The Medical Board’s Medical Training Survey (MTS) 2023 results published this week strongly reinforce the value of ACRRM registrars to building Australia’s remote, rural and First Nations workforce. They provide important information that, together with ACRRM’s own surveys and program feedback, inform our ongoing work toward training excellence for registrars.

The survey findings again show ACRRM registrars lead the nation in meeting key workforce priorities:

• 96% reporting being interested in rural practice (45% higher than other GP registrars, 50% higher than all Doctors in Training (DITs)
• 68% reporting being interested in First Nations healthcare (16% higher than other GP registrars, 18% higher than all DITs)
• 75% reporting being interest in contributing to medical teaching (13% higher than other GP registrars)

The findings demonstrate a continuing strengthening of our training services under ACRRM-led training. 

The survey conducted over August to September 2023, attracted responses from over 50% of ACRRM registrars at that time (n=546). It shows broad satisfaction among ACRRM registrars with training, 80% indicating they would recommend their training position, and 82% indicating they would recommend their training workplace. The responses show general improvement across survey metrics and are on par with national averages. 

Some findings of interest include:

• Improvements from comparable questions in pre-transition surveys on Regional Training Organisations (RTOs) services (e.g. 81% report knowing who to contact with problems (up 4%), a 9% increase in satisfaction that program changes are communicated, and an 11% increase in satisfaction that registrars’ views are sought). 
• Satisfaction with assessment services continues to be strong (e.g. 86% reported exams ran smoothly)
• Courses and workshops are valued by ACRRM registrars who report higher satisfaction than other GP registrars with simulation-styled training, and with access to courses and training events.
• Satisfaction with workplace culture and awareness and use of available psychological and wellbeing supports has increased across all metrics. Bullying incidence however remains unacceptably high and this and general registrar wellbeing, continues to be a focus.
• ACRRM registrars work 7 hours per week longer and report poorer work-life balance relative to other GP registrars. They also report lower satisfaction with issues such as internet access and training resources. These differences are likely to reflect distinctions of the Rural Generalist training environment. 
• Conversely, ACRRM registrars indicate more opportunities for training in management and leadership, medical teaching and research, than other GP registrars. Relative to other DITs, they report greater satisfaction in areas such as having access to training opportunities, mentors, and not having to compete with other doctors for access to training.  

The College released its Fellowship Program Survey feedback last week. The findings are based on responses collected prior to the MTS, over June to July 2023, as ACRRM-led training was being embedded. They provide more detailed insights specific to the ACRRM program and to the transition process.

For further information on these issues, please contact the policy team at policy@acrrm.org.au.