Enhanced Support Programs for Rural Generalist (RG) Trainees and newly fellowed RGs

Rural Generalists (RGs) play a vital role in delivering high-quality care across rural and remote NSW. However, maintaining procedural skills during GP fellowship training—and transitioning confidently into independent practice after fellowship—can be challenging, particularly in smaller or isolated hospitals.
To address this, NSW Health is launching a new three-year pilot program from the 2026 clinical year to provide structured supervision and mentoring for RG Trainees and recently fellowed RGs. The first phase will focus on doctors with Advanced Skills Training (AST) in Obstetrics or Anaesthetics.
Local Health Districts will apply through an annual Expression of Interest process each October (with 2026 applications opening in December 2025).
The Ministry of Health will evaluate the pilot over its three-year life, with participating trainees, supervisors and LHDs contributing through surveys and interviews to inform future program design.

The pilot program will support 2 groups of doctors as outlined below:

Group A – RG Trainees – skills maintenance program

Eligibility criteria:
· Currently in a GP training program who have completed Advanced Skills Training placement (AST) in either Anaesthetics or Obstetrics.
· Working in general practice to complete their fellowship requirements.
· Engaged in a NSW public health facility, preferably MMM 4-7 but MMM2-3 will be considered on case-by-case basis.

Group B – Transition to Independent Practice Program – for newly fellowed RG Obstetricians (RGOs) or RG Anaesthetists (RGAs)

Eligibility criteria:
· RGs that have recently fellowed and have completed their Advanced Skill Training in either Obstetrics or Anaesthetics.
· RGs in this group may have utilised the skills maintenance program as a trainee, this does not prevent them from applying for funding for transition to independent practice.
· GPs that have recently completed their procedural skills training in either Obstetrics or Anaesthetics.
· Must be engaged in a NSW public health facility in MMM4-7 location
· The RG should not be solely appointed within an LHD, it is preferred that RGs contribute to community General Practice and to NSW Health services.

Funding structure for Group A and Group B

· Funding will be provided to the participating LHD to support the delivery of programs and to fund supervisors for RG trainees and the mentors for newly fellowed GPs.
· The recommended activities are outlined in the respective factsheets for both Group A and Group B doctors.