How Do I Become a GP in WA?

Are you a Local Graduate?

In WA doctors in training can apply to become a General Practitioner through the Australian General Practice Training Program. Western Australian General Practice Education and Training (WAGPET) is the sole vocational training provider for the GP Training Program in WA. Applicants work towards obtaining a Fellowhip in General Practice with either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Practice.

Applications for the General Practice Training Program open in May each year. To be eligible to apply for the GP Training Program in WA you must have:

• Unconditional General Registration with the Medical Board of WA
• Australian/New Zealand Permanent Residency or Citizenship

International students who obtained their medical qualification in Australia may be subject to the Australian Government's 10 year moratorium. For more information click here.

Please contact WAGPET for more further information.

The following flowchart outlines the pathway options and timeframes for completion:

 

Are you an International Graduate?

Eligibility for doctors who obtained their medical qualification overseas varies.

To apply for the GP Training Program most applicants need to have:

• Permanent Residency
• Successfully completed the Australian Medical Council Part I and II examinations.

Doctors who obtained their medical qualifications in Australia as an international student will need to have:

• Obtained Unconditional General Medical Board Registration before commencment of program
• Evidence application for Permanent Residency

Doctors in either of these categories may be subject to the Australian Government's 10 year moratorium.

For some useful information about the 10 year moratorium and working in Australia refer to Doctor Connect.

Are you an Experienced General Practitioner?

Interstate

Fellowships with ACRRM and RACGP are nationally recognised. General Practitioners Fellowed with these colleges interested in working in WA can contact Australian Medical Association of WA (AMA WA), Rural Health West (RHW), WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and Western Australian General Practice Network (WAGPN) for employment opportunties and support.

International

Eligibility for General Pracitioners who gained their qualification overseas varies. General Practitioners interested in working in WA can contact AMA WA, RHW, WACHS for employment opportunties and support.

The ACRRM Independant Pathway will suit experienced practitioners who prefer self-directed learning. This full-fee pathway is a very flexible way for registrars to meet the requirements for vocational competency in general practice and attain Fellowship of ACRRM. For further information refer to ACRRM.

The RACGP Specialist Pathway is a new assessment process for doctors who do not hold current Australian medical registration but have recognised general practice qualifications from overseas countries. The Specialist Pathway Program provides a pathway for IMGs to obtain Fellowship from the RACGP taking into consideration their previous training in General Practice.
 
Certain overseas qualifications are recognised as meeting the requirements for admission to FRACGP. Fellowship ad eundum gradum is available to Fellows of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, members of the Irish college of General Practitioners and doctors from the United Kingdom and Canada who meet required criteria. Fellowship ad eundum gradum (Faeg) doctors are considred to be at the same level as Australian trained specialists for General Practice. There is no need for College examination leading to Fellowship, no assessment of general practice experience, and no further training required. For further information contact the RACGP.

Overseas Trained Doctors wishing to work long-term in Western Australia can apply to join the Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme through RHW. This scheme has been operating successfully in Western Australia since 1999. It is designed to help fill workforce shortages in rural areas whilst providing International Graduates with opportunities to work towards permanent residnecy and gain experience in rural medicine practice.