About PGPPP > Frequently Asked Questions - Junior Doctors

Frequently Asked Questions - Junior Doctors

I have already decided on General Practice as a career. Why would I do a PGPPP term?

Doctors have chosen PGPPP in order to immerse themselves in General Practice sooner rather than later, or to confirm they have made the right choice. Experience and Referee Reports gained from PGPPP terms can be an advantage for you when applying to General Practice Vocation Training.

I have already decided on a specialty other than General Practice. Why do a PGPPP term?

Doctors have chosen PGPPP to enhance their Specialist skills to gain a greater understanding of the Specialist/General Practice interface; as GPs and their Specialist colleagues work collaboratively in caring for their patients. Rural medical practice has its own distinctive culture; PGPPP will enable you to experience this in a supported environment. As a result you will have a deeper appreciation of equity of access to good medical care facing rural communities and clinicians. In addition the term will provide insight into the relationship between the tertiary hospital and primary care systems.

I’m not sure what specialty I want to do but I don’t think I’m leaning to General Practice. Why would I do a PGPPP term?

PGPPP represents a practical approach to gaining additional experience for those still choosing to keep their options open. Doctors have chosen PGPPP in order to observe procedural GPs with special interests and sub specialties; obstetrics, surgery, anaesthetics, mental health, women/men/children’s health and aged care. In addition the term will provide insight into the relationship between the tertiary hospital and primary care systems.

Who can apply for a PGPPP term?

PGY2 JMOs in IMET network 10 can undertake a rotation in Gundagai; network 11 JMOs can complete a term in Milton.

How long is a PGPPP placement?

In NSW and the ACT, PGPPP placement terms are consistent with hospital rotations which are ten weeks long.

What hours will I be working?

Hours for a fulltime placement differ between interns and PGY2 and depending on the location of the post. Interns (RRMA 1-2) work a normal working week as defined by the feeder hospital. PGY2 (Rural): Normal work hours vary between 41 and 45 hours with the latter including a weekend (Saturday morning) in Practice. These normal hours include 2-6 hours of overtime. In 2011 Bowral-based posts will not include mid week on call work but PGY2s will do weekend work in the Bowral Emergency Department with supervision provided by the AHS. A similar arrangement may eventuate for the Shoalhaven, pending appropriate hospital term accreditation.

What about after hours work?

Rural PGPPP posts would include funded hospital rostered overtime and hospital call back components. Typically a PGY2 doing a weeknight on call would work 4 hours of rostered overtime (1800hrs – 2200hrs) per week plus required hospital call back hours. A PGY2 working a weeknight and weekend on call would do 6 hours of hospital rostered overtime per week plus required hospital call back hours. NSW IMET requires that the Supervisor be called for each PGY2/3 hospital call back, until at least the fifth week of the term from which point supervision is at the discretion of the Supervisor.

How many patients will I see?

The number of patients allocated to you will depend on your Supervisor’s assessment of your capabilities. Initially, the expectation is 2-3 patients per hour, increasing to no more than 4 per hour during the term. This is always at your Supervisor’s discretion. A sample weekly roster is available to download as a part of the Information Pack for Junior Doctors.

Will my Consultations be supervised?

You will be required to consult your Supervisor about the management of patients. Your Supervisor will negotiate this with you during the term (eg. after each session or after complex cases, as required). You and your Supervisor share responsibility for individual patients.

Are my Consultations billed to Medicare?

Yes. Your consultations are billed to Medicare using your Provider Number which you will be required to apply for prior to the commencement of the term.

How will I be paid?

You remain an employee of your hospital and will continue to be paid and accrue leave entitlements etc in the usual way.

Will I be paid for after hours work?

Yes, rural PGPPP includes funded hospital rostered overtime and hospital call back components.

What could my overtime roster look like?

Typically, a weeknight on call would work 4 hours of rostered overtime (1800 – 2200hrs) per week plus required hospital call back hours. If you are working a weeknight and weekend on call you would do 6 hours of hospital rostered overtime per week plus the required hospital call back hours.
(Page 5) provides a clear breakdown of a rural PGY2’s hours for an existing rural term.

NOTE: NSW IMET requires that your Supervisor be called for each hospital call back, until at least the fifth week of your term from which point supervision will be at the discretion of your Supervisor.

What educational support will I receive?

You will receive approximately six hours of education per week which will include an orientation at the beginning of the placement. A Learning Plan (based on the learning needs specific to you) will be developed in consultation with you, your Supervisor and Medical Educator. “GP Start” (core online GP educational modules) and other resources will be provided. Structured sessions may take a variety of formats including case discussions, work shadowing, practical skills sessions, meetings, tutorials, video consultations and review.

How does CCCGPT support and contribute to the Education Program?

CCCGPT Medical Educator will spend time with you to develop an initial Learning Plan and discuss the challenges of General Practice relative to hospital based medicine. A Medical Educator will also conduct a direct observation visit (ECTV) to provide you with individual feedback on your consultations.

What kind of training sessions can I expect?

Topics may include:

Introduction to Medicare
Drug reactions & Polypharmacy
Managing depression and anxiety
Preventative health/Immunisation
Dermatology/minor surgery
Consultation & communication skills
Antenatal care and child health
Workers Compensation
Aged care Practice management
Musculoskeletal medicine
Managing patient records
Asthma Indigenous & Cross Cultural Health
Chronic care - Diabetes/ Hypertension