The transfer of GP training on February 1, 2023, has been hailed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as a historic day.
It can be remembered that in October 2017, Greg Hunt, the federal health minister at the time, stated that the Australian General Practice Training program would return to Australia's specialised medical colleges, the RACGP and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
According to Dr. Nicole Higgins, RACGP President, the backbone of Australia's health system is the general practice, and teaching future generations of general practitioners who will provide care for communities in the future is crucial.
With this, she welcomed the new registrars and GP team members across the country with the hope of offering a top-notch training course.
As the next guardian of GP training, the RACGP National Director of Training Dr. James Brown said the College will build on the success of the prior program and seize the numerous opportunities a national strategy offers.
According to Dr. Brown, with the national support and mechanisms that enable training that best fits community and registrar needs, the GP training program places a priority on local training delivery. He also said that it is vital to focus on the community with primary care shortages.
Currently, the RACGP and the ACRRM are working together with the Department of Health and Aged Care to improve the GP workforce in the country.
Last August 2022, there was this Remote Supervision Pilot that was established and Dr.Higgins is continually calling GPs and registrars to join this pilot. To learn more about the Remote Supervision Pilot, please click here.
Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report: Reform for Rural, Remote, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report's publication is welcomed by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), which claims that it would allow for reform and enhance healthcare access for populations in rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander areas.
Everyone is aware that the ACRRM has contributed knowledge and expertise to the Taskforce's discussions and has steadfastly defended the rights of rural and remote General Practitioners (GPs) and Rural Generalists (RGs).
According to Dr. Dan Halliday, ACRRM President, the report's goals and suggestions are supported by the College. He believes that the following stages of the reform process are very important, and they should provide more information about the reforms' priorities, their funding, and their timing for execution.
From this report, the ACRRM will particularly look for more information on the following:
The role of GPs in the management of interdisciplinary, team-based treatment in rural areas.
How the general practice industry will be involved in and supported in the implementation of the substantial reforms necessary to make sure that Australia's Medicare system is suited to its purpose
How primary care facilities, including general practices, will be paid and encouraged to offer high-quality care that meets patients' needs, prevents unnecessary visits to hospitals and emergency rooms, and effectively prevents and treats chronic diseases.
How patient registration will be made voluntary, especially in rural and distant areas.
The expanding function of primary health networks and its effects on rural and remote GPs, RGs, practices, hospitals, and communities.
Likewise, the RACGP welcomed this report and stated that the future of general practice healthcare depends on greater reform. The recommendations of the College are the following:
Financing for extended consultations to reflect the fact that chronic and complex treatment requires more time than is funded in regular consultation.
Boosting funding for diverse teams in general practice that are attentive to regional requirements as long as patients are using their general practice to get centrally coordinated care.
"Blended funding models" that incorporate service charges and include rewards to encourage improved treatment for those who need it the most.
Introducing a streamlined voluntary patient registration program that is simple to use and allows patients to join a practice that receives additional funding to coordinate treatment.
Improving data and digital technology use to disseminate vital patient information and enable better patient healthcare
Investing in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to commission primary care services, building on their knowledge, and investigating innovative funding mechanisms that are locally applicable for remote and rural practice.
Committing funds to primary care research.
According to Dr. Higgins, the report contained many encouraging components, but more effort was required to ensure the long-term stability of general practice care.
2022 Medical Training Survey: ACRRM Registrars to be Based in Rural Areas
This week's publication of the 2022 Medical Training Survey shows unequivocally that the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) registrars remain at the forefront of the effort to supply a knowledgeable medical workforce in remote, rural, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
ACRRM registrars were among the more than 21,000 doctors in training who responded to the survey, which was conducted by the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA. The results this year, according to ACRRM President Dr. Dan Halliday, once again demonstrate that ACRRM registrars are in a league of their own when it comes to filling critical labor gaps in Australia.
Dr. Halliday also said that ACRRM registrars are by far the trainees who are most likely to be based in rural areas, to have plans to continue practicing in rural areas, to be interested in working in the field of healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and to support the training of future workforces.
If you are looking for the best rural generalist jobs, Medical Recruitment can help you out. Here, we do not just value you and your interests but we can also help you achieve your full potential by helping you find the most competitive short-term and locum job opportunities.
Since 1986, Medical Recruitment has been specialising in GP recruitment, thus, consultants from the company have expert knowledge in the space. If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to work as a permanent or locum GP job or even for a GP role after hours, then look no further - get in touch with our Recruitment Consultants now.
