What is the NSW Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway?

The NSW Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP) is a co-ordinated and supported pathway for junior doctors seeking a career as a rural generalist.

Generalist trainees on the pathway are employed for up to four years by a rural Local Health District (LHD) while completing training in primary care and hospital settings.

The pathway supports you to complete your rural training and advanced skills training with a single employer.

The RGSEP provides you with a contract with one regional NSW Health LHD for the length of your training. A contract can last up to four years depending on the training stage at which you enter the pathway.

Are you eligible to be part of the RGSEP?

To be eligible you must be enrolled in one of the following relevant vocational GP training programs:

• Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Independent Pathway
• ACRRM Rural Generalist Training Scheme
• ACRRM Australian General Practice Training Program
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Australian General Practice Training Program
• RACGP Rural Generalist Fellowship
• RACGP Fellowship Support Program
• Remote Vocational Training Scheme.

You must also be eligible for selection into the Health Education and Training Institute, Rural Generalist Medical Training Program (RGTP).

Where is the RGSEP available?

RGSEP positions are being offered in the following NSW LHDs:

• Far West
• Hunter New England
• Mid North Coast
• Murrumbidgee
• Northern NSW
• Southern NSW
• Western NSW

View a map of NSW LHDs

While you will be assigned to one central hospital within the LHD, you may also be required to perform your duties in neighbouring communities.

Who should apply for the RGSEP?

You should consider applying for the RGSEP if you:

• have a desire to work as a rural general practitioner and live in rural, regional, or remote NSW over the longer term
• are on the ACRRM or RACGP GP training program or in the process of applying.

I have started my GP training - can I still apply for the RGSEP?

Yes. The pathway is available for trainees who have already completed some components of GP training. You will be offered a one-, two-, three- or four-year contract depending on the stage at which you enter the pathway.

Can I complete my GP training on the RGSEP?

Yes, you will complete your GP training in ACRRM and/or RACGP accredited practices participating in the RGSEP.

While undertaking GP rotations, you will remain an employee of the NSW Health LHD and be paid according to the NSW Public (Hospital) Medical Officers Award.

What are the advantages of the RGSEP for GP trainees?

• Certainty about your location, income and working conditions, including work hours, on-call and leave entitlements such as long service and parental leave.
• Your development needs will be supported and aligned with those needed by the local community.
• A seamless transition between your hospital and General Practice training placement with no loss of entitlements.
• An opportunity to develop strong professional links with referral hospitals and private practitioners within the region, and to become part of the rural practice network.

What is the NSW Rural Generalist Training Program?

The NSW Rural Generalist Training Program (RGTP) provides a supported pathway throughout training to Fellowship.

There are two entry points to the RGTP: through the Foundation Year or via Advanced Skills Training (lateral entry).

Upon completion, and pending successful completion of college assessments, you will exit with at least one advanced skill and a Fellowship of either or both:

• the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or
• the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners- Rural Generalist (RACGP-RG).

NSW Health funded Advanced Skills Training posts are coordinated by the RGTP, and include Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, Palliative Care and Mental Health.

To be eligible for a RGSEP contract, you must be enrolled in the NSW RGTP.

Can participants choose where they want to work?

RGSEP opportunities will be advertised at participating LHD locations throughout the year. The employing LHD, in consultation with the GP colleges, GP practices and HETI (for AST rotations), will manage your rotations to make sure you meet your training requirements. You will complete GP training in ACRRM and RACGP accredited practices participating in the NSW RGTP.

You may have the opportunity to rotate to other rural local health districts to undertake advanced skills training.