Finding a Mentor
Things to think about before looking for an Urban Mentor Term
Before you organize your mentor term, consider the following:
- Have you completed your rural term? If not, when do you plan to do this? You need to be allocated to a rural region to complete your rural term (see Rural Term details).
- Have you completed your outer metro term? If not, when do you plan to do this? There are only 7 practices in the IGPE region that are considered “outer metro” and have taken registrars (see Outer Metro details)
If you are completing an urban mentor term, you will need to get a Mentor Pack from IGPE. In this phase of training, registrars are being prepared for independent practice. Included in the mentor pack is a list of practices that have indicated to the Institute that they are interested in taking SGPE/mentor registrars. Please note, we cannot guarantee that these practices will be able to offer you a position when you contact them, as they may have filled their vacancy since we last contacted them or have changed requirements.
In preparation for this phase of your training you will need to select one or more of these practices or one of your own choosing in the IGPE region and attend an interview with the supervisor. During this interview you will need to discuss terms and conditions and decide whether this practice suits your needs. Please see negotiating tips.
Your supervisor needs to fulfill the following conditions:
- Full and unrestricted medical registration by the NSW Medical Board.
- Vocationally registered.
- Have full medical indemnity.
- Preferably have an FRACGP.
- The mentor/supervisor must have no less than 5 full time equivalent years of general practice experience.
- Be located in the IGPE region.
- Have a practice that is AGPAL accredited.
- Available to the registrar on site
- Have a general practice that is not a “specialty” general practice (eg. Wholly acupuncture or sports medicine).
Some considerations when choosing your SGPE practice:
- Type of practice , group, solo, medical centre ? Does it suit my needs?
- Working environment
- Working conditions , eg own room, practice nurse, resources, computerization
- Support and accessibility of the supervisor
- Teaching opportunities , How, who when and where
- Work requirements , hours, after-hours, weekends. Nursing home visits, home visits.
- Remuneration , hourly rate or percentage. (Note there is no minimum hourly rate for this term, you will need to negotiate your salary), does the hourly rate include superannuation, sick pay etc?
- Appointment system , timing of appointments, ‘drop-in', urgent appointments
- Others , Eg follow-up when you are not there etc, holidays, sick days
- Special interests of the practice.
- Own special interests , can the practice cater for them?
Often registrars are only concerned about location and remuneration when choosing a practice for subsequent GP experience. We would strongly encourage you to consider all the factors that will contribute to a rewarding working and learning environment.
These are just some suggestions, remember it is important to plan for an interview, make a list of questions. Prioritize your needs.
Remember it is important to consider not just what the practice can offer you, but what you can offer the practice!
If you have any questions or concerns then contact us on (02) 9756 5711, before you agree to join the practice.