Why are there two GP colleges in Australia?
Australia is one of the only countries in the world with two GP colleges. This is due to the sprawling and diverse nature of the Australian landscape and the unique needs of its population.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) provides a training program that specifically focuses on the needs of rural communities. Achieve Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM).
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) provides GP education and training for metro and rural GPs. Achieve Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).
Which GP college should I pick?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Take into consideration your circumstances and career goals. Some GPs even hold a Fellowship from both colleges.
No matter your decision, remember that both colleges are dedicated to maintaining high standards within general practice.
Will I be locking myself into being a rural or metro GP forever?
While ACRRM Fellows need to have trained and practised in rural areas, they need not remain in a rural area to still be a part of ACRRM—they can still work in metropolitan areas.
RACGP Fellows can equip themselves to practise in rural areas by achieving RACGP’s Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP). However, the RACGP is developing a Rural Generalist Fellowship (FRACGP-RG), this qualification will replace the FARGP, and development is still in progress.
Those with rural training can work in metropolitan areas.
While GPs who achieved their Fellowship through the general pathway can technically work in rural and remote areas, it is generally advised that they ensure they have the broad set of skills which are needed to meet the needs of the rural and remote communities in which they work—and these skills are taught through the rural-specific GP training pathways.
The two fellowships at a glance
The Fellowship
FACRRM training focuses on the needs of rural communities.
FRACGP training focuses on the needs of inner and outer metropolitan communities.
Training time
Four years.
Three years.
Allows GPs to
- work unsupervised in general practice across Australia
- claim A1 Medicare rebates
- use the post-nominal ‘FACRRM’
- be recognised as a Fellow through ACRRM reciprocal arrangements with New Zealand and Canada.
- work unsupervised in general practice across Australia
- claim A1 Medicare rebates
- use the post-nominal ‘FRACGP’
- be recognised as a Fellow through reciprocal arrangements with New Zealand, Ireland and Canada.
Provides government-funded training (through the AGPT program)
Yes.
Yes.
Provides other training pathways
Independent Pathway (IP).
Specialist Pathway Program (SPP) and The General Practice Experience Pathway (PEP).
Can provide training through the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) pathway
Yes.
Yes.
Additional training
Once Fellowed, GPs are expected to continue with their professional development through the college.
Once Fellowed, GPs are expected to continue with their professional development through the college. GPs can elect to train towards achieving a Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP), to develop advanced rural skills.
Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
RVTS is a government-funded GP training program for medical practitioners working in rural and remote communities throughout Australia, and doctors working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
The purpose of the program is to train doctors in remote communities for remote communities.
Through this training scheme, you live and work in your remote location while conducting your GP training remotely, supported by distance education and remote supervision.
Under the training program, you can elect to achieve Fellowship of either ACRRM and/or RACGP. You do not choose an RTO.
The three to four-year program delivers structured distance education and supervision to doctors while they continue to provide general medical services to a remote and/or isolated community.
If you are interested in this program, apply directly with the RVTS.
Visit rvts.org.au for more information.