GP trainee practice placement

Find out how GP trainees are placed into an accredited training clinic/facility.

View the 2022 placement handbook

The placement process

GP trainee practice placement, where trainees are placed into an accredited training clinic or facility, is a complex process. It takes into account both training and community needs, whilst meeting criteria from the AGPT program and the two GP Colleges (RACGP and ACRRM). We are committed to ensuring that our placement process delivers the best outcome to all concerned.

Placement applies to all GP trainees in Training Terms (TT) 1 – 4 and may include those in extension terms. This can be either two x six-month placements or one x 12-month placement per year. GP trainees apply to practices as they would for any employment opportunity, with a CV and cover letter, in the hope of securing an interview. Placements are considered binding and trainees are expected to live within 60 minutes of their training clinic.

GP trainees are encouraged to apply for priority placement to jump the queue, have certainty where they will live and work and to experience a unique, interesting training environment.

Rural practices offers a broad scope of practice, clinical and patient diversity, cradle-to-grave medicine, continuity of care and the opportunity to specialise in an area of interest to enhance their clinical and procedural skills.

Types of placement

Rural generalist placement (April to August)

This placement ONLY applies to rural generalists. they can apply for special skills posts and positions at practices who offer the opportunity to consolidate their skills. Rural generalist trainees indicate their interest to MCCC and the placements are overseen by the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV).

Priority placement (September)

All GP trainees are given the opportunity to jump the queue and have the opportunity to secure their preferred practice within our list of priority practices. They can apply anywhere within our footprint. The priority practice list can be seen here.

Competitive placement (October to November)

This takes place after priority placement and is open to TT 1-4s and those who were unsuccessful in priority placement. You must apply WITHIN your designated region. As the name indicates, this is highly competitive. GP trainees are encouraged to apply to priority placement.

Directed placement (November)

If GP trainees are still unsuccessful in being placed, they are then directed to apply to available practices anywhere within our footprint. Choice of practices are limited in this stage.