors will experience financial or legal difficulties over the course of their career. These challenges can be stressful, but it is important to know that supports are available to assist you during these times.

Financial concerns and your wellbeing

Financial concerns are common among GP registrars, particularly during the early stages of training. These challenges stem from a range of factors, including reduced billing opportunities – due to longer appointments, fewer patients seen per day, and limited familiarity with Medicare billing – as well as additional expenses, such as relocation, examinations, and other training-related costs.

Reassuringly, many registrars find that their income will steadily increase as they gain confidence and experience throughout their training.

Medico-legal concerns and your wellbeing

Medico-legal concerns are also very common, with over two–thirds of Australian doctors reporting involvement in a medico-legal matter over the course of their career¹.

These matters can be highly stressful experiences and often feel isolating, but you do not need to go through them alone.

Where to find help

Your RACGP team is here to support you and can be a useful first point of contact for financial and medico-legal concerns. Contact your training coordinator, medical educator, supervisor or registrar liaison officer (RLO), depending on who you feel most comfortable with.

Alternatively, you may wish to get in contact with GP Registrars Australia (GPRA) for further support.

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Support services

Financial supports

NTCER (National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars): Stay informed and review your entitlements
Financial stress and mental health fact sheet: Practical strategies to manage financial stress
State-based medical benevolent societies offering confidential financial assistance for doctors in hardship
- AMA Benevolent Fund of WA (08) 9273 3000
- Medical Benevolent Association of South Australia (08) 8361 0107
- Queensland Medical Benevolent Association (07) 3833 2222 
- Medical Benevolent Association of Victoria  (03) 9496 4205
- Medical Benevolent Association of NSW (02) 9987 0504
National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007): free and confidential access to a financial counsellor
Moneycare: a free and confidential financial counselling service run by the Salvation Army
Australian government supports
- Services Australia: multiple online tools to assess eligibility for financial assistance and concessions.
- Jobseeker Allowance: to assist those who are unwell or injured and unable to perform their usual job
- Financial assistance for parents: payments and services to help with the cost of raising a child
- State government support: state-based guide for cost of living support
- Energy Australia: government assistance and financial hardship options for residents in eligible states (NSW, Vic, Qld, SA, ACT)
- Financial Information Services (FIS): financial information service officers provide information, tools and resources to support financial decisions
- Moneysmart: tools, tips and calculators to help you manage your financial wellbeing
No interest loans: available from the Salvation Army No Interest Loan Scheme or Good Shepherd Australia. Seek personal financial advice before accessing these options
Income protection insurance: may cover lost income due to ill health, depending on the policy

Medico-legal supports

If you become involved in a medico-legal matter during your training, you are required to notify your RACGP medical education team.

Depending on the nature of the matter, you may need to complete an ‘Adverse Event and Critical Incident’ form. Your training team can support you through this process. In some circumstances, you may also be required to notify Ahpra.

Always contact your Medical Defence Organisation (MDO) promptly regarding any legal concerns. They provide expert advice, cover, and support through complaints, Ahpra notifications, and litigation.
Free counselling and support are available – see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Complaints and Notifications’ on the RACGP Wellbeing Hub.
Australian Medical Association (AMA): provide direct support and resources for members regarding medicolegal issues.

Financial and medico-legal stressors are not a sign of personal weakness. They are common challenges for registrars, and there are many established supports available to help you manage the impact on your wellbeing.

Reference
https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02879.x 1. Nash L.M,Kelly, P J, Daly MG, et al. Australian doctors’ involvement in medicolegal matters: across-sectional self-report study. Med J Aust 2009;191(8), 436–440. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02879.x  