Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program for General Practitioners
The Division aims to support GPs, GP Registrars, and Medical Students in their current and future roles as primary care helath professionals. This is carried out through the delivery and facilitation of local CPD opportunities, applying for CPD point processing, supporting active learning and small group activities, and providing information on education and funding opportunities for professional development. Consistent with the RACGP's QA&CPD program, the Division CPD program endeavours to cross the domains of general practice, including:
- Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship;
- Applied professional knowledge and skills;
- Population health and the context of general practice;
- Professional and ethical role; and,
- Organisational and legal dimensions.
GP Education Advisors provide input into the program. All GPs from across the region are also encouraged to provide input on program topics, delivery methods and presenters/facilitators. Please email your Practice Liaision Officer or ring the Division.
Current Division Activities
Education Evenings
The Division hosts evening education sessions for GPs, which are usually rotated between the major towns of Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Parkes and Forbes. For a list of upcoming events in the region, go to the Events Calendar.
Teleconference Program
The monthly GP teleconference program runs the first Monday of the Month from 8-9 pm. For a description of the teleconference program with past and future teleconference schedule and resources, go to Teleconferences.
Annual Workshop - GP Muster
The Annual GP Muster is an opportunity for GPs from across the Central West to attend a full-day local GP workshop in a central location. The workshop is a great chance to upskill in areas of interest, meet up with GP colleagues from around the region, and connect with other service providers. Keep an eye on the Events Calendar for this year's workshop details.
Active Learning Activities
The Division is able to support GPs in the development and facilitation of active learning activities, as per the ACRRM and/or RACGP program requirements. These activities could include, but are not limited to active learning modules, clinical audits, small group learning, rapid 'Plan Do Study Act' (PDSA) cycles, and evidence based medicine journal clubs. To discuss active learning options, contact the Division's Education Manager.
The 2008-2010 CPD Triennium
GPs wishing to obtain or retain Vocational Recognition need to participate in ACRRM or RACGP professional development programs.
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
Participants in the ACRRM Professional Development Program (PDP) can undertake all professional development and quality assurance activities through ACRRM for vocational registation and maintenance of professional standards. Participants must accumulate a minimum of 100 points each triennium within the following categories:
- Advance Life Support (10 points);
- Extended Skills (30 points); and,
- Core/Other Continuing Professional Development (60 points).
For more information on the guidelines, go to the ACRRM PDP website.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
The RACGP Quality Assurance and Professional Development Program (QA&CPD Program) triennium requirements include a minimum of 130 points. This must include two Category 1 activities and the completion of a basic CPR course. Category 1 activities are allocated significantly higher points, but involve more active participation and include many of the Active Learning Activties (listed above). Category 2 activities are capped at a maximum of 30 points and include lectures, presentations, and shorter workshops. For more information on the triennium, go to the RACGP QA&CPD website.
Education Grants
Training for Rural and Remote Procedural GPs Program (Procedural / Emergency Grants)
This program supports procedural and emergency GPs in rural and remote areas to attend relevant training. Procedural GPs in RRMA 2-7 locations and GPs practicing emergency medicine in RRMA 3-7 locations may be eligible. To receive grants, GPs must initially register with ACRRM or RACGP. Once registered in the program, participants are able to make claims for grants following attendance at eligibile training programs. Grants are in the amount of $2,000 per day with a maximum of 10 days in a year (procedural) and/or a maximum of three days in a year (emergency). To download the information package and registration application, download the grant guidelines. To determine your location's eligibility, review the RRMA locations. For further information on the program, go to the Department of Health and Ageing.
Rural Doctors Network Training (RDN) Grant
Grants of $2,000 are available to eligible rural GPs who undertake training through an RDN recognised accredited training organisation, specifically Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) and Emergency Life Support (ELS). GPs must work in a GP ARIA category 3-7 or be a conditionally registered International Medical Graduate in RRMA 3-7 whose medical registration requires the doctor to undertake an Emergency Medicine Course. To acccess the application and eligibility criteria, go to RDN - Training Grants.
Rural Doctors Network CPD Voucher
The RDN provides CPD vouchers to eligibile GPs commencing in rural NSW general practice to attend the RDN Rural Refresher Weekend (February and November). The voucher is worth $500 and includes full registration for the GP and his/her family. To access the application and eligibility criteria, go to RDN - CPD Vouchers.
Useful Links
Colleges
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine - Professional Development Program
Grant Information
Medicare Procedural / Emergency Grants
Other Education Providers/Programs
Rural Health Education Foundation
Salient Training in Emergency Medicine International (STEMI)
Online Learning