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Our GP Training Program

• Introduction
• Training Structure
• Hospital Information for AGPT Applicants
• Pathway Options
• RACGP Fellowship Training
• Financial Incentives
• International Medical Graduates

VMA is one of the largest Regional Training Providers in Australia. The VMA program includes

• both general and rural pathways
• an innovative training environment combining week-end workshops, local day peer learning workshops, specialist workshops in areas such as dermatology, geriatrics, paediatrics and advanced life support, simulation training and web-based education
• highly experienced general practice medical educators and supervisors
• opportunities to select from a range of training placements within and external to the VMA
• an individualised and supported development plan for each registrar
• regular contact, feedback and review sessions with general practitioners and specialist staff

A key element of the VMA training experience is the engagement with professional medical educators, GP supervisors and mentors utilising a variety of learning methodologies and approaches fully supported through strategic alliances with General Practice organisations, hospitals and major universities. These approaches, in the past, have consistently produced registrars who report an exceptional level of satisfaction with their training placements and educational outcomes.

Download "The right choice for a career in General Practice" VMA brochure.

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Training Structure

VMA deliver the AGPT training based on the RACGP curriculum and standards.

The core training program is 3 years in duration and typically includes:

• 12 months training in hospital posts
• 18 months training in general practice posts – for General Pathway Registrars this must include
  • 12 mths GP term training in Outer Metropolitan location OR
  • 12 mths GP term training in rural location (RA 2-5) OR
  • 12 mths training comprising two of the following
    • 6 mths GP term training in Outer Metropolitan
    • 6 mths GP term training in rural location (RA 2-5)
    • 6 mths GP term in a non-capital city RA 1 location
• 6 months training in an extended skills post (which may be undertaken in a general practice)
• Other electives to meet individual needs

Structure

For RACGP Fellowship

Year One	Hospital Year	12 months
Year Two	GPT1 GPT2	6 months 6 months
Year Three	GPT 3 GPT 4 or Extended Skills	6 months 6 months

For Fellowship Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP)

Year Four

Advanced Skills Training

12 months

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Hospital Information for AGPT Applicants

For information on VMA hospital requirements for AGPT applicants including mandatory hospital rotations with specific information on paediatric rotations, download Hospital Information for AGPT Applicants

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Pathway Options

General Pathway

The general pathway enables registrars to undertake training in metropolitan, outer metropolitan and rural areas although training in a rural location is optional. In the general pathway, registrars must complete a Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) undertaking either 12 months training in an Outer Metropolitan location, 12 months of their GP term training in a RA 2-5 location, or 6 months training in a RA 2-5 location plus 6 months training in an Outer Metropolitan location. Registrars training in outer metropolitan areas are eligible for Government financial incentives.

VMA has 85 General Pathway training places for 2011 entry.

Rural Pathway

The rural pathway is for registrars wishing to undertake their training in rural areas. In a rural pathway, registrars are required to complete a minimum of 18 months of their GP term training in rural locations (RA 2-5 areas) and are eligible for generous Government financial incentives. Overseas trained doctors affected by the 10 year moratorium and whom do not possess a 19AB exemption are only eligible to apply for the rural pathway.

VMA has 5 Rural Pathway training places for 2011 entry. These places for GPT1 and GPT2 terms and will be selected from the following locations:

• Airey's Inlet
• Bannockburn
• Drysdale Village
• Point Lonsdale
• Warburton
• Whittlesea

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RACGP Fellowship Training

VMA deliver the AGPT program to registrars using the RACGP curriculum and standards for the program. Details on the curriculum can be found at the RACGP website www.racgp.org.au

Financial Incentives

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is not only comprehensive, flexible and fast, it is also funded by the Australian Government. Not only is it funded, but as a GP registrar you earn as you learn, with your salary increasing as you move through the various stages of training. Furthermore, there are a number of generous financial incentives for registrars including:

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 VMA.

HECS Reimbursement Scheme:

The HECS Reimbursement Scheme is another financial incentive offered by the Federal Government. Under this scheme, 20% 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

Outer Metropolitan Registrars Program (OMRP)

The OMRP provides incentives to general pathway registrars to undertake placements in outer metropolitan locations. Incentives within the OMRP vary according to the requirements of the relevant RTP. It should be noted that within Victoria only VMA registrars are eligible to participate within the OMRP.

Additional Support:

VMA General Practice Training offer additional support to registrars training in their region. This includes financial support for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and CPR courses which are run annually. We also provide an Internet Grant of $300 per year per registrar and a $500 Professional Development Allowance per year per registrar which is based on a "co-payment" arrangement.

Please note: all incentive payments for both rural and general pathways are subject to review by the Commonwealth – always check the most up to date information available through the AGPT website www.agpt.com.au before applying. For enquiries about the VMA financial support package, contact Sharon Butler, Operations Manager, VMA, Sharon.butler@vma.com.au

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International Medical Graduates

AGPT Eligibility

To check your eligibility to enter the AGPT program, go to The AGPT New Applicants page; Step 1, to access the Program Eligibility Guide and Pathway Eligibility Guides

10 Year Moratorium

For information on this Commonwealth Government legislation go to The AGPT New Applicants page; Step 3 or Download the "10 Year Moratorium" information sheet

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