Increased Focus on Rural and Regional Training
MELBOURNE — In a significant boost to primary healthcare, Victoria has welcomed a record intake of 363 future general practitioners (GPs) for the 2026 training year, as announced by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This intake includes a noteworthy focus on training in rural and regional areas.
According to the RACGP, 149 trainees will follow a rural training pathway, marking a 9.6% increase from the previous year. This initiative is part of the Commonwealth-funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program. 63 of the new trainees will be trained as Rural Generalists, receiving advanced skills to support regional hospital and emergency services.
Training Pathways and Future Implications
Dr Anita Muñoz, the Chair of RACGP Victoria, emphasised the importance of these pathways in addressing healthcare needs outside metropolitan Melbourne. Muñoz noted that the growing interest in rural and composite pathways indicates a desire among early-career doctors for training that offers flexibility and community impact.
This development occurs amid a national trend where there has been a 47% increase in future specialist GPs opting for rural pathways, as stated by RACGP President Dr Michael Wright. Wright called on the Federal Government to continue supporting GP training, highlighting an 81% rise in applications since 2024 due to improved training and work-life balance.
The RACGP has also reported strong demand for training places, with 145 additional doctors applying to join the program. This underscores the urgency for continued investment in training capacity and supervisor support to meet the growing demand for general practice services across Victoria. The increased number of trainees is expected to significantly enhance healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions, thereby improving overall health outcomes for communities in need.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:28 am
