Why be a GP

Are you interested in varied clinical work and passionate about continuity of patient care and communities? Are you looking for a dynamic, interesting specialty? Then a career in General Practice is for you!

AGPT pathway stories

Preparing for GP training

GP trainee stories on YouTube

AGPT program guide

Find out more about applying for general practice training through the AGPT program.

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What a GP career can offer

General Practice is a great choice if you want a career that is filled with diverse learning and employment opportunities, including:

Sub-specialise – in anything from paediatrics to palliative care
Flexibility – work where you want and when you want
Variety – every day is different
Continuity of care – really get to know your patients
Support – dynamic and supportive working environment
Business opportunities – manage your own business
Rewards – complex and challenging experiences

Top 10 reasons to become a GP

In the recently-released National Registrar Survey* our current GP trainees gave the following reasons for choosing to become a GP specialist:

Hours/working conditions
Diversity of patients and medical presentations
Building long-term relationships with patients
Social responsibility/supporting the community
Intellectually stimulating
Domestic circumstances
Self-appraisal of own skills/aptitudes
Working in rural and remote locations
Previous experience of general practice
Ability to also study sub-specialties

*Source: Australian General Practice Training Program 2020 National Registrar Survey – Australian Council for Education Research – March 2021

See the GPRA’s ‘GP Myths Busted’ article

Why the rural pathway?

Our GP trainees told us about the best aspects of training on the rural pathway in our Western Victoria footprint*:

Exposure to a range of cases/patients
Clinical or procedural experience
Being part of a community
Appealing practice location
Opportunity to train in a rural or regional location
Autonomy and sense of responsibility
Developing skills and increasing confidence
Lifestyle
Continuity of care and holistic approach
Being able to work in a hospital