> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > February 2007 > GPET: Research the key to recruiting GPs

Research the key to recruiting GPs

At the start of each year – as a new cohort of GP registrars begins vocational training – General Practice Education and Training (GPET), the wholly-owned Australian Government company that funds and oversees general practice training, turns its attention towards selection of the next cohort.

GPET selects up to 600 new registrars each year into the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program and in the lead up to the selection process in May or June each year, seminars are held in hospitals all over Australia, promoting the clinical and lifestyle benefits of a career in general practice.

GPET's marketing and recruitment activities have for many years been informed by the latest research into career intentions and attitudes towards general practice of prevocational doctors and medical students.

One of GPET's key performance targets for the AGPT program is increased uptake and distribution of registrar training places, to help ensure that as many Australian communities as possible have access to high quality medical services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

This year, GPET has commissioned research into the attitudes and intentions of prevocational doctors and medical students from a consortium which includes the Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training (SIGPET), the University of Sydney, and the NSW Rural Doctors' Network.

The aim of the research is to establish a national and strategic focus for research into career intentions and attitudes towards general practice. The research, expected to be completed in mid-2007, will include a literature review (both black and grey); a review of current research; identify gaps in research; and recommend future research in this area.

The results of the project will be used to inform both future AGPT recruitment campaigns and future market research.

It is hoped a report of the research will be presented at the annual GPET Convention, being held this year at the Gold Coast in August.

Visit our website www.agpt.com.au for more information about GPET and the AGPT program.

For further information contact:
Anne Messenger
General Practice Education and Training
Ph: 02 6263 6777
E: Anne.Messenger@gpet.com.au