KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
As a 3GA approved workforce program, doctors on this program who are non-vocationally Registered Australian permanent resident or citizen, satisfy section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Through the PFP, the Government aims to support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and other non-vocationally recognised (non-VR) doctors to gain valuable general practice experience and improve access to health care for Australians where it is most needed.
The program aims to:
help doctors gain valuable general practice experience
improve access to general practitioners (GPs) in Distribution Priority Areas
give general practices the opportunity to recruit from a pool of previously unavailable doctors.
The PFP allows doctors with placements in Distribution Priority Areas to access items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Health Workforce Queensland administers the program in the State of Queensland.
For more details about the program, see the Pre-Fellowship Program guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for PFP?
The PFP is open to IMGs and other non-vocationally registered doctors who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents. Doctors can have general, provisional or limited registration.
What do I need to be eligible to apply?
- Hold a current registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Have an offer of employment from an eligible general practice clinic
- Provide evidence of appropriate support in place to meet supervision requirements (if applicable)
- Undertake GP professional development activities, including compulsory GP modules
- Participate in a review readiness for fellowship training every 3 months and
- Take active steps to join a GP College-led Fellowship pathway within the placement period of two-years.
What is an eligible PFP Practice?
An eligible PFP practice must be located within:
- a Distribution Priority Area, or
- classified as an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS); or
- classified as an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service or be the subject of Ministerial direction under s19(2) or a s19(5) of the Health Insurance Act 1973
To find eligible locations, search the Health Workforce Locator.
An eligible PFP practice must be accredited:
- as a general practice against the RACGP Standards for general practices, and
- as a training practice or working towards accreditation as a training practice with either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
Who is NOT eligible for PFP?
Doctors are not eligible to join PFP if they:
- have previously been on a 3GA program,
- are currently on MDRAP,
- are vocationally registered.
What is the PFP program duration?
The maximum placement duration on the PFP is two years.
Will I have to be supervised?
All doctors on PFP who require supervision to maintain their medical registration must continue to work within the conditions set by the Medical Board and administered by AHPRA.
PFP applicants will have varying general practice experience. Depending on a doctor’s prior general practice experience, PFP participants may require supervision.
Is there any financial support in PFP?
Financial support is provided in the form of funding for supervision and learning and development (CPD) for eligible participants.
ONLY-International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with provisional or limited registration are eligible for financial support under PFP.
Supervision funding increases with greater rurality and higher levels of supervision required. HWQ will review funding need every three months.
What MBS Items can I claim?
- MBS items to use Note AN.7.2 | Medicare Benefits Schedule (health.gov.au).
- PFP participants have access to a range of medical practitioner and prescribed medical practitioner items at 80% rebate.
While on PFP placement, what is expected of me?
Adhere to the requirements of PFP and the Medical Board requirements, if applicable.
Complete the general practice foundation modules within 3 months of commencing the program. The modules may be completed with either ACRRM or RACGP
Submit ongoing three-monthly Progress Report to assess your readiness for GP fellowship training every three months.
Meet with HWQ Medical Advisor as required.
Take active steps to join a GP College-led Fellowship pathway within your placement period with either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP):
- Australian General Practice Training program (through ACCRM and RACGP)
- Independent Pathway (through ACRRM)
- Fellowship Support Program (through RACGP)
- Remote Vocational Training Scheme (through Remote Vocational Training Scheme Ltd)
Meet AHPRA’s requirements of 50 hours per year for CPD. Information on CPD registration standard.
How do I apply?
Visit our website to register and complete assessment and application online. You will receive a confirmation email following the successful completion of your application.
Click here to apply.
Contact
Should you have any questions about the program please contact the PFP Team on: (07) 3105 7858 or email us here.
