Rural Reimbursements/Incentives

GP Synergy provides its registrars with generous financial support during their rural rotations. The level of support varies according to the RA classification of the rotation and if it is within or outside GP Synergy’s boundaries.

An example of the types of benefits that may be available include:

  • GP Synergy Financial Support:  GP Synergy has a flexible reimbursement policy (within capped amounts dependent on funding) for its registrars where reimbursement may be claimed for a wide range of expenses associated with the rural term.  Other RTPs will have their own policies and procedures.  GP Synergy registrars will find information on GPRime.  Registrars from other training providers should consult relevant policies available from their own RTP.
  • Rural preparation education and study assistance: GP Synergy registrars can access support under the Enhanced Rural Training Framework whereby registration costs for courses relevant to rural plans are fully or partially reimbursed.  Registrars who will be involved in hospital based work or on-call rosters during their rural GP term will be eligible for a higher amount of study assistance. For more information GP Synergy registrars should visit GPRime. Registrars from other training providers should consult relevant policies available from their own RTP.
  • General Practice Rural Incentive Payments Scheme (GPRIPS):The General Practice Rural Incentive Payments Scheme (GPRIPS) provides financial incentives for registrars who undertake part of their General Practice training in rural and remote locations. These incentives are generous and are based on a sliding scale and are paid according to the ASGC-RA 2-5 location and the length of time in a rural location. Both general pathway and rural pathway registrars are eligible for GPRIPS incentives dependent upon the location and duration of their RA 2-5 placement. For full details about this incentive scheme visit the Doctor Connect website (www.doctorconnect.gov.au) and enter the term ‘GPRIP’ into the site’s search engine or visit the AGPT website (www.agpt.com.au) or contact your local training provider.
  • HECS Reimbursement Scheme: The HECS Reimbursement Scheme is another financial incentive offered by the Federal Government. Under this scheme, part of your medical school HECS debt is reimbursed for each full year of training or medical service you undertake in a RA 2-5 location. Any questions relating to the scheme should be directed to Medicare Australia on 1800 010 550 or visit www.health.gov.au/hecs

In addition to training practices offering a wide range of supervisor expertise and exposure to areas of special interest, many practices also offer additional incentives for rural rotation Registrars and can include:-

  • Free or subsidised accommodation: Some practices offer rural rotation registrars free or subsidized accommodation. Review the New England/Northwest practice profiles or talk to Brenda or Jann in the New England office (02 6752 7354) for practices who offer this arrangement.
  • Flexible working hours: Many practices understand the need for registrars to return home on a frequent basis to visit their loved ones and offer flexible working hours such as frequent long weekends. Review the New England/Northwest practice profiles or contact Jann or Brenda in the New England office (02 6752 7354) for practices who offer this arrangement.
  • Varying levels of hospital or on-call work (from none to some to lots depending on what you’re looking for!): Different areas have different levels of healthcare support. Registrars practicing in larger towns may not be required to undertake any hospital or on-call work. Other registrars wanting to extend their skills (as well as earn additional remuneration) may prefer to work in an area with greater opportunities for on-call & hospital work.  Review the New England/Northwest practice profiles or contact Jann or Brenda in the New England office (02 6752 7354) to see the level of hospital and on-call work required by practices.
  • Take a friend! The ability to train in the same town as your friend and/or partner: Several towns and sometimes even practices can take more than one rural rotation registrar at a time.  To find out which areas and practices this is available, contact Brenda or Jann in the New England office (02 6752 7354).
  • Professional Development: Rural rotations provide the ultimate opportunity to develop lifelong skills and relationships as well as an appreciation of the scope of General Practice across urban and rural settings. You might be surprised to discover just how much you enjoy it!

For an obligation free discussion about undertaking a rural rotation in the New England/Northwest region, contact Jann or Brenda in the New England office (02 6752 7354) or jannt@gpsynergy.com.au or brendar@gpsynergy.com.au