(03) 9349 7800

What We Offer

More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP)

Valuable GP experience in rural Victoria

MORE DOCTORS FOR RURAL AUSTRALIA PROGRAM (MDRAP) UPDATE

MDRAP and Pre-Fellowship Program in 2024 – update on 14 March 2024

In the 2023-24 Budget the Australian Government decided to replace the More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP) with a Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP).
The PFP will also support doctors working in areas of service access need who are seeking to move into fellowship training. The Department has advised that the two-year pilot of the PFP is planned to start in April 2024.

New (complete) applications with all supporting documents for the MDRAP must be received by RWAV’s GP Programs team, GPprograms@rwav.com.au no later than 5pm Monday 18 March 2024.

RWAV strongly recommends that potential applicants contact RWAV as soon as possible to discuss what a ‘completed’ MDRAP application requires.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has advised it will provide more information on the PFP in coming weeks.

MDRAP provides access to general practice jobs in rural locations for non-vocationally recognised (non-VR) doctors before joining a specialist general practice fellowship program.

RWAV manages MDRAP in Victoria
Read the MDRAP Guidelines

GP Programs Team
Email: gprograms@rwav.com.au

The More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP) is an opportunity for non-vocationally recognised doctors to gain valuable general practice experience, prior to joining a college fellowship pathway, while providing care to the rural and remote communities of beautiful Victoria.

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident then this could be the opportunity for you.

What is MDRAP?

The MDRAP is a Commonwealth Government funded program that is part of the Government’s Stronger Rural Health Strategy. The MDRAP Guidelines are issued by the Department of Health.

This program permits a doctor to have access to Medicare rebates and to participate in an approved workforce program. RWAV is the delegated authority in Victoria to administer the MDRAP on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health. This means RWAV acts on behalf of the Department of Health to issue the MDRAP.

What are the benefits of entering the MDRAP?

The major benefits of the MDRAP program include:

  • Access to items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for medical practitioners (e.g. Group A7, A2 and some A11).
  • Provision of funding to support supervision and education for MDRAP doctors.
  • Tailored learning and supervision to ensure the safe delivery of high quality care.
  • Two years in stunning rural Victoria while working as a GP.

MDRAP Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you can find the common questions and answers related to MDRAP. It is vital that you and your practice read the MDRAP guidelines as most questions will be addressed there. 

Want to know more about the MDRAP program? Get in touch with us now or phone 03 9349 7800 (Option 3 and then select option 2).

An MDRAP placement is for up to two years.

Doctors can seek extensions for a further two years for extenuating circumstances only, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with supporting evidence.

Once approved on the program MDRAP doctors are required to:

  • Make a minimum of one application to a fellowship program each year
  • Complete foundation general practice training modules provided by either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine within six months of commencing on the MDRAP
  • Commence working in the practice within 3 months of approved placement

Please see the guidelines for an expanded list of your requirements.

Doctors on MDRAP will be able to access non-VR rates on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

You may require supervision but this is dependent on the category under which you enter the MDRAP.

All doctors on MDRAP who require medical supervision to maintain their medical registration must continue to work within the conditions set out by AHPRA.

Assessment of your application will only commence once RWAV has received a completed application.

RWAV will notify you and your practice of the outcome of your application within 20 business days of RWAV receiving a completed application.

We ask applicants and practices to note:

  • Your application will not be assessed until all of the required documentation is received by RWAV.
  • All completed applications will be assessed in strict date order according to the date of submission.
  • Additional time should be allowed for Medicare provider numbers to be processed by Services Australia.

Access to a team of experts who specialise in:

  • Fellowship progression
  • Support with program compliance
  • Learning and development
  • Support to access RWAV funding opportunities
  • Allocated funding for both the doctors and practices to help the implementation of the program.
  • Tailored Learning and Development planning for all doctors on the program.

To be eligible for an MDRAP placement all doctors must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold current registration with the Medical Board of Australia. (Required)
  • Provide evidence of appropriate support in place to meet supervision requirements. (Required)
  • Undertake general practice professional development activities. (Required)
  • Take active steps to join a college pathway within the defined period.

To be eligible for an MDRAP placement the practice must be:

or

  • Classified as an Aboriginal Medical Service or be the subject of a Ministerial direction under s19 (2) or s19 (5) of the act;
  • Classified as an Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Service or be the subject of Ministerial direction under s19 (2) or s19(5) of the act.
  • Provide the support required to meet supervision obligations and confirm they understand that the doctor must progress to a college fellowship pathway within the specified timeframe.

Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA

Shay brings over 20 years of financial
management experience in commercial and not-for-profit organizations. He has a
rich and varied experience in multiple finance and leadership roles in the
United Kingdom and Australia, including CFO, GM Finance & IT, Commercial
Manager Operations, Finance Manager and Accountant.

His extensive leadership experience is
augmented by an FGIA, FCCA, CA, a Masters in Finance and an undergraduate degree in
accounting and finance.

RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA

Kate is a Registered Nurse highly experienced in health promotion and project management. Her people and program management skills enable her to be agile and adaptable while maintaining an outcomes focus on improving quality access to primary healthcare.

Kate’s extensive experience working with all levels of government, the community and stakeholders across the sector have provided her with insights into the challenges rural communities and health professionals face. Kate has led the design and delivery of many innovative and strategic health promotion and grants programs, supporting better access to health services, health information and activities across communities. Whilst at RWAV, Kate has led the transformation of the RWAV grants program, enhanced the administration of a number of programs and developed the RWAV allied health portfolio. She has also led the development of the RWAV research program of activities.

Having worked at RWAV since 2020, Kate will continue positively influencing the rural healthcare workforce and access to services.

Social Work (BA Hons), DipSW

With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.

Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.

Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.

Martin is a governance professional and lawyer with experience in private practice and in-house legal roles. He has been a company secretary for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries including VicTrack, Regis Healthcare Limited and Dairy Australia Limited. He holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and is a fellow of the GIA.

With a rich background of consulting and in-house people and culture roles with the corporate, government and community sectors, Andrea is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Andrea has significant experience in leading teams across culture, capability, diversity, equity, leadership, organisational development and learning programs as well as core human resources partnering.

With a strong focus on building and maintaining psychologically safe organisations, Andrea’s team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.

B Comm MPP EdD DipEd MAICD

Rosemary has had a varied career as an academic teaching economics, public policy and industrial relations, and as a consultant, advocate, health union official and as a director.

She brings strong governance and strategic skills to the Board, as well as knowledge and depth of experience in health policy, economics and investment.

Rosemary was a Director of Aware Super for nine years, and Chair of the Investment Committee for three years. She was also a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee and the REM and HR Committee. Rosemary is currently a member of the Investment Committee of Cbus.

She was the Secretary of the Victorian Psychologists Association Inc for 20 years and knows first-hand the difficulties in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and regional Victoria.

Dr Louise Manning is a rural GP Obstetrics trainee practising in Central Victoria where she delivers general practice, obstetric and sexual health services. Growing up in a small town she has lived experience of the difficulties accessing healthcare in rural and regional areas, and is dedicated to advocating for equitable health outcomes regardless of geography.

Louise is also a Board Director of the Rural Doctors’ Association of Victoria.

BAppSci GradDipBus MBus GAICD FIML

John Biviano is an experienced senior executive who has held many senior roles in government (Health Dept) and also in professional associations related to healthcare. Until recently, John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, where he oversaw the digitisation of a range of Member offerings, including aspects of training. 

BA (Politics/Philosophy) BEc GDipBus MBA GAICD FGIA

Roger is an accomplished CEO, Non-Executive Director and Chair with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, education, transport, and environmental industries – across private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations

.He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development having also been Chair of numerous Finance, Audit, Risk, Investment and Community Advisory Committees.

BMBS MBA FRACP FRACMA FAICD FIML

Assoc Prof Phelps has practiced as a Gastroenterologist and Acute Physician in regional Victoria for more than 20 years.

He trained in safety and quality at Dr Brent James’ Institute at Intermountain Healthcare in the US and has held management and leadership roles in Victoria and Tasmania. More recently he completed a two-year project as Director of Clinical Governance for Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

Grant currently works as an independent consultant providing advice to hospitals and organisations on clinical leadership and safety and quality

LLB BSc MMgt (Strategic Foresight) GAICD

As a lawyer and business consultant Jane has worked with company boards and senior management across a range of areas including IP commercialisation, internet-based businesses, healthcare products/services, privacy and data/IT security. Jane is currently general counsel for .id Consulting – population demographers, economists and forecasters.

Jane served as a director of BreastScreen Victoria for 10 years, is a current director of Ballarat Health Services and chairs RWAV’s Governance Committee.

BMed MMedSci FRACGP FARGP FACRRM DipPractDerm DipMedHyp DipFP DipBusAdmin GAICD

Assoc Prof Rawlin is an experienced General Practitioner and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practiced in rural Victoria for 10 years.

Assoc Prof Rawlin is Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaborative and a past Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Association and is a board member of the Mental Health Professionals Network. He is also the Medical Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria.
He is a member of the RACGP Victoria Council.

CPA
Albert Giorgini is the Senior Advisor to CEO at RWAV.

As an experienced finance executive, with an extensive career in public transport and in the automotive and industrial gas sectors, Albert has honed his skills in driving financial performance improvements with a commercial and business transformation focus.

Through his strategic financial skills, Albert has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead and develop large teams in complex and changing environments to achieve the financial and regulatory requirements of the business. His extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges, equipping him with the expertise to drive impactful change.

Albert has highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills to support his strong planning, analytical and financial performance improvement acumen, always striving to create innovative solutions that drive growth and success.

BBus(HRM)

Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.

Lauren’s team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAV’s strategies and strengthen RWAV’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’.

Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.

BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM

Lauren Cordwell commenced in the role of Chief Executive Officer in August 2023. She took on the role of Acting CEO in April 2023 and previously served as the General Manager since February 2020.
Lauren has leadership responsibilities for strategy, communications, data, stakeholder engagement and program delivery.

Lauren’s team is committed to supporting communities in rural and regional Victoria to have timely access to affordable and safe health care.

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