Category 1
Australian graduates and Permanent Resident International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are subject to section 19AA of the Act only.
Category 2
Permanent Resident IMGS and former overseas medical students who are subject to both sections 19AA and 19AB of the Act.
Eligible areas for placements
Eligibility of a location under the RLRP is based on the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas (RRMA) classification of the location and the category of the applicant.
Category 1 applicants:
- Small rural and remote areas and large remote centres (RRMA 4, 5, 6, and 7)
- Large rural centres (RRMA 3)
- “Areas of Consideration” (as determined by the relevant Commonwealth Minister)
- All Aboriginal Medical Services (including RRMA 1 or 2)
Category 2 applicants:
- Small rural and remote areas and large remote centres (RRMA 4, 5, 6, and 7) in Districts of Workforce shortage only
(as determined by the Minister for Health and Ageing)
- Large rural centres(RRMA 3) that are Districts of Workforce Shortage only
- “Areas of Consideration” (as determined by the relevant Commonwealth Minister)
- All Aboriginal Medical Services (including RRMA 1 or 2)
*Additional criteria required by RWAV:
RWAV has 2 programs under RLRP, 2 year or 4 year program, each with specific requirements.
2 year Program
The 2 year program assists doctors with no or less than 2 years general practice experience to gain general practice experience and apply to a general practice vocational training program.
Doctors must have the following:
- Current General Registration
- at least two (2) years Australian hospital experience relevant to a general practice position including at a minimum;
- General Medicine (at least 10 weeks), General Surgery (at least 10 weeks), Emergency Medicine (at least 8 weeks), and Paediatrics (a complete 10-12 weeks Paediatric term in an accredited paediatric post)
- Full-time work, however part-time work may be considered depending on experience. The aim of this program is to provide general practice services in areas of workforce shortage and to gain experience in Australian General Practice;
- Placement in an eligible practice with at least 2 VR doctors in a general practice team (including GP and non-GP members) able to provide clinical guidance and support depending on the RLRP doctor’s experience and the context of the practice. At least one VR doctor must be available in the clinic at all times. 2 year RLRP doctors are not eligible for placement in solo general practice;
- a nominated GP Mentor who is a Fellow or Vocationally Recognised equivalent with rural General Practice experience. mentors are limited to five (5) RLRP doctors at any one time;
- a commencement date in practice within three (3) months of issue of a provider number by the Department of Human Services (Medicare).
4 year Program
The 4 year program enables doctors with the pre-requisite experience to work in eligible locations to achieve a general practice fellowship.
Doctors must have:
- medical registration appropriate for the position;
- skills and experience to be able to achieve Fellowship of either ACRRM or RACGP within the four year time limit of the RLRP;
skills and experience assessed to be appropriate for the position;
- applied knowledge in general practice at least equivalent to that of a doctor entering Australian General Practice vocational training;
- ability to provide person-centred, continuing, comprehensive, coordinated whole person health care to individuals and families in their communities;
- commitment to appropriate clinical support and mentoring throughout the placement and must undertake appropriate education and training to obtain postgraduate qualifications in general practice recognised under the Act.
- 2 years hospital and at least 2 years general practice experience assessed by the RACGP (within the last 3 years).
- work in an eligible practice with at least one VR doctor in a general practice team
(including GP and non-GP members) able to provide clinical guidance and support
depending on the RLRP doctor’s experience and the context of the practice.
- have a nominated GP Mentor
- a commencement date in practice within three (3) months of issue of a provider number by the Department of Human Services (Medicare).
