GP Synergy and ACRRM agree to early transition of ACRRM Fellowship program

In a move that provides certainty and support for ACRRM registrars, supervisors and training facilities, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and GP Synergy have today agreed to an early transition of the ACRRM Fellowship program in NSW and the ACT.

The date for transition of GP Synergy training delivery to ACRRM will be brought forward to 2022, well ahead of the original plans to transition to college-led training in 2023.

Both organisations believe this is the best way to provide certainty and assurance for registrars, a smooth operational transition, and maintain continued access to primary care in those rural and remote communities in NSW and the ACT where ACRRM registrars train.

“This will create the strongest possible way for us to provide certainty and stability for ACRRM’s 110 registrars currently training through GP Synergy” says ACRRM President, Dr Sarah Chalmers.

“Our GP Synergy registrars and supervisors will join ACRRM’s existing Fellowship Program in NSW and ACT, with equivalent opportunities, support and resourcing continuing to be available to them.

GP Synergy Chair, Dr Ian Kamerman, agrees that ACRRM’s established training capacity and experience in delivering quality training makes this strategy eminently sensible.

“We are proud to have delivered the AGPT program to ACRRM registrars for over 10 years and are dedicated to supporting a smooth transition with ACRRM in 2022.

“Our two organisations will take a highly collaborative and staged approach to this work, reflecting our shared and strong commitment to putting registrars and communities at the centre of all decisions,” says Dr Kamerman.

“We will provide ACRRM with as much information, advice and practical assistance as we can to ensure the process is successful,” he says.

The early transition will proceed regardless of the outcome of a 20 January 2022 Extraordinary General Meeting to vote on the proposed constitutional changes, which may see the Royal Australian College of General Practice become the sole member of GP Synergy.

Both organisations will consult closely with ACRRM registrars, supervisors and training practices as the escalated transition process commences. 

The Department of Health has agreed to support the organisations to achieve this outcome.