Get to know your practice 

Every training site is different; what was routine in one place may not be in another. Use your orientation to ask about practice routines, supervision, teaching arrangements, and communication preferences. Use an orientation checklist as a guide to get started. 

If questions or concerns arise, raise them early with your supervisor or practice manager. 

Structure your day proactively  

Plan ahead and allow time in your schedule for catching up, reviewing results, and integrating learning into your day. Speak with your supervisor or practice manager about managing additional patients or requests and have a system to clear your results inbox and messages each working day. 

Remember to take care of yourself too; make time to eat, go to the bathroom, debrief with your colleagues and step away when you need a break. 

Communicate expectations  

Clear and respectful communication of expectations can prevent misunderstandings, build stronger working relationships, and reduce the potential for workplace conflict. 

Important discussions to have with your supervisor include the number of patients you feel comfortable seeing, how patient messages and requests for urgent appointments are managed, and the scope of practice you are confident working within. Set boundaries around the way you work, and in return, respect the boundaries of your colleagues. 

Work collaboratively 

Seeing patients on your own can feel isolating but remember that you're in training and part of a team.
Seek help freely and often, and be open to feedback. Use this stage of your career to ask questions and learn from others. Build relationships and acknowledge the contributions of your colleagues.  
 
Prepare for leave 

Understand your leave entitlements and communicate your plans clearly. Know the process for taking time off when you are sick, and how much notice is required for annual leave. Plan ahead for out-of-practice education and exams and give your supervisor and practice manager as much notice as possible. 

Even when you have done everything right, some training placements can still be challenging; especially when certain aspects feel outside your control.   

All registrars deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and to work in environments that are culturally, emotionally, and physically safe.  

The RACGP has zero tolerance for discrimination, racism, bullying, and harassment. Nevertheless, registrars may occasionally encounter issues during their training placement including: 

• bullying or harassment from patients or colleagues 
• racism or discrimination, including subtle or systemic behaviours 
• unsafe workloads or unreasonable job demands that affect your wellbeing or learning 
• inadequate supervision or lack of protected teaching time 
• feeling isolated, especially after relocating for a placement 
• feeling unsupported or disconnected from your practice team or training program 

These issues can have a significant impact on your training experience and contribute to psychological distress or burnout. They are not your fault. If you're facing any of these challenges, know that support is readily available.  

You should feel safe to raise concerns about your training placement without fear of retribution or negative consequences for your training or career. If something isn’t working, have a conversation early with your supervisor or practice manager to see if they can help you find a solution.  

If you are not comfortable doing so, or if the concern remains unresolved, there are other sources of support: 

• Your RACGP training team, including: your medical educator, training coordinator, program officer or Registrar Liaison Officer. Depending on the nature of the placement issue, they may encourage you to complete an adverse event form 
• The RACGP National Faculty for GPs in Training for peer support and advocacy
• Your medical defence organisation (MDO) for concerns around workplace safety, including bullying, harassment, and discrimination. They also offer advice regarding patient complaints, notifications, and other legal concerns.  
• Fairwork for information about legislative protections and entitlements for all employees

If your training placement is affecting your wellbeing, you can also access confidential support through: 

• RACGP GP Support Program: a free confidential counselling and support service for RACGP members
• The Essential Network (TEN): offer clinical mental health support as well as their digital mental health hub 
• Drs4Drs: a national support service for doctors providing independant, free, and confidential health advice and 24/7 telehealth counselling 
• Hand-n-Hand Peer Support: provide access to free, confidential peer support networks for healthcare workers 

If you're experiencing ongoing stress, burnout, or personal difficulties during your placement, taking leave from your training program may be an important step in protecting your wellbeing. Even with the best strategies and support, there are times when stepping back is necessary.  

Registrars are entitled to take leave from training in accordance with the RACGP training programs leave policy. For more information, please refer to your training program handbook, or speak with your RACGP training team.   

If you're working as an independent contractor, your practice leave arrangements may differ. Refer to: Fair Work’s guidance for independent contractors for more information.  

If you are a participant on the PEP-Specialist pathway and having difficulties during a placement, please reach out to your RACGP program team or mentor for advice.   

Training placement challenges can be very stressful, so it's important to prioritise your wellbeing. Doing so can help you navigate difficulties with greater resilience and bring clarity to any issues you are facing.