GP Recruitment Process Meeting of the NSW Rural Divisions with RDN 19 March, 2007 Margaret Young / Janice Hall Project Officers - Medical Recruitment

Hospital Presentations – Dr Liz Barrett  Initially presented by Dr Barrett and Diana Bernard.  Directors of Clinical Training at each metropolitan AHS contacted.  Approached GPET regarding co-presentation, but denied. Two hospitals declined offer.  30 minute presentation – North Coast GP Training DVD, Brochure, income brochure and question time.  Thus far approx 150 attendees at presentations.  Most questions posed by OTDs mainly interested in reduction of 10 year moratorium.  4 doctors have since contacted RDN Ncle office for further information - JHH most successful.  Further presentation this year in regional areas-Orange just completed – others to follow.

Case Management  Director – Tony Miles.  Main contact within RDN:  Case Manager (A – L) – Margaret Young.  Case Manager (M – Z) – Janice Hall.  Project Assistant – Katie Petrich.  Vacancies – Steve Legge (Mon-Wed).

 811 Applications (including all records). Included in the above are attendees at hospital presentations for tracking purposes – approx  535 Unable to Assist.  114 Applications waiting for evidence of English Language Proficiency before Face to Face interview.  11 Face to Face interviews held.  9 Supported following interview.  2 Supported but found positions outside NSW.  5 Proceeded to placement after Medical Board interview.  145 File Closed / lost contact. Some statistics from past 12 months Recruitment database records all activity, not only on-line applications.

Step 1 –initial application  On-line applications – downloaded twice a week.  Initial assessment (Katie/Marg Y). Basic Criteria –  FRACGP or similar Post Grad Qualification.  4/10 years GP, 1/3 relevant clinical experience. Outcomes -  Unable to Assist – ed appropriate letter.  Katie advises any identified parties from on-line application of outcome of assessment.  Request supporting documents from those meeting basic criteria.

Step 2 - Collate supporting documents Medical Advisor to assess:  On-line form & CV.  Evidence of English Language (cannot go ahead without this, or obtain waiver from NSW Medical Board).  Foundation for Advancement of Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) International Medical Education Directory (IMED) check - (  Checklist/Summary. Outcomes -  Successful – Katie to arrange Referee checks and interview.  Unsuccessful – receive Unable to Assist letter.

Step 3 - Interview Previously:  used SKYPE - technically difficult. Now:  initial phone discussion.  Face to Face clinical interview in Australia (Medical Advisor and Project Officer).

Preparation for clinical interview  Scenario setting – rural town, approx population, local district hospital with VMO, referral hospital 300km away etc.  Advise on systematic approach highlighted to OTD.  5 year OTD scheme outlined.  RDN financial and support assistance discussed.  Links to RDN vacancies, Google and Google Maps Reference and publications list provided.  Expect OTD to have list of suitable locations of interest and background knowledge of areas at time of interview.

Support for OTD / Practice  Site visit (both Perm and Temp residents) for OTD and spouse where possible. Travel and accommodation re-imbursed.*  Medical Board application paid ($1,500 per appearance) normally payable by the practice.  2 week pre-assessment observership at the practice. Travel and accommodation re-imbursed.*  Draft employment contracts (if required).  Visa (directed to Immigration).  Medicare provider number lodgement. * Temp residents only supported in 5 year OTD scheme locations for travel & accommodation within NSW.

Recall System Available for any doctor with restrictions which have expiry dates attached:  Medical Registration.  Provider Number.