Join the journey GP training with GP Synergy
Why train with us? • Comprehensive and relevant education • Experienced and dedicated medical educators • Quality in-practice supervision • Diverse and flexible training options • Exam preparation support • Rural support – financial and pastoral
GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
About us
Our reputation is founded on our absolute commitment to providing the highest quality training experience.
About us
Our role in your career development
GP Synergy is a leading provider of general practice education, delivering a diverse range of prevocational and vocational general practice training experiences across Sydney and the New England/Northwest region of NSW.
Ensuring our trainees receive the right training and education they require to become a confident and competent GP is our goal.
We are proud to have a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality education and in-practice supervision to vocational and prevocational doctors. Providing a supportive and high-quality learning environment underpins our training philosophy, and is a shared value amongst all GP Synergy medical educators, supervisors and training practices.
Doctors training with us benefit from the expertise and experience of our dedicated medical education team, who develop and deliver a comprehensive and tailored education program to support trainees during their learning. As a trainee’s in-practice experience plays a significant role in their development and learning, we employ a robust accreditation and quality review system to ensure our training practices meet the highest teaching standards. Significant support is available to doctors training with GP Synergy. We have a dedicated Rural Support Officer and financial support program for trainees undertaking rural general practice placements, and a comprehensive fellowship preparation exam series to help them reach their fellowship goals.
GP Synergy registrar workshop
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
The GP training program
How the Australian GP Training (AGPT) program works “Being a GP provided the opportunity to balance having a life and a great career. It is one of the few medical careers that offers a variety of challenging presentations that draw from all aspects of medicine.”
The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is funded by the Australian Government. The program is administered by a national body, General Practice Education and Training Ltd (GPET), with training delivered locally across Australia by seventeen Regional Training Providers (RTPs). GP Synergy is one of these RTPs, delivering the AGPT program across most of Sydney and the New England/Northwest region of NSW. GP training occurs in a combination of hospital and community based GP settings, under the supervision of experienced GPs and clinicians. Registrar’s training is supported by their RTP with education provision, monitoring and evaluation, guidance and advice.
Dr Peter Ly Former GP Synergy registrar
General and rural pathways GP training is split into two streams – general pathway and rural pathway training. In a general pathway, training is undertaken in a combination of metropolitan, outer metropolitan and/or rural locations. In a rural pathway, training is undertaken in rural locations.
How to apply Applications to the AGPT program generally open in April for one month and can be made from intern year. Applicants apply via the AGPT website – www.agpt.com.au, and participate in a selection process during which they can nominate their RTP and pathway preferences.
Doctors considering applying should visit the AGPT website – www.agpt.com.au and contact GP Synergy on applicant@gpsynergy.com.au for a GP Synergy Applicant Pack.
Fellowship options There are two vocational endpoints for the AGPT program. Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) Registrars training in either a rural or general pathway are able to train towards FRACGP. Training towards FRACGP is generally 3 years1. The first year is hospital-based. The second and third year of GP training involves supervised GP training placements, and an elective term where trainees can pursue a sub-speciality interest within a community or hospital-based setting. An optional 4th year can be undertaken in advanced rural skills training towards the additional award – Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP). Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) Rural pathway registrars can elect to train towards FACRRM and/or FRACGP. Training for FACRRM is generally 4 years2. The first year of training is hospital-based. The second and third year involves primary rural and remote training in a variety of teaching environments including rural and remote accredited hospitals, Aboriginal medical services and community-based facilities. The fourth year is an advanced specialised training placement.
Recognition of prior learning may be available for the first year of hospital based training up to 12 months. 2 Recognition of prior learning may be available for up to 24 months. 1
Dr Kylie Vuong
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“GP Synergy provided me with the skills and confidence to practise in the real world. Throughout my training I was supported by a great team of enthusiastic educators and mentors.� Dr Kylie Vuong Former GP Synergy general pathway registrar
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“General practice has been a completely different style of medicine to what I expected. It has opened many opportunities that I hadn’t even realised existed.” Dr Vandana Pala General pathway registrar
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
General pathway training
General pathway GP Synergy registrars enjoy diverse and unique training experiences across our Sydney region.
GP Synergy’s urban training region encompasses a significant part of Sydney, creating diverse and unique learning opportunities for registrars training in its general pathway.
General pathway registrars undertake their training across this region in metropolitan and outer metropolitan locations, with optional rural training opportunities. If you would like to know more about general pathway training with GP Synergy contact us for an applicant pack on applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Our urban training footprint starts from Brooklyn and Hornsby in the north and extends down beyond Campbelltown, Camden and Picton in the south. It includes the northern and southern coastal areas from the Northern Beaches to the Sutherland Shire. From the east coast, our region extends west across central Sydney and the Inner West, as well as covering Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield local government areas.
Our regions SYDNEY – CENTRAL AND SOUTH/SOUTHWEST
New England/ Northwest
Brooklyn
Sydney Central and South/Southwest
Hornsby Pennant Hills
Dee Why Frenchs Forest
Ryde Fairfield Liverpool
Chatswood North Sydney
Abbotsford
Mosman Manly
Sydney CBD Woollahra Bondi
Leichhardt Canterbury Bankstown
Marrickville Randwick Rockdale
Hurstville
Coogee Maroubra
Sylvania Camden Cambelltown
The Oaks
Menai Sutherland
Cronulla
Picton
Dr Vandana Pala
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
Rural pathway training
The New England/ Northwest region is the envy of many others for its connectivity and new medical facility developments.
Under the supervision of dedicated and experienced GP mentors, registrars can experience all that rural general practice has to offer in GP Synergy’s rural training region, located in north-western NSW.
Hospitals within the region are connected to these specialists via state-of-the-art video conferencing and online technology. The medical school at the University of New England, located in nearby Armidale, adds to the region’s reputation as being at the centre of rural medical education development.
Registrars can develop their skills in large regional centres, smaller country towns or undertake procedural skills training in one of many speciality areas.
The region has excellent transport connections with several airports offering daily direct flights to Sydney (and in some locations Brisbane).
The rate of new medical facility developments and the region’s embrace of technology, has made it one of the most well-connected and well-supported rural healthcare regions, and the envy of many others.
If you would like to know more about rural pathway training with GP Synergy please contact us for an applicant pack on applicant@gpsynergy.com.au.
The major tertiary hospital in the area, Tamworth Hospital, is the most sought after training hospital amongst junior doctors seeking a rural training experience. The hospital draws an exceptional calibre of specialists, attracted by its superior facilities and services.
To find out more about our rural region visit our website and download the GP Synergy rural pathway guide
Our regions NEW ENGLAND/NORTHWEST
New England/ Northwest
Sydney Central and South/Southwest
Gold Coast 1.5 hour flight
Moree
Warialda Inverell
Bingara
Glen Innes Coffs Harbour 2.5 hour drive
Wee Waa Narrabri
Armidale Manilla Gunnedah
Tamworth
Werris Creek
Sydney 1 hour flight
Dr Jenny Morrison
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“My training experience with GP Synergy has been extremely positive. I have been very impressed with the teaching which is practical, relevant and pitched at the right level; as well as the continuing approachability of educators and presenters and their genuine desire to help you learn. Training with a very high-quality cohort of peers who are motivated, friendly, with varied interests has made training very enjoyable and I have made good friends throughout the training program.� Dr Jenny Morrison Rural pathway registrar
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
Medical education expertise
Achieving a quality education program that is responsive to GP registrar’s needs is a key aim for GP Synergy.
“GP Synergy has been a great assistance in furthering my GP career. There are regular teaching sessions covering important and current topics, and the 3 day workshops held every term are invaluable.” Dr Jeremy Keh General pathway registrar
GP Synergy registrar workshop
Medical educators
Education program
Throughout their training GP Synergy registrars are supported by GP Synergy medical educators. Our educators share a passion for quality education, and a genuine desire to equip registrars with the skills they need to become confident and competent GPs.
The GP Synergy education program is highly regarded by its registrars. Tailored to each stage of a registrar’s learning, the program is closely aligned with the RACGP and ACRRM curricula, and draws upon the expertise of medical education staff and leading health care professionals readily available within GP Synergy’s expansive networks.
Over 120 years of collective medical education experience provides the foundation for the design and delivery of the comprehensive GP Synergy education program that is a hallmark of registrar training. A vocational training program needs to be continuously renewed so that it remains current and relevant for the Australian General Practice context – as all GP Synergy medical educators are practising GPs, this is able to be achieved. Like many GPs, GP Synergy medical educators have special interests and areas of expertise that cover a broad range of clinical areas, including paediatrics, refugee health, mental health, women’s health, multicultural health, Aboriginal health, addiction medicine, chronic disease management, rural and procedural general practice, antenatal care and geriatrics. In addition to education design and delivery, GP Synergy medical educators provide mentoring support and advice to registrars to help guide them throughout their training and into their professional lives. GP registrars often cite this as one of the most valued aspects of training with GP Synergy.
To assist registrars plan their learning and address all areas of the curriculum in readiness for their fellowship exams, GP Synergy has developed a tool that enables registrars to map their learning needs and areas for further learning against the curriculum. This tool, together with the highly rated, comprehensive and practical GP Synergy exam preparation series, contributes to our registrars’ outstanding fellowship success. The education program is tailored to meet the needs of both rural and urban based GP registrars, and is further enhanced with many joint training opportunities across our region. Education delivery is dynamic and delivered via a range of learning activities; GP registrars benefit from the opportunity of experiencing hands-on, practical skills sessions, small group learning workshops as well as lectures from a variety of health professionals. Achieving a quality education program that is responsive to GP registrar’s needs is a key aim for GP Synergy. This is achieved through regular program review and an evaluation process that enables GP registrars to readily provide feedback to the organisation on their learning and training experiences.
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
In-practice experience
“My supervisors were the most knowledgeable and highlyexpertised doctors I’ve come across.” Dr Faith Dyer Rural GP Synergy PGPPP participant
Quality supervision
Experience
As the majority of general practice training occurs in-practice, having access to experienced, dedicated and approachable GP supervisors is critical.
With universities located in both our rural and urban training regions, many GP Synergy supervisors have acquired years of experience teaching medical students, as well as registrars, and are becoming increasingly involved in the supervision of prevocational doctors.
GP Synergy supervisors are often all of these things and more, with many being formally recognised for their excellence and contribution to medical education, and to the profession. Our supervisors recognise the enormous value future doctors will make to the profession and understand the importance of hands-on supervision and quality advice in a trainee’s development.
This vertical education integration adds another dynamic to our teaching practices, enhancing collegiality, knowledge and support amongst doctors at all career levels.
Commitment to learning GP Synergy supports its supervisors with a comprehensive supervisor professional development program to help enhance their teaching skills.
Quality assurance All training practices also participate in a rigorous GP Synergy accreditation and quality assurance process to ensure in-practice experience remains at the highest possible standard.
Rural pathway registrar Dr Charles Piao with supervisor Dr Lisa James
Dr James Best
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“While being a supervisor has many benefits, for me the main reason is my own enjoyment. I like to feel I am making a significant difference when I can contribute to setting my registrars in the right direction, both professionally, but also ethically and philosophically, early in their careers.� Dr James Best GP Synergy supervisor and RACGP Supervisor of the Year 2010
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
Training opportunities
“I would absolutely recommend my procedural skills post. I thought it was a great position and well supported. Throughout the placement, GP Synergy was very supportive and helpful.” Dr Sarah Chamberlain
Extended skills posts
Procedural skills training
As one of Australia’s largest GP training providers, GP Synergy offers an extensive range of extended skills posts where our registrars can pursue a special interest in a diverse range of hospital and community-based settings.
GP Synergy is renowned for the high quality placements available for registrars seeking to develop their procedural skills. All placements are overseen by skilled and dedicated GP and specialist supervisors. For more information about placement opportunities, please contact us on applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Examples of extended skills posts undertaken by GP Synergy registrars include: obstetrics and gynaecology, geriatrics, accident and emergency, paediatrics, working with the homeless, drugs and alcohol, mental health, endocrinology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, oncology, radiation oncology, dermatology, palliative care, paediatric outreach service, military medicine, ships doctor, expedition medicine, to name a few!
Rural pathway registrar (reflecting on her obstetrics and gynaecology post at Tamworth Hospital)
Academic research As GP Synergy maintains close working relationships with the five universities located across our regions, we are able to offer registrars with academic and research interests many opportunities to increase their skills and establish important ongoing professional networks.
Medical education and teaching Teaching others is an excellent form of learning and GP Synergy offers many opportunities for registrars interested in medical education and teaching. Positions are available within GP Synergy for Registrar Medical Educators, and registrars can participate in medical student and junior doctor education sessions. Options are also available to mentor medical students, and through GP Synergy’s networks, registrars can take up tutoring positions within local medical schools.
Former registrar Dr John Cass-Verco on his paediatric extended skills term
Dr Sascha Saharov
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“I would definitely recommend the anaesthetics advanced rural skills post in Armidale. The local support has been fantastic – the supervisors and staff have been great in recognising that I am there as a learner. The post would be useful for anyone considering rural GP, not just those wanting to do anaesthetics. I’d be quite happy to have done this post even if I never practice anaesthetics again – I think of it as airway and physiology on steroids that anyone can benefit from. Armidale is a fantastic town, with a University and good secondary schools that attract educated and selfdirected people. There is an active orchestra, regular plays and good restaurants, which make it a generally good place to live.” GP registrar Dr Sascha Saharov (Reflecting on his anaesthetics advanced rural skills post at Armidale Hospital)
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
Support
GP Synergy registrars have a reputation for fellowship exam success.
Exam preparation
Rural support officer
GP Synergy registrars have a reputation for fellowship exam success. For the past three consecutive years a GP Synergy registrar has been awarded the RACGP Tony Buhagiar Medal for the highest OSCE exam score in NSW.
GP Synergy has a full-time employee dedicated to providing support and practical, on-the-ground assistance to GP registrars who are undertaking rural training. The Rural Support Officer can help trainees with relocation (including arranging housing and schooling) and identifying social and professional connections.
To help registrars prepare for their fellowship exams, GP Synergy runs a comprehensive exam preparation series with practical exam sessions for both written and clinical examinations. These workshops are only available to GP Synergy registrars and are facilitated by GPs with direct experience in the fellowship exams.
Financial assistance GP Synergy provides generous financial packages to support registrars during their rural general practice term training. Support can range from $5,000 to $9,500 per 6-month term, depending on the location of training. Assistance is available to both rural and general pathway registrars during the time they are training in a GP term or Advanced Rural Skills Post (ARSP) in a rural RA 2-5 area.
The Rural Support Officer is on-call to assist registrars with any queries or concerns.
In-practice support In addition to the support provided by GP supervisors, practice staff also play an important role in a registrar’s development as a GP. Most GP Synergy training practices have an array of practice staff providing support and assistance to GP trainees. This may include practice managers, practice nurses and other allied health professionals who, in addition to providing support, provide a significant learning opportunity for prevocational and vocational trainees.
The assistance can be used towards living expenses, transport, self-directed education expenses and other items. For more information, please contact us for an applicant pack: applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Rural pathway supervisor Dr Martin Danke with GP registrar Dr Nancy Yiin
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GP Synergy Excellence in GP Training
Interested in finding out more?
There are a number of ways you can find out more about GP Synergy and general practice.
Visit our website: www.gpsynergy.com.au Find out more about training with GP Synergy, explore our training regions, download a rural training pack, review the profiles of our training practices, supervisors, staff, and more.
Join our mailing list Sign up for regular e-news updates at our website.
Request an applicant pack GP Synergy has a comprehensive pack to help answer applicants questions. Email us on applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Undertake a PGPPP term PGPPP is the Prevocational General Practice Placements Program, an accredited 10/11 week rotation available for doctors at hospitals across NSW. To find out more talk to your JMO Manager or contact us on 02 9818 4433.
Attend a workshop GP Synergy runs clinical skills workshops for junior doctors and medical students. For more information visit our website.
Contact us We are happy to answer your queries about GP Synergy or GP training anytime. Call us on (02) 9818 4433 or send us an email: applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Rural pathway registrar, Dr Lauren Cone
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Would you like to know more about GP Synergy or applying to GP training?
Visit our website: www.gpsynergy.com.au Find out more about training with GP Synergy, explore our training regions, download a rural training pack, review the profiles of our training practices, supervisors, staff, and more.
Contact us: 02 9818 4433 We are happy to answer your queries about GP Synergy or GP training anytime. Call us on (02) 9818 4433 or send us an email: applicant@gpsynergy.com.au
Visit the AGPT website: www.agpt.com.au The AGPT website has the latest, most comprehensive information about applying to GP training.
GP Synergy Chippendale: 02 9818 4433 Liverpool: 02 9756 5711 Armidale: 02 6776 6225 Moree: 02 6752 7354 E: applicant@gpsynergy.com.au W: www.gpsynergy.com.au