Govt overhauls workforce program that lets junior docs work as GPs under supervision
The new Pre-Fellowship Program will run as a pilot for two years.
A controversial workforce program that lets non-VR doctors work as GPs has been overhauled, with tighter criteria on where they can work and new funding for IMG supervisors.
The More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP) was recently closed to new entrants after running for five years and will be replaced with the new $30.5 million Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP).
The Federal Government acknowledges the PFP has “broadly the same” goal of giving non-VR doctors experience of general practice while simultaneously plugging workforce gaps.
But it has attempted to address criticism that MDRAP lets doctors at postgraduate years 3-5 work in isolated rural practices without providing adequate supervision to ensure safety.
