Supervision plays a crucial role in the Fellowship Support Program (FSP), offering an opportunity to mentor and shape the next generation of General Practitioners. Here’s a comprehensive guide on accreditation and what to expect as an FSP supervisor.
As an FSP supervisor, you ensure your registrar provides safe and appropriate patient care. Your responsibilities include:
Assessing their competency and identifying learning needs
Developing tailored learning plans and providing structured teaching
Supporting the registrar’s professional journey
According to the RACGP handbook, your core tasks include:
Supervising initial consultations
Developing and monitoring a clinical supervision plan
Providing ongoing and ‘as needed’ supervision
Conducting regular teaching sessions
Offering structured feedback
Completing required assessments
Coordinating the supervisory team
Advocating for the registrar within the training site and RACGP
Evaluating the quality of education and supervision
Gain new skills through workshops and training modules
Contribute to the professional development of future GPs
Receive supervisor payments as part of the program
Tip: Start with the Early Assessment for Safety and Learning (EASL) within the first two weeks of your registrar’s placement. This helps assess their current skills and create a customized teaching plan.
Each training site requires an accredited Primary Supervisor, responsible for clinical and educational support.
To qualify, you must:
Hold Fellowship with RACGP and/or ACRRM
Have full, unrestricted registration as a GP specialist with AHPRA
Have at least four years’ experience in general practice (with two years post-Fellowship preferred)
Provide evidence of ongoing professional development
Work primarily at the same location as the registrar
For accreditation, additional requirements include:
An interview with a local Medical Educator (ME)
Completion of supervisor learning modules
Training in cultural awareness and safety
Secondary Supervisors provide additional support and must meet similar criteria, including:
Holding Fellowship with RACGP and/or ACRRM
Having full, unrestricted AHPRA GP registration
Working actively at the training site
Providing evidence of ongoing professional development
If your training site and supervisor roles are not yet accredited, accreditation must be completed within six months of the registrar’s acceptance into the program.
Supervisors must be nominated by a registrar through their FSP application. Direct applications for accreditation are only permitted for already accredited supervisors adding or changing locations.
Supervisor Agreement – Sign the agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
Mandatory Training Modules:
Complete the Foundations of GP Supervision Program (Modules 1-7)
Complete RACGP Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness module
Attend a 30-minute supervisor interview with an RACGP Medical Educator
Note: The RACGP accreditation team will schedule a virtual interview as part of the process. While modules remain accessible online, they should ideally be completed before your accreditation interview. You have up to 90 days from the start of the registrar’s FSP to complete the modules.
For Primary Supervisors:
Modules 1-7 must be completed before the registrar begins FSP.
The final module reinforces earlier learning and should be completed 6-12 months after the registrar starts.
For Secondary Supervisors:
Modules 4, 6, and 7 must be completed before supervision begins.
The remaining five modules can be completed over three years.
After completing the requirements, the FSP Accreditation Panel will determine your accreditation status—full, conditional, or not approved. If accredited, you’ll receive a certificate valid for three years, with RACGP providing ongoing guidance and resources.
To ensure high-quality supervision and registrar support, RACGP limits each supervisor to a maximum of three registrars across all training programs.
While on-site supervision is preferred, offsite supervision may be approved in specific cases. If a registrar cannot nominate an on-site supervisor, an offsite supervisor can be approved provided a supervision plan is submitted as part of the FSP application.
Becoming an FSP supervisor is a rewarding experience that allows you to contribute to the future of general practice. By supporting registrars, you play a key role in ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality patient care. For further details, visit the RACGP website.