NSW Rural Generalist Training Program - Foundation Year

Are you a junior doctor considering a career as a Rural Generalist?

Foundation Year is the bridge between your aspirations and your future role as a Rural Generalist in NSW.

What is Foundation Year?

The Foundation Year is an entry point to the supported NSW RGTP pathway to rural general practice with procedural and /or advanced skills. It is not an employment position; trainees can be working in either hospital or GP practice terms. The primary aim of this program is to support and prepare trainees on their journey to Rural Generalist through career navigation, mentoring and education.

If you are working towards...
  • A career where every day is unique
  • Creating a positive difference in rural communities
  • Training in rural towns of NSW that meets relevant medical college standards
  • Working as a rural GP and providing advanced skills services in rural hospitals

Join the NSW Rural Generalist Program and contribute to shaping the future of rural medicine where it's needed the most.

  • Mentorship from experienced Rural Generalists passionate about sharing their insights and expertise
  • Peer networking opportunities with fellow aspiring Rural Generalist trainees
  • One-on-one coaching from RGTP Rural Director of Training (RDoT)
  • Advice regarding HETI -funded Advanced Skills Training posts
  • Career navigation, planning and workforce advice
  • Access to information and resources on relevant Rural Generalist related education events, scholarships and workforce opportunities
  • Complimentary invitation to RGEN (Rural Generalist Engagement and Networking) conference held in Orange NSW

rgtp pathway diagram

To be eligible to apply to the NSW Rural Generalist Medical Training Program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
  1. MBBS or equivalent and current general registration with the Medical Board of Australia
  2. At least one postgraduate years' experience as a medical officer within Australia by the commencement of the following clinical year
  3. Have a genuine interest in rural practice and a future career as a GP Rural Generalist with an advanced skills set
  4. Be enrolled, in the process of enrolling or intending to enrol, in RACGP – RG and /or ACRRM vocational General Practice training programs.

Application process

Applications for Foundation Year will open May 2024.

If you are interested to join or have any questions, please email HETI-RuralGeneralist @ health.nsw.gov.au

Submit Application

  • Complete all sections of the application e-Form prior to submission
  • Address the selection criteria and include examples in your responses where appropriate
  • An email confirming the receipt of your application e-Form will be sent within 48 hours

Application Reviewed

  • Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee as they are received throughout the recruitment period
  • All applications will be notified by email of the review outcome

Facilitated Virtual presentation

  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited by email to participate in a facilitated virtual presentation
  • Virtual presentations will be reviewed by the selection committee throughout the recruitment period

Offers Extended

  • Offers to successful applicants will be made via email
  • Offers are to be accepted within 48 hours
Start your rg journey with us

How long does Rural Generalist training take?

Rural Generalist training generally takes four to five years, depending on the year of entry and number of Advanced Skills Training (AST) specialties undertaken. This includes meeting the requirements for both general practice training and your preferred advanced skill. (Current NSW Health-funded AST specialties include - Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine, Mental Health, Obstetrics, Paediatrics and Palliative Care).

Do I have to have completed my internship to lodge an application for the following clinical year?

No, applicants who wish to commence as Rural Generalist Foundation Year Trainees as PGY2 doctors may apply to both NSW Rural Generalist Medical Training Program and a GP training College during their intern year.

Do I have to be on a general practice training program?

No, however applicants must be intending to enrol, in the process of enrolling or enrolled, in RACGP and /or ACRRM vocational General Practice training programs. Continuation on the RGTP is contingent on a trainee being accepted onto a general practice training pathway. All trainees must be enrolled on a general practice training pathway prior to commencing advanced skills training (AST).

I am enrolled in another College; can I still apply?

Applicants from other college training programs are not eligible unless they are also concurrently enrolled with or have a general practice training application pending with either RACGP or ACRRM.

How does this program fit with the Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT)?

The RGTP pathway is undertaken in conjunction with general practice training through either RACGP or ACRRM. All trainees must be enrolled on a general practice training pathway prior to commencing advanced skills training (AST).

I am completing my medical degree in Australia but am not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand. Am I eligible to apply?

No, NSW Health recruitment guidelines specify that applicants must hold Australian citizenship or Australian permanent residency.

I am not eligible or missed out on applying to the RGTP. Can I pursue a Rural Generalist career independently once I start practising medicine (as a postgraduate)?

Yes. The RGTP is not the only pathway to a Rural Generalist career. If you want to pursue a career as a Rural Generalist independently, we recommend you discuss your interest further with ACRRM or RACGP.

Are there any long-term obligations once I am accepted onto Foundation Year?

There are no long-term obligations when registering with the RGTP or accepting a RGTP position.

I am an International Medical Graduate; can I apply?

You must be an Australian citizen or Permanent Residency holder and have a current general registration with Medical Board of Australia to be eligible for this program.

A rural generalist journey

A day in the life of

What I love about being an RG