For Medical Students

Tasmanian Rural Generalist Program

For Medical Students

Living and working in rural Tasmania is a rewarding experience that offers great diversity. Tasmania's rural areas are vibrant communities often located alongside stunning coastlines and ancient forests. Rural communities in Tasmania have a strong sense of community and ownership of their local area. From diverse working scenarios to picturesque landscapes, there has never been a better time to live and work rurally.

A Rural Generalist (RG) is a medical practitioner who is trained to meet the health care needs of Australian rural and remote communities. RGs provide primary care, emergency care and at least one area of medical specialist care in hospital and/or community settings.

Areas of medical specialist practice include:

  • Paediatrics
  • Adult internal medicine
  • General surgery
  • Emergency medicine
  • Anaesthetics
  • Obstetrics
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  • Remote/polar medicine
  • Mental health
  • Palliative care

The Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway (TRGP) facilitates the training of junior doctors to gain the skills to become Rural Generalists. Doctors achieve either a Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) or a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners/Fellowship in Advanced Rural Generalist Practice (FRACGP/FARGP).

It takes approximately five years of post-graduate training to become an independent Rural Generalist.

  • Tasmanian students registering their interest for the TRGP have the opportunity to undertake their final undergraduate year at the University of Tasmania Rural Clinical School (RCS) or the Launceston Clinical School (LCS). Students should have undertaken at least one rotation to a rural general practice (MMM4-7) in their final undergraduate year.
  • Students from other universities are welcome to register their interest and are encouraged to undertake a rural GP placement (MMM4-7).
  • Tasmanian Rural Generalist Scholarships support graduates from the University of Tasmania School of Medicine to train as rural generalists, when available.
  • Students are encouraged to become a member of the National Rural Health Student Network (RUSTICA) or equivalent rural health club at their university.

To register your interest in the TRGP, please contact us.