Australian patients will have access to the most skilled, professional and appropriately trained GPs, with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) signing an agreement with the Federal Government to select candidates for and oversee the delivery of the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program.
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon said officially accepting such a high level of responsibility of the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program was an historic moment for general practice and reflects the professionalism and expertise of the RACGP.
"We have waited far too long to have the training program under the direction of the RACGP," Dr Nespolon said.
"We are looking forward to helping communities throughout Australia – rural and suburban – to have the right number of appropriately trained GPs to care for the patients in those areas.
"Having the profession select entrants into the AGPT Program, based on contemporary evidence-based criteria, ensures only the most skilled registrar candidates are granted entry to general practice training.
"This, in turn, will ensure that Australian patients receive the highest quality healthcare whenever they visit a GP. Through the RACGP controlling the selection and overseeing their training, we can ensure our community is cared for by doctors who are passionate about and highly trained in preventive healthcare.
"General practice is the most important part of our healthcare system, and it is vital that our future GPs are committed, skilled, and passionate. With the RACGP leading the way for future GPs, junior doctors entering the program will be able to learn from those who have walked before them.
"The RACGP is looking forward to working with the regional training organisations (RTOs) to deliver an AGPT Program that will support all communities, whether they're located in city centres, suburban, regional, rural or remote Australia."
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that the RACGP would deliver the AGPT program at the RACGP's annual conference – GP17 – in October 2017.
"I am honoured to sign the contract on behalf of the RACGP and would like to acknowledge the leadership of past presidents Dr Frank Jones and Dr Bastian Seidel in securing the delivery of general practice training," Dr Nespolon said.
