Tips for Rural Term transition
- Completing one of your GP terms in a rural practice is a compulsory part of GP Training. You are required to undertake 6 months of your General Practice training in a rural environment (RRMA 3-7). This can be either during your basic, advanced or subsequent training time. Completing this term also satisfies your 2 AMSN points (Area of Medical Service Need). You will be allocated to a rural Regional Training Provider (RTP) and they will then place you in a practice. For further information regarding term allocation, please see How do I get a GP Term.
- Most registrars enjoy their rural term, despite the apprehension. On a recent survey of IGPE registrars that had done their rural term, 89% enjoyed the experience. They enjoy the travel, the education, and the general practice. They found rural general practice provided more hands-on experience, continuing care to patients, better follow up, better patient-doctor relationships and they enjoyed greater respect from the community and patients.
- Contact the RTP early. The local RTP will be a good source of information about the town you are going to, and any accommodation that is either provided, or where to contact to organise it. They will be providing your education and be a local point of call for any problems. They are very supportive.
- Visit the town as soon as possible. Contact the council to get some information and visit the area well before you plan to go. Picture yourself living there, look at things to do for yourself and your family after hours and on weekends.
- Organise your accommodation well in advance. This is VITAL. Do not leave it to the last minute. Make sure all arrangements are sorted out at least 1 month prior to you starting your term.
- On call at the local hospital may be a part of your rural term. On call at the practice is highly likely.
- Fill in the correct forms to receive your rural relocation. You are given a removalist fee, a rental subsidy and a phone/internet subsidy. Please complete the rural relocation form to receive this. You will need to provide documentation that you have relocated, such as a lease etc. You are also given travel costs for coming back to Sydney for compulsory workshops. You will need to complete a travel expense reimbursement form for this purpose.
- Go with a positive outlook. You will only make your time there miserable if you go with a negative view. It is a good opportunity to travel around and see parts of NSW you may not have seen before.
- Remember rural winters are likely to be colder than Sydney, so take lots of warm clothes.
- Rural driving is also different, and you need to look out for kangaroos and other wildlife, and in winter, black ice or snow. Some country roads are not in good condition, so please take care as you may not be used to driving in those conditions. Some registrars suggest not constantly travelling back to Sydney as it becomes very tiring and you are more likely to have an accident. Watch out for police radars especially when doing trips on weekends to and from Western NSW (better still don't speed).
- Ask your friends and family to visit you and show them around.
- Get involved in the community. Join sporting groups. Go to local Division dinners etc. This is good educationally and socially. Get together regularly with other Registrars in the area.
- Enjoy your time, make the most of it. Get out, have fun, experience the rural life.
- For further tips, see the Rural Information Leaflet.
- For information on the rural areas, see the RTP Information sheet.
- For information regarding subsidies, see Rural Relocation.
- If you want to talk about your concerns about your rural term, or any part of your training, please do not hesitate to contact the admin staff on 9756 5711.
Please read the following document written by Joel Rhee on his experience as a rural term registrar at Moree in the NEATS region.
