Applications opening soon for 2024 general practice and rural hospital medicine training

If you are passionate about working on the frontline of medicine and making a difference to the health and wellbeing of your community, a career as a specialist general practitioner or rural hospital doctor could be for you.

On Tuesday 14 February, The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners will be opening applications for doctors wanting to specialise in general practice. Applications for the rural hospital medicine programme for 2024 will open the following week on Thursday 23 February.

The two qualifications, which can be undertaken separately, or together to obtain Dual Fellowship, are a mix of clinical and academic post-graduate training for people who already have a medical degree.

Dr Samantha Murton, College President and Wellington-based GP says, “We are looking to grow our workforce and welcome applications from doctors who want to make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

“General practice and rural hospital medicine is a challenging and highly rewarding career. Providing medical care in the community we get to use all our knowledge and training daily, and you will deal with a wide variety of presentations from asthma to zoonoses.”

“No two days and no two consultations are the same, I am never bored, and I get the privilege of walking the health journey with many people. That trusted partnership with patients changes lives and that is one of the things I love about my role as a specialist general practitioner. Come and join us.”

Last year the College’s advocacy work around pay parity for GPEP registrars was responded to with the announcement that from 2023, first year registrars will receive a salary increase that will bring them into alignment with other specialist registrars.

Apply for the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP)
Apply for the Rural Hospital Medicine Training Programme (RHM)

Applications will be accepted until 31 March 2023.