Train More GPs To Arrest Ageing Trend, Says Australian Medical Association

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 03 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today said it was extraordinary that even though one-third of Australian general practitioners are approaching retirement, the Government's GP training program this year turned away more than 100 would-be GPs.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported today that 34 per cent of GPs were aged 55 years or over, and the proportion of younger GPs fell over the last decade.

"Despite this huge number of GPs getting close to retirement, GP training for medical school graduates is currently capped at 600 places per year," Dr Capolingua said.

"The Government's training body, GPET, had to turn away 120 applicants this year. This is a ridiculous situation.

"GPET itself has said that it could lift the intake of trainee GPs by 100 places each year, up to a maximum of 900 places."

The Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee recommended in 2005 that Australia needed about 1,150 new GPs every year.

"That recommendation is now three years old," Dr Capolingua said.

"The AMA recognises that communities are now screaming for GPs.

"It's time for Government to reddress the policy blunders that have caused the shortage and urgently expand GP training opportunities."

Australian Medical Association