practice care so that all patients, regardless of their postcode, can access high-quality care. “RGs add to the broad and substantial GP skill set with training in key disciplines that rural areas and hospitals need, so they are highly valued by their communities. “The range of additional rural skills training available also offers junior doctors an appealing choice of disciplines, and we can see these add to medical students’ interest in general practice, which will help address rural workforce challenges. “We must keep pushing forward to make sure we have the right funding incentives in place that allow them to take on additional training and additional skills, including working in local hospitals, and much more. “RGs are the bedrock of towns nationwide, and it’s only fair that their profession is now distinctly recognised as a vital part of our healthcare system.” The RACGP will now work with the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to determine a process where RG Fellowship qualifications can be accredited under this new specialist classification. RGs can apply to train in multiple disciplines. For example, a Rural Generalist who gains competency in haematology and oncology through Adult Internal Medicine training may also apply for additional training in Palliative Care and provide care in a rural hospital alongside their primary care role in general practice. “This is a positive step forward in making the rural generalism career pathway more visible and ensuring that RGs are always appropriately remunerated for the vital work they do in rural and remote communities across Australia,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said. “The RACGP is dedicated to boosting rural general 6 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 09
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