$80K in GP bursaries up for grabs

Funds left over from the defunct GP Training Queensland organisation are being used to finance four new scholarships.

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Queensland GPs interested in getting a research project off the ground can apply for one of four new $20,000 bursaries the AMA Queensland Foundation has set up to “carry on the legacy” of regional training organisation GP Training Queensland.

GP registrars who want to train in underserved or rural areas can also apply for one of the scholarships.

As an RTO, GPTQ oversaw training in Queensland’s southeast for over 20 years before the transition back to college-led training in March of this year.

The transition to college-led training meant that virtually all nine RTOs became redundant overnight, although it’s understood that the colleges re-hired many of the existing staff.

The sole survivor is North Queensland’s rural training hub, which is run by James Cook University in Townsville.

In early February, it entered into an agreement with both colleges to continue facilitating the delivery of general practice training in the area, which covers around 90% of the state.

While it was forced to wind up operations, GPTQ was by no means in the red.

The AMA Queensland Foundation – the charitable arm of the state branch – has now successfully applied to use some of the money left in GPTQ’s coffers to create the four bursaries.

“So many Queensland GPs came through GPTQ and they make up such an important part of our workforce,” branch president Dr Maria Boulton said.

“That legacy is recognised through this bursary and the support it provides to GPs. The bursary aims to increase the quality of healthcare and attract and retain GPs in areas of need.”

It’s only open to Queensland residents who are either registrars or fellows of ACRRM or RACGP can apply.

GPs in training who are applying for the registrar bursary must be able to show a commitment to general practice and a willingness to commit to a specific period in an underserved community.

Registrars from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds or who are experiencing financial hardship may get additional consideration.

The bursary itself will be split into two $10k payments, the first of which is in January 2024.

The second instalment is planned for July of that year, so long as recipients are able to provide a written or photographic update on their activities.

Applications close on Monday 23 October.