ROVE
In late 2006, GPET (General Practice Education and Training) called for RTPs (regional training providers) to submit proposals for new programs that would support IMGs in preparing for the RACGP exam, via the alternative pathway. The proposals were considered for funding through the ROVE (Rural Outreach Vocational Education) project. AOGP submitted a proposal describing an enhanced version of our existing IMG Fellowship Support Program, currently funded by the RDWA. We are extremely pleased to report that we were successful in gaining ROVE funding. Our proposal was based on the feedback and advice we have received from IMG graduands who have been supported in the past, as well as IMG MEs and stakeholders.
The three main areas the enhanced ROVE project addresses are:
- Stronger support for IMGs according to feedback (e.g. Objective LNA, Involvement of Supervisors in program)
- Sustainability of ME/admin support team
- Stakeholder links strengthened
These areas are expanded upon below:
- engage in better collaboration with key stakeholders
- run a more objective LNA (learning needs analysis) for each IMG entering the program
- put resources into the development and delivery of training in language, communication and cultural awareness skills (via small groups)
- provide more opportunities for one-on-one feedback between MEs and IMGs
- establish structures to better support formal collaboration between our IMG MEs and IMG Supervisors, including financial support
- improve the frequency of, and resources available for, small groups
- investigate strategies for assisting IMGs to be released from practices for attendance at key educational activities
- improve financial support for IMGs, specifically regarding travel reimbursements, and attendance at educational activities
- better support our IMG MEs through enhanced off -site IMG training
- improve the current collection of resources dedicated to IMGs’ exam preparation
Enhanced Support Process
A basic process for the enhanced ROVE & stakeholder support