Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway: why do trainees separate without achieving a Rural Generalist end point?

The aim of this study was to learn from trainees separating from the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP) the reasons and circumstances around their decision so as to improve the efficiency of the program and experience of trainees. Forty-one QRGP trainees who separated without achieving a Rural Generalist (RG) end point to training were interviewed regarding their reasons for separation and thoughts on improving the program. The mean period of time enrolled in the QRGP was 2.87 years. Broadly, the cohort divided into those separating for specialist training, those moving into non-RG general practice and those undecided. Separation for specialist training tended to occur during prevocational years and that to general practice later in the program before trainees had completed advanced skill training. Female trainees were over-represented among trainees separating without completing training. This cohort provided their opinions on the strengths of the QRGP and possible improvements. Understanding and addressing the reasons for early separation suggested several strategies to improve the efficiency of the QRGP in selecting and retaining trainees. Lessons learned included the value of employer-provided coordinated prevocational placements and training, potential benefits of guiding rural-interested medical graduates who ultimately enter other specialist training and the need for greater liaison with external Australian General Practice Training administration organisations to coordinate transition of trainees. There is a need to further address accessibility of advanced training for all trainees.