Be recognised for your rural or remote medical experience

Are you a rural General Practitioner who wants to further elevate your professional standing and collective influence as a Rural Generalist? Consider the Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship (REEF) pathway.

Benefit from enhanced professional recognition, job opportunities within the College, access to exclusive resources and a strengthened reputation within the rural healthcare community.

Through REEF, you can achieve Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) via an expedited pathway that recognises your existing skills and experience. This pathway is designed for doctors who hold specialist registration in general practice in Australia.

Once you’ve attained FACRRM, you can have your skills recognised in one of our 12 Advanced Specialised Training (AST) disciplines – unlocking new opportunities and financial incentives to keep your expertise sharp.

Do you currently train ACRRM registrars?

Through the REEF process, your rural GP experience is recognised, awarding you Fellowship of the College. By becoming a FACRRM, you’ll share the same professional home as your registrars - with access to education, support, and a community that grows together.

Are you eligible for REEF?

To be eligible to apply for REEF, candidates must: 

  • Hold current unconditional specialist registration (in general practice) with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). 
  • Have a minimum five years of rural experience post specialist registration. 
  • Demonstrated extended practice relevant to the community needs. 
  • Currency and compliance with an AMC-accredited continuing professional development program.

Express your interest in FACRRM through REEF

Interested in becoming a FACRRM through REEF? Submit your question via the form and a friendly member of our team will be in touch.

How do you apply for REEF?

When you apply for REEF with ACRRM, you’ll be required to complete an online application form and submit your one-time fee of $499. The ACRRM assessment team will assess your application form for completeness.

For support, please email reef@acrrm.org.au

  • Step 1
    Check eligibility

Check your eligibility for REEF before starting your application.

  • Step 2
    Submit REEF Application form

Ensure you have the following supporting documents ready before submitting your application:

  • Demonstrate five years or more of rural practice since gaining Fellowship or specialist registration (in general practice). This may include:
    • Rural experience supporting information, e.g. letter from employer(s) and/or colleagues or employment record(s).
    • Extended practice supporting information, e.g. clinical privileges letter(s) / certificate(s).
  • Provide letters of recommendation from two FACRRMs.
  • Provide Fellowship Certificate
  • Provide your CV using REEF Pro Forma template.

Applicants not enrolled in ACRRM CPD Home must also provide:

  • Evidence of completion of last CPD calendar year and participation in current CDP calendar year.
  • Evidence of completion of Advance Life Support (ALS) in the last three years.
 
Submit REEF Application form
  • Step 3
    Pay application fee

You will need to create an ACRRM account if you do not already have one. Once you've created an account, login and pay your application fee.

 
Pay application fee
  • Step 4
    Structured interview

If your application is deemed complete, you will be invited to attend a structured interview via videoconference.

  • Step 5
    Review

Your application will be reviewed by the Censor-in-Chief If appropriate, a recommendation to the College Board provided.

  • Step 6
    Fellowship awarded
  • Step 7
    Ongoing Fellowship maintenance

Maintain your FACRRM by holding a valid ACRRM membership, maintaining active clinical practice relevant to your scope, meeting CPD requirements, and holding current registration with AHPRA.

Fees

Type

DescriptionCost
Payable
ApplicationTo apply for REEF, you will be required to submit a one-time application payment.$499*Upon application

*College membership is a requirement of Fellowship

FAQs

To be eligible for Rural Experience Entry to Fellowship (REEF), you must hold current unconditional specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). You should have a minimum five years of rural experience post specialist registration. To discuss further, please contact the REEF team on 1800 223 226 or at reef@acrrm.org.au.
REEF is only open to those with a specialty in general practice. The Independent Pathway is a popular way for practitioners who have vocational registration in another specialty to obtain Fellowship of ACRRM. Please speak with the REEF team on 1800 223 226 or at reef@acrrm.org.au for more information.
There are typically no formal assessments. You will be required to provide two letters of recommendation or reference from ACRRM Fellows, and you will undertake a structured interview with an ACRRM Director of Training.
View more REEF FAQs