The RACGP has formally announced the pathway to Fellowship for general practitioners participating in the Expedited Pathway.
Understandably, many GPs have been worried about their long-term recognition in Australia and the question has caused hesitation with coming to Australia on the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP). The good news is that the RACGP has finally announced a pathway for ESP doctors to apply for Fellowship.
This is a major step forward and brings certainty to a group of GPs who have already gone through or are starting the ESP process. While some details are still unknown, here’s what we know so far.
What you’ll need for FRACGP application when on ESP:
According to the RACGP, applicants will need to provide:
- AHPRA registration details
- including the notice of decision from AHPRA confirming completion of ESP and removal of any conditions on registration
- Current CV
- Evidence of ALS and BLS completed in the past 12 months
- Verified copies of your international Specialist qualification (e.g. MICGP, FRNZCGP, MRCGP) including country of training and completion certificates
Cost
The good news is that this can be done at a very reasonable cost: $990 plus GST. In addition, GPs will need to join the RACGP and becoming paying members at a cost of $1440 (which you may be already for CPD and other purposes).
The two key requirements
Alongside the documents listed above, there are two key parts to the application process:
- Attestation by a current RACGP Fellow
- A Fellow of the RACGP who has known you for at least 6 months in the past 24 months to attest to your good character.
- Importantly, this person does not seem to need to be your supervisor or colleague – the requirement is simply that they know you professionally and can provide this attestation.
- Collegiate Discussion
- Once your application is in, you’ll take part in a collegiate discussion with RACGP representatives.
- This will be a chance to talk about your experience working in Australia
Why this matters
When the ESP was introduced, one of the biggest concerns for doctors was the possibility of being locked out of FRACGP but this announcement should put those concerns to rest. While there are still a few details to come, this new pathway gives ESP doctors a clear route to full recognition as a Fellow of the RACGP.
More information
To understand more about how you can achieve FRACGP while on the Expedited Specialist Pathway with AHPRA, you can find the full RACGP announcement here: RACGP Expedited Specialist Pathway information.
Click here to understand more about the Expeditated Specialist Pathway with AHPRA, and find out whether you will qualify.
If you’re on the ESP and wondering what this means for you, feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to chat through your options.
