About the program
The Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP) allows doctors with placements in Distribution Priority Areas to access items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
As a 3GA approved workforce program, doctors on this program satisfy section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with provisional or limited registration will also receive funding support for supervision and learning and development.
The Rural Workforce Agencies (RWAs) in each state and the Northern Territory administer the program.
Goals
The program aims to:
- gain valuable general practice experience prior to joining a college-led GP training pathway
- work in primary care and remain in rural and remote communities.
Who we work with
The Rural Workforce Agencies (RWAs) administer the PFP on our behalf. RWAs operate in each state and the Northern Territory.
Eligibility
To receive a placement on the PFP, the doctor and practice must meet minimum requirements.
Doctors
The PFP is open to IMGs and other non-vocationally registered doctors who are Australia citizens, permanent residents or temporary residents. Doctors can have general, provisional or limited registration.
Eligible doctors must:
- hold current registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- have an offer of employment
- have the necessary skills and experience to perform the role
- be in Postgraduate Year (PGY) 3 or above
- provide evidence of appropriate support in place to meet supervision requirements if applicable
- undertake GP professional development activities, including compulsory modules
- review readiness for fellowship training, in conjunction with their medical adviser every 3 months
- take active steps to join a College-led GP training pathway within the defined period.
A doctor is not eligible to join PFP if they:
- have previously been on a 3GA program
- are currently on MDRAP
- are in PGY 1-2
- are vocationally registered.
Once a doctor leaves the PFP to join a college-led GP training program, they are not eligible to return to the PFP.
Locations
Eligible locations include practices that are either:
- located within a Distribution Priority Area
- classified as an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or
- classified as an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service subject to Ministerial direction under s19(2) or a s19(5) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Medical practices who employ a doctor participating in the PFP must be accredited as a general practice against the RACGP Standards for general practices.
Search eligible locations, via the Health Workforce Locator.
Ongoing requirements for participants
If you participate in this program, you must show you are working towards GP Fellowship. You must:
- review your readiness for GP Fellowship training with your RWA every 3 months
- apply to a college-led GP training program with either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) at least once a year. This includes the:
- Australian General Practice Training program (through ACRRM and RACGP)
- Independent Pathway (through ACRRM)
- Fellowship Support Program (through RACGP)
- Remote Vocational Training Scheme (through Remote Vocational Training Scheme Ltd)
- complete foundation general practice training modules within 3 months of commencing the program. The RACGP and ACRRM determine the training modules
- meet AHPRA’s requirements for continuing professional development.
Apply
To apply for the PFP, contact the Rural Workforce Agency in your state.
Status
The PFP is currently open for applications.
Guidelines
For more details about the program, see the Pre-Fellowship Program Guidelines.
Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP) Guidelines
Resources
Pre-Fellowship Program – Fact sheet
Contact
Contact the Rural Workforce Agency in your state for more information on the PFP.