Formal recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine (RGM) as a specialist field is getting closer with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) encouraging doctors and the community to participate in the public consultation on the second stage application, which opened today (Monday 16 October 2023).
ACRRM and RACGP are combining forces to support the recognition of RGM as a specialist field within the discipline of general practice. The Rural Generalist Recognition Taskforce chaired by the National Rural Health Commissioner Adjunct Prof Ruth Stewart and including senior College representatives is driving these efforts.
The second stage application assessment is being undertaken by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) for the Medical Board of Australia.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday advises that the stage two national consultation is the last critical milestone in the RG recognition process prior to its final assessment and referral through governance bodies for determination.
“We encourage rural and remote General Practitioners and Rural Generalists to review the application and provide input and feedback via the public consultation,” Dr Halliday says.
“We also encourage community members to participate.
“It is well documented that people in rural and remote areas currently receive significantly less government supported services than people in cities.
“It is expected that building the RG workforce will address the current $6.55 million underspend that currently exists that reflect this.
“With recognition comes the opportunity to create a single national Rural Generalist quality standard which is transparent, safe, purpose-designed, and easily understood by systems, patients and doctors.”
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins agrees.
“Recognition will value the additional skills and scope provided by rural and remote doctors.
“It will help build a strong workforce and encourage focussed research to improve RG services.”
Drawing on findings of the national consultation, the AMC will collate a report for approval through AMC governance. A recommendation will be made to the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) that will in turn make a recommendation to the Health Minister’s Committee that will make the final determination.
“This is an exciting milestone in our five-year effort to seek RG Specialist recognition, Dr Halliday says.
“It shows that as professional bodies, the Colleges are committed to general practice, to rural and remote GPs and to the healthcare of rural and remote communities across Australia,” Dr Higgins says.
The public consultation is open until Tuesday 12 December and can be accessed here.
