First step toward national framework for Rural Generalist Pathway

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is pleased to support The Collingrove Agreement as a first key step toward a national framework to recognise and support Rural Generalist training.

College Board member, Dr Michael Beckoff, said that from its inception twenty-one years ago, ACRRM has sought to build Rural Generalist training across Australia.

"Rural doctors established ACRRM specifically to provide a dedicated College focus on training and professional standards for the Rural Generalist model of practice.

"The Rural Generalist model incorporates a scope of practice which can enable doctors to meet a broad range of medical services commonly required of them in rural and remote communities, and to deliver these within the distinctive challenges of the rural context.

"We recognise the importance of establishing a national Rural Generalist framework to support these doctors' training and practice, and are pleased to continue our leadership role in its development and implementation.

"ACRRM developed its College Fellowship (FACRRM) to describe this model of practice and for over two decades, we have been dedicated to building and supporting this specially skilled national workforce.

"We believe that these doctors are the critical piece of the workforce jigsaw for ensuring rural communities can sustainably get the quality health services they deserve.

"The unique nature of these doctors' training, skills and scope of practice has presented constant challenges for jurisdictions in terms of the capacity of workplaces and nationally funded training structures to recognise and accommodate their special circumstances.

"The Collingrove Agreement is a critical step toward recognising these doctors and their work, and giving them their proper place in the architecture of the Australian workforce.

"Our College has demonstrated unparalleled success in producing long-term rural doctors, with around 80% of our Fellows currently based in rural areas, and with doctors trained to ACRRM Fellowship found to be 3-4 times more likely to practice rural and remotely than those without."