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Becoming an FSP Supervisor: Everything You Need to Know

Becoming an FSP Supervisor: Everything You Need to Know

 

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.

What Does It Mean to Be 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:

  • Orienting the registrar to the training site
  • 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

Why Become an FSP Supervisor?

  • 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Supervisors

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

Supervision and Training Site Accreditation

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.

How to Become an Accredited Supervisor

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.

Accreditation Process:

  1. Supervisor Agreement – Sign the agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.

  2. 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.

Supervising Multiple Registrars

To ensure high-quality supervision and registrar support, RACGP limits each supervisor to a maximum of three registrars across all training programs.

Offsite Supervision

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.

Final Thoughts

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.