Media release from RNZCGP president Harry Pert
 
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners President Dr Harry Pert says a second round of recruitment for GPEP Year 1 training places opens today to recruit registrars for specific areas that still have vacancies while allowing existing applications to be processed.

'The first round of applications for GPEP Year 1 places has gone well and closed on 1 August as planned, but with the largest ever number of training places available we have reopened the process in targeted areas.

'The 172 training places available reflect the increasing public focus on primary care and we also have an exciting new curriculum to support trainees,' says Dr Pert.

'Our two-stage application process will allow us to proceed with interviewing applicants who have applied by the closing date of 1 August. Like other application processes, without a closing date it would be unfair to those who have already applied to keep this round of applications open any longer.

'However, there are still vacancies in some areas, which is usual, and because of this we will re-open applications nationally for GPEP Year 1 today for applications in areas where we have not met our recruitment targets. This will allow us to continue to recruit applicants for next year while we are processing those who have already applied.'

The areas where applications will be accepted from 6 August are:
Northland
Waikato
Gisborne
Taranaki
Mid-Central
Wellington
Canterbury.

Dr Pert says the College will welcome applicants from anywhere in New Zealand, but they must be applying for positions in the areas outlined where there are still vacancies.

'Being a GP is a great career option for young doctors and I would encourage those considering becoming a GP to still apply. It is definitely not too late.'

ENDS

Contact: Helen Morgan-Banda on (04) 550 2862 or helen.morgan-banda@rnzcgp.org.nz