PO STG RA DUA TE M EDIC A L C O UNC IL O F V IC TO RIA INC.

Rural Generalist Advanced Skills Match 2021/2022

CANDIDATES GUIDE

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Contents The Allocation and Placement Service ................................................................................................ 2

Rural Generalist Advanced Training in Victoria .................................................................................. 2

RG Advanced Selection Criteria ......................................................................................................... 3

Important Information for International Medical Graduates (IMG) ................................................... 3

Confirming Eligibility ............................................................................................................................ 4

Hospital Experience Assessment (if applicable) ................................................................................. 4

Provisional matches ............................................................................................................................ 4

Pre-matched candidates ..................................................................................................................... 4

RG Advanced Skills Match Schedule of Dates 2021/22 ..................................................................... 5

RG Advanced Skills Priority Categories .............................................................................................. 6

Register for the Rural Generalist Advanced Match ............................................................................. 7

Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Paired Candidates ............................................................................................................................. 10

Nominate Referees ........................................................................................................................... 10

Who can complete Referee Assessment Forms? ............................................................................. 11

How to tell if nominated referees have completed the form .............................................................. 12

Online Live interview ......................................................................................................................... 12

Allocation Process and Notification of Results .................................................................................. 13

Unmatched candidates ..................................................................................................................... 13

Disclaimer:

The material presented in this Guide is presented as an information source only and is correct at time of publication. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of matters presented herein.

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The Allocation and Placement Service This Guide contains information about how to use the Allocation and Placement Service (APS) to register for the Victorian Rural Generalist Program (VRGP) Advanced Skills Match. The Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria Inc. (PMCV) administers the APS on behalf of the Victorian health services that offer positions and candidates applying for these positions.

The VRGP Advanced Skills Match is conducted by PMCV at the request of the Department of Health (DH), Victoria. Candidates will find further information about the APS and the Intern Match at the APS website: https://allocations.pmcv.com.au/. This match process will allow RG candidates to be matched to an approved RGA training position, in their chosen RGA Skill, prioritised by a VRGP Regional Network.

The APS can be used on any web enabled device, including mobile phones.

Below is a brief step by step guide regarding the process for candidates. As always, our team will be available to guide candidates with any questions they have and can email allocations@pmcv.com.au for support. In addition, we have detailed help guides for the APS which candidates can visit at https://allocations.pmcv.com.au/help

Rural Generalist Advanced Training in Victoria Rural Generalist Advanced training is a part of the Rural Generalist (RG) training pathway and the Victorian Rural Generalist Program (VRGP). It is 12 months, full-time equivalent, of training in one discipline of specialised care in a health service or community setting.

All RG Advanced posts must have relevant accreditation with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Training provided within an RG Advanced post should be based on the relevant college curriculum. More information on RG Advanced training and Rural Generalism can be found at www.vicruralgeneralist.com.au.

It is imperative that candidates who are not currently registered with the VRGP, especially pre-vocation and fellowed GPs, have contacted VRGP team with their expressions of interest prior to applying for an RG Advanced post. This can be done through the VRGP website or one of the regional VRGP Coordinators.

Trainees who are part of the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) or ACRRM Independent Pathway (ACRRM IP) are encouraged to contact their Training Provider and VRGP Regional Coordinator for more information and to express interest in a position. The VRGP Regional Coordinators provide individual case management to all VRGP trainees and will assist throughout the entire application process.

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RG Advanced Selection Criteria

The selection and eligibility criteria for Advanced Skills positions: 1. Hold a Medical Degree (MBBS or equivalent) from an Australian or New Zealand University.

2. Hold General Registration as a Medical Practitioner with AHPRA.

3. Be a Victorian Rural Generalist Program registrar on, or awaiting acceptance1 onto a recognised

Rural Generalist training program such as the:

a. Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT)b. Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)c. Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Independent or RG100 Pathway.d. Fellowed General Practitioners (FRACGP) obtaining advanced skills to sub-specialise as a Rural

Generalist. FRACGP’s will be required to enrol in the Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP) prior to commencement in the RGA position.

4. Hold a current and satisfactory National Police Record Check

5. Hold a current and satisfactory Working with Children Check

6. Have an active medical provider and prescriber number.

7. Provide evidence from their Training Organisation that they are eligible to commence an RGA position. FRACGPs are required to provide proof of enrolment in FARGP2.

8. Be eligible to participate in the PMCV RGA computer match.

9. Demonstrate a commitment to Rural Generalist training, building a career and practicing the Advanced skill for which they are applying.

10. Candidates on RACGP training programs will also need to provide evidence that they will satisfy the requirements of hospital-based training before commencement in the RGA role. This will occur via a practice readiness assessment with the Regional Training Organisation.

Important Information for International Medical Graduates (IMG)

• All candidates MUST have General medical registration in Australia at the time of commencementof an RGA position. Candidates who do NOT have General medical registration in Australia or willnot have General Registration by February 2022 are NOT ELIGIBLE for the RGA Match.

• To be eligible under the category Australian Medical Council Graduate (Australian permanentresident) the candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Successfully completed both the Australian Medical Council (AMC) MCQ and theClinical Examination

• Hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship.• Hold General (unconditional) medical registration with the Australian Medical Board or

currently completing board requirements which will grant the candidate General(unconditional) medical registration by the beginning of February 2022.

• Enrolled, or accepted, in an accredited General Practice training program for the 2022 trainingyear or current registration as a GP.

1 Confirmation of acceptance must be obtained prior to commencement. 2 Fellow Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

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Confirming Eligibility PMCV will liaise with the relevant Training Organisation (TO) and/or ACRRM to confirm that candidates are enrolled or accepted in an accredited Rural Generalist training program.

Hospital Experience Assessment (if applicable) Postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) candidates who have applied to train with RACGP will need to complete a Hospital Experience Assessment. Further information is available within the Allocation and Placement documents within the PMCV match.

• Each RTO has their own process so please make sure you complete the correct document forthe RTO that you have applied to. This will be passed on to the RTOs and they will do theassessment.

• During peak times it can take up to 10 business days for the PMCV team and RegionalTraining Organisation to assess hospital experience to ensure candidates will be practiceready on completion of their Advanced Skill post. Please take this time into considerationwhen making your application.

Provisional matches The candidate must be enrolled, or accepted, in an accredited Rural Generalist training program3.

For candidates in the application phase with Australian General Practice Training, PMCV will conduct a preliminary eligibility confirmation so that candidates can register for the match, complete all the necessary forms, and submit preferences.

The AGPT Program results are not due until 16 August 2021 which is after the Advanced Match is run, therefore any match will have a “provisional” status until a confirmed acceptance of Offer of Training proof is provided by the Candidate.

PMCV will withdraw the provisional match status for any candidate that cannot confirm their AGPT Offer of Training by 16 August 2021. These positions will be re-allocated.

Pre-matched candidates

Candidates on a pre-defined RG pathway, who are offered a VRGP Advanced Skills pre-matched position do not need to and should not apply to the PMCV Advanced Skill Match. A position has been allocated for the pre-matched candidate and this match has been agreed upon by both parties.

Pre-matched candidates are obliged to take their matched position. PMCV will be aware of pre-matched candidates and will withdraw any who may apply to the match. Should you not wish to accept the pre-match position offered you should speak to the Health Service and RG Coordinator immediately.

3 For RACGP Fellows this refers to FARGP program.

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RG Advanced Skills Match Schedule of Dates 2021/22

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RG Advanced Skills Priority Categories Where there is more than one suitable candidate for a RGA positions, allocation of the positions will be based on the RGA priority criteria.

Priority Groups

VRGP Priority

Group 1 1. Currently engaged in a VRGP training pathway within the region (of the RGA

position) in one of the following positions:a. VRGP RG Year 2 traineeb. VRGP trainee in Primary Care Trainingc. VRGP Year 3+ in Health Service rotationd. Fellowed GP enrolled in FARGP1.

2. Demonstrate a connection to a particular community (RACGP MM3-7, ACRRM MM4-7) for potential future practice. Preference may be given to applicants who have demonstrated previous work in a rural location.

3. Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills in the medical assessment and clinical management of patients, according to experience/stage of training.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of your ability to recognise and work within your limitations.

5. Demonstrate your ability to receive and act on workplace feedback.6. Demonstrate a commitment to workplace professionalism.7. Provide evidence of ongoing professional development to continually update

personal medical skills and knowledge.

VRGP Priority

Group 2 1. Currently engaged in a VRGP training pathway within another region,

in a recognised pathway in one of the following positions:a. VRGP RG Year 2 traineeb. VRGP trainee in Primary Care Trainingc. VRGP Year 3+ in Health Service rotationd. Fellowed GP enrolled in FARGP 1

2. Existing Rural Generalists (FACRRM, or RACGP with FARGP) who need toundertake a second advanced skill to fill an identified community need. Notethat where positions are limited, priority will be given to trainees obtaining theirfirst advanced skill.

3. Provide a statement outlining their plans for a career as a rural generalistincluding the identification of an RG training pathway in the region where the RG Advanced training post is located.

4. Provide evidence as to why the candidate wants a career as a Rural Generalist.5. Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the Victorian Rural

Generalist Program.6. 7.Demonstrate a connection to a particular community (RACGP MM3-7,

ACCRM MM 4-7) for potential future practice, as per college trainingrequirements.

7. Preference may be given to applicants who have demonstrated previous workin a rural location.

1 Fellow Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

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Sign up for your user account.

If the candidate has not done so already, please visit the PMCV website and register your candidate account (click ‘Register’ on the top banner and fill in the form to create a candidate account).

If the candidate has participated in other Matches in subsequent years, candidates can reuse this same account, so please ensure use of an email address to which there will be access in future. It is not recommended for candidates to use their student email address for this reason.

Register for the Rural Generalist Advanced Match

Candidates will see the 2021 Rural Generalist Advanced Match published on the APS website, via the homepage when clicking ‘All Matches’.

Users can click ‘Learn more’ to access the process dates, information about participating health services, and reading materials such as the Rural Generalist Advanced Match Business Rules.

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Candidates will be able register to participate in the Rural Generalist Advanced match when it opens on 17 May.

When candidates click on register, they will be presented with a pre-selection question.

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Once candidates have completed the initial registration, they will be presented with a checklist which indicates the activities that need to be completed in order to be approved for participation in the Rural Generalist Advanced match process.

At a minimum, candidates will need to complete the Candidate Details including the candidate’s AHPRA/MBA number, nominate at least one preference and submit the candidate declaration to be considered.

At peak times it can take up to 10 business days for the PMCV team to verify and approve candidates’ registrations.

Once this information has been entered PMCV will verify the candidate’s preliminary eligibility and change the registration status to approved. Receipt of a successful offer of training into accredited GP training program will be confirmed by 16 August 2021.

NOTE: Candidates must sign the declaration section to be included in the match process. Failure to do so will result in candidates being excluded from the Rural Generalist Advanced match.

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Applications

The VRGP Advanced Skills match requires only one application via PMCV’s Allocation and Placement System. There is no requirement for a direct application to the Heath Services. PMCV applications will open from 17 May and close on 4 June 2021.

Information provided in this application will be disclosed to the Department of Health (DH), relevant Health Services, Victorian Rural Generalist Program Statewide Representatives and RG Coordinators and where applicable Training Organisations.

Completion of an application indicates the candidate’s permission for PMCV to share the application information with the parties listed above.

Candidates holding a mutually agreed VRGP Advanced Skills pre-matched position do not need to and should not apply to the PMCV Advanced Skill Match. A position has been allocated for the pre-matched candidate and this match has been agreed upon by both parties.

Pre-matched candidates are obliged to take their matched position. PMCV will be aware of pre-matched candidates and will withdraw any who may apply to the match

Paired Candidates

If two (2) candidates wish to work together (paired) and obtain appointments at the same health service, candidates are advised to first discuss this matter with the Manager of the Medical Workforce Unit of the health services concerned. It is important that both candidates state this quite clearly on the application forms to any health service in which they wish to be matched.

A candidate wishing to be considered as a paired candidate must:

• Tick Yes under “Do you wish to be a paired candidate.”• Enter the Candidate ID, Surname of the person you wish to pair with• Have identical preference listings (i.e., same positions in the same order)

Nominate Referees The PMCV has a centralised referee collection and distribution process within the Allocations & Placement Service website. All hospitals/health services participating in the Advanced Skills Matching Service have agreed to use a standardised Referee Assessment Form.

All candidates participating in the Advanced Skills Match must ensure that TWO (2) of the standardised Match - Referee Assessment Forms are submitted to the PMCV Matching Service.

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Referee process Overview

1. Candidates nominate referees via their account on the matching website (Nominate Refereesarea).

2. The nominated referee automatically receives an email with link to unique URL.

3. The nominated referee completes the form, and it is saved on the APS Website.

4. Health Services candidates nominated a preference for, have access to completed refereereports.

IMPORTANT:

• Candidates CANNOT nominate more than two (2) referees so please consider the choice of referees.

• PMCV DO NOT chase up referees to complete the Referee Assessment Form, it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the candidate’s nominated referees complete the form on time.

• Some emails can be lost to spam filters etc. Once candidates have nominated a referee online, check with them directly to ensure they have received the email.

• The system will automatically send a reminder email 1 week and 3 days before the closing date of 4 June.

Who can complete Referee Assessment Forms?

References from Consultants are generally preferred by health services.

At least one (1) Referee Assessment Forms should be from a Consultant. A Registrar may complete one (1).

Where to get more information/advice on who to nominate as referee.

If candidates are still unsure about who to use as a referee in the Match, please contact health services directly. The PMCV does not assess referee reports therefore we cannot advise candidates as to who is a suitable referee.

What information is needed when nominating referees: • Referee's title• Full name• Phone number• Current email address• Position Held• Health service where referee is currently employed

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How to tell if nominated referees have completed the form

Once the Referee submits the online form, both the Candidate and Referee automatically receive an email to indicate the form has been successfully submitted.

There is also a notice on the candidate’s APS account to indicate whether a referee has completed the form from the candidate’s dashboard.

Referee details have been submitted but reference has not been completed is shown by greyed circles with the Referee initials.

Once a reference report has been submitted, the circle goes green.

In addition, candidates can click into that section to view the status.

Online Live interview During the health service assessment period, candidates may be invited to interview live (via teleconference or videoconference) with a panel with representatives from the health service and Victorian Rural Generalist Program.

If a candidate has multiple regions in their preferences, candidates may be invited to interview with more than one panel during this time.

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Allocation Process and Notification of Results

Both candidates and health services rank their preferences prior to the running of the Match algorithm. In accordance with the Allocation & Placement Service process, the preferences of applicants will be considered with reference to where an applicant is ranked by a health service.

The results of the Rural Generalist Advanced Match will be emailed to candidates at 10am on Monday 6 July.

Candidates may also log into their APS account to view their results.

Unmatched candidates

There may be candidates and Advanced Skills Posts that are unmatched through the match process.

All unfilled positions and unmatched RGA candidates will be managed through a case management process. If there are still unfilled RGA posts after a thorough case management process has been undertaken a reallocation of RGA posts may occur. It will still be vital for the VRGP that any trainees entering these reallocated posts are genuine RG candidates.

FOR MATCHED CANDIDATES:

If candidates have been successfully matched to a health service, they will be advised in an email or presented with a screen showing which health service candidates have been matched to. This health service will then contact candidates regarding an employment contract etc.

FOR UNMATCHED CANDIDATES:

Candidates will be advised of this in the email or presented with a screen advising that you were not matched. Health services who have unmatched places are provided with a list of unmatched candidates and will contact you directly.