About GP Synergy

GP Synergy & IGPE Amalgamation

From 1 January 2010, the training programs of GP Synergy Ltd and the Institute of General Practice Education (IGPE) will be merging.

GP Synergy Ltd was formed in January 2009 with the amalgamation of the two regional GP training providers:- the Sydney Institute of General Practice Education & Training (SIGPET) and the New England Area Training Services (NEATS).

With IGPE delivering vocational training in the South and South West of Sydney, the result of the merger will be an enlarged organisation covering two thirds of Sydney, and the New England/North West Slopes of NSW. This will create a training provider offering many rewarding opportunities and locations for General Practice training.

There are many details of the amalgamation to be finalised, requiring consultation with our stakeholders. However, GP Synergy is committed to ensuring that the expectations and training plans of current Registrars will preserved with the effect of any changes for current and new Registrars being an expansion in the range of choice and increased flexibility. Similarly, the needs of supervision will be paramount in a smooth transition.

Further information about the amalgamation will be available shortly. Information for prospective applicants is being prepared and will be available in time for applicants to make informed decisions about training provider preference for the 2011 application period. To register to be electronically sent an Applicant Information Pack when they are available, please email katef@gpsynergy.com.au

AGPT Changes to Outer Metropolitan and Rural Terms

Unrelated to the GP Synergy and IGPE merger there are changes to the GP training rural and outer metropolitan term training requirements. Registrars throughout Australia will be required to undertake 12 months of training in a combination of outer metropolitan and/or rural terms subject to local policy provisions.  These policy provisions will be clarified in the New Year.

GP Synergy is currently reviewing its policy in this area. Information about this issue for prospective applicants will be available in the Applicant Information Pack (as above, to register to receive a copy, email katef@gpsynergy.com.au). Information for current Registrars and training practices will be communicated directly by the GP Synergy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Training.

Further details regarding these changes at a Federal level can be found in the FAQ Training Changes document located on the AGPT website – www.agpt.com.au

Changes to Rural and Remote Area Classifications

From 1 July 2010, the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas (RRMA) system will be replaced by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas (ASGC‐RA) system.

The ASGC‐RA groups regions that share remoteness characteristics into RA groups. RA 1 is major cities and can be defined as urban locations; RA 2 to 5 is grouped in progressively more remote locations, and can be defined as regional or remote.

The ASGC‐RA classification system determines the urban and rural training boundaries. The new ASGC‐RA classification system also underpins the new General Practice Rural Incentives Program (GPRIP), which will replace the current Registrars Rural Incentives Payment Scheme (RRIPS).

The new ASGC‐RA classification system also has implications for Overseas Trained Doctors affected by the 10 year moratorium.

Further information about the ASGC‐RA classification system and the new incentive scheme (GPRIP) can be found on the Doctor Connect website – www.doctorconnect.gov.au.
A FAQ document has also been developed by AGPT and is available on the AGPT website – www.agpt.com.au

Our mission

“To train highly skilled medical practitioners contributing to healthier communities”

Our vision

We will:

  1. Provide high quality general practice education and training;
  2. Build capacity by supporting and developing quality teaching environments centered on general practice;
  3. Promote the privileges, responsibilities and diverse career opportunities of general practice
  4. Develop internal processes and resources to ensure that the organisation learns and grows.

Our values

Our organisation is underpinned by the following values:

  1. Collaboration;
  2. Integrity;
  3. Equity;
  4. Leadership; and
  5. Commitment to excellence in life-long learning.