PGPPP FAQs

Can I apply for PGPPP?
Prevocational doctors, interns and international medical graduates working in Australian hospitals but who are not yet enrolled in a specialty are all eligible to participate in PGPPP.

I am already enrolled on the AGPT program, but working in a hospital. Am I able to do a PGPPP placement?
PGPPP is aimed at junior doctors who are yet to choose their specialty training.  If you have already enrolled in the AGPT program and are still working in the hospital system, we recommend where possible, that you undertake hospital-based disciplines for your rotations. ADF doctors who have enrolled on the AGPT program and who are undertaking their PGY2 in a hospital setting are encouraged to seek a release from their hospital to undertake a 10-13 week AGPT general practice term placement where possible as opposed to a PGPPP placement. Where you feel special circumstances may apply please contact our office.

How long is a PGPPP placement?
We currently host placements ranging from 10-12 weeks depending upon each hospital's education and training program.

How does it work?
When you participate in this program you will rotate out of your hospital into a general practice setting and return to your hospital upon completion of the placement.

Where is PGPPP available?
Please see the PGPPP page.

What will I be doing in the program?
A PGPPP placement allows Junior Doctors to experience life as a general practitioner. You will have management of your own patients and be involved in a variety of health care contexts which may include: home visits, aged care, sexual health, drug and alcohol, paediatrics, and acute and chronic disease management.

How many hours a week do I work?
Under current Industrial Agreements you will be expected to work 38 hours for a full-time placement, however the structure of your working week may vary dependent upon the practice and will be discussed individually.

How will I be paid during my PGPPP Placement?
Your placement is the equivalent of a normal hospital rotation so you remain an employee of your hospital.  As such, you will be paid as usual and will accrue your usual leave entitlements etc.  To ensure you have a consolidated general practice experience we strongly recommend that holiday leave be scheduled outside your PGPPP placement.

Will I incur any expenses in participating in the program?
The PGPPP is free for junior doctors. The cost of the program is underwritten by the Commonwealth.

What is the status of my medical indemnity?
As you will remain an employee of your hospital on rotation in General Practice you remain indemnified by your hospital for the placement; however, personal insurance is strongly recommended as part of your professional development.

How will I be supervised?
Throughout your placement you will be well-supervised by accredited, experienced general practitioners.   Areas of key development and support include:

• increased independence and confidence
• a sense of autonomy in clinical management of cases
• enhanced communication skills

What education can I expect?
A comprehensive orientation to the Practice is provided at the beginning of your placement.  Depending upon your status, whether you are an intern or PGY 2 and above, between six and eight hours of education will be provided each week. Each practice is unique hence programs will vary, however you may expect:  case discussions, work shadowing, practical skills sessions, meetings and review.

Do I require a Medicare provider number to undertake my placement?

• Yes.  If admitted to the program, you will require a provider number for the duration of your placement.  You will need to complete an Application for a Medicare Provider Number for a Medical Practitioner. Together with your application for a Medicare Provider Number you are required to submit the PGPPP Application for a Prevocational General Practice Placement  and the PGPPP Enrolment and Privacy Consent form.  These forms are available on the AGPT website.
• Your hospital's Medical Education Department will oversee the delivery of these forms which should be submitted at least 4-6 weeks prior to the beginning of your placement.
• The provider number is only for your Practice site and for the duration of the placement.

I am an Overseas Trained Doctor or Former Overseas Medical Student. Can I participate in the program?

• If you are an Overseas Trained Doctor or Former Overseas Medical Student you are eligible to participate in the program, if you have general medical registration to enable you to access a Medicare provider number for the placement through a Section 19AB exemption.
• Overseas Trained Doctors and International Medical Graduates are not restricted to outer metro or rural placements for their PGPPP rotations.  If you gain a place in the program and you subsequently choose to join the AGPT, you are still subject to the 10 Year Moratorium conditions.

Will the placement be recognised as part of my general practice training pathway?
Participation in the program counts towards your hospital time should you decide to apply for selection in the GP Training (AGPT) Program.  ADF Doctors should contact our office to discuss variations within the program.

I have been allocated a rural placement - how is my accommodation and travel managed?
Participants are provided with good quality accommodation and arrangements vary depending upon the location. Funding is allocated to support travel to and from the rural placement.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my placement?
The PGPPP offers a significantly different experience to those you have had at the hospital and we encourage you to familiarise yourself with this new learning context by:

• Reflecting upon you own personal experience with general practice and conduct some research on General Practice.
• Hear from other junior doctors who have been involved in the program to find out what you can expect during the program:
  • Dr Katya Groeneveld - St George postcard 1 and postcard 2
  • Dr Claudia Espenschied's St George experience
  • Dr Erin Harten's paper from the National Prevocational Medical Education Forum 2010
• Contact your Hospital's GP Ambassador - for Queensland's GP Ambassadors, please visit the GP Australia website.
  
• Make contact with your General Practice supervisor and Practice Manager to introduce yourself and discuss your placement.
• We encourage you to communicate with us at CSQTC regularly and let us know how you are progressing.