JOINT RELEASE: First transition to college-led training a success

Today marks the first successful transition of the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program to the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) with AGPT registrars in NSW and ACT transferring from Regional Training Organisation (RTO) GP Synergy to the College. 

ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says that collaboration between the two organisations has been central to ensuring the smooth transition for ACRRM registrars, supervisors, and training posts. 

"We are ready and excited to welcome this group of ACRRM registrars from the rural and remote areas of NSW and the ACT, and to supporting all aspects of their training directly through the College," Dr Chalmers says. 

 "We have established regional training support teams to provide registrars, supervisors, and training posts with the knowledge, opportunities and resourcing they need throughout their Fellowship journey. 

"We also thank GP Synergy for the work they have done training ACRRM registrars in their region over many years," she adds. 

GP Synergy Chair, Dr Ian Kamerman agrees the positive handover is a result of a strong collaborative effort between GP Synergy and ACRRM. 

"Staff from all levels of both organisations have been working closely together since the agreement to an early transition of the NSW and ACT ACRRM AGPT program was reached. 

"Together, they have worked through complex logistical issues to ensure a seamless, uninterrupted training experience for the 96 NSW and ACT ACRRM registrars, 185 supervisors and 171 training facilities," he says.   

Dr Kamerman says while GP Synergy is sad to see the NSW and ACT ACRRM AGPT registrars go, he is reassured that they are going to be in safe hands. 

"We are enormously proud to have trained 33 ACRRM AGPT fellows over the past six years, in addition to the current 96 ACRRM registrars. 

"We wish them all the very best for their future training with ACRRM, which we have no doubt will continue to be a first-class training experience."  

Dr Chalmers says: "The success of the NSW and ACT transition to ACRRM is a positive sign for the future transition of AGPT registrars to ACRRM from all other RTOs across the country in February next year. 
 
"This successful first step paves the way for a new era in RG training across the country".   

                                                                                     ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

ACRRM: Communications manager Petrina Smith p.smith@acrrm.org.au, 0414 820 847 

GP Synergy: Chief Program Transition Officer, Kate Froggatt kate_froggatt@gpsynergy.com.au | 0419 018 132