RACGP Training Program Structure
GP Terms 1 & 2
After completing their 12 months of hospital terms successfully, a GP Registrar may then commence training in General Practice terms. The first 6 months (Full Time Equivalent or FTE) is referred to as GP Term 1 (also known as the Basic Term) and the second 6 months (FTE) is referred to as GP Term 2 (also called the Advanced Term). In GP Terms 1 & 2, a Registrar will have a nominated General Practice Supervisor and attend educational sessions run by GP Synergy (unless they are on their rural placement with another GP training provider).
The most intensive teaching and educational support occurs during GP Term 1 to assist the Registrar adjust to the General Practice and private practice environment. There is then a gradual step down in support over the length of the GP Synergy Training Program as the Registrars become more confident and knowledgeable in General Practice.
GP Synergy’s Role
During your GP Terms 1 & 2 you will be in regular contact with GP Synergy staff and medical educators. All GP Term 1 & 2 Registrars are required to participate in regular educational workshops (either in person or by telephone depending on your region and the workshop) designed to specifically assist your development as a General Practitioner. GP Synergy’s educational program is based on an extensive education and evaluation framework, with feedback collected by Registrars on each educational activity ensuring a consistently high quality of teaching and relevance in topics.
You will also be contacted and visited by Medical Educators throughout your term to check how you are getting along and to monitor your learning progress. Medical Educators are always on hand to provide you with advice about your term and supervision.
GP Synergy also provides you with an online training management tool called GPRime, helping you identify your learning needs and achieve your learning objectives.
Supervision
GP Synergy is fortunate to have a number of enthusiastic and dedicated training practices who host, teach and mentor Registrars during their GP Terms 1& 2. This Supervisor is responsible for your in-practice teaching and clinical supervision during the placement. Support and supervision is extensive during your GP Term 1 with the GP Supervisor required to be present at the practice for 80% of your clinical time and available by phone for the remainder, with set aside in-practice teaching time.
During your GP Term 2, as you become more confident and develop your skills, the level of supervision is reduced with the GP Supervisor required to be present for 50% of your clinical time in practice and available by telephone for the remainder as well as dedicated in-practice teaching time.
Many practices who train basic and advanced GP often have many Supervisors in their practice as well as many other Registrars and support staff such as Practice Nurses so you will always feel well supported.
Rural Requirements for Sydney General Pathway Registrars
If you are a Sydney based General Pathway Registrar you are required to undertake 6 months of your GP training in a rural area, known as a RA 2-5. This means that Registrars spend a minimum of 6 months training either within the GP Synergy New England/Northwest region or with another Regional Training Provider and attending their educational program. Registrars are able to choose which term (GP Term 1, 2 or 3) they would like to fulfill this rural requirement.