What is PEP?

2019 has been a year of change for OTD training programs and policies in Australia. One major change has been the introduction of the Practice Experience Program (PEP) run by the RACGP. The PEP has two streams, the standard and specialist streams which we have explained below which will be for OTDs on the specialist pathway and for Non-VR GPs in Australia working towards fellowship.

PEP is a self-directed education program funded through the Department of Health’s Stronger Rural Health Strategy and brings the college in line with the goal to redirect OTDs towards areas which are classified as MMM2 or above on the Modified Monash Model.

PEP – Specialist Stream

The specialist stream is replacing the current Specialist Recognition Program from 1 September 2019 for GPs who hold substantially or partially comparable qualifications. Under the specialist stream, GPs will no longer be awarded Fellowship ad en Grandum (FAEG) but will be required to work in Australia for 12 months FTE prior to being awarded the full FRACGP. The good news is that even though theses GPs will technically be Non-VR, the RACGP has made sure that they will have full access to A1 Medicare rebates.
Where can OTDs work:

Substaintially Comparable GPs are able to work in a MMM1 area as long as they can obtain a relevant 19AB exemption.
Partially Comparable GPs will be required to work in areas that are MMM2+ for those initial 12 months at least to meet the requirements of fellowship. The RACGP will be applying and granted provider numbers to the GPs under this new program.

PEP – Standard Stream

The PEP Standard stream is the new pathway for Non-VR GPs working in Australia who are working towards fellowship. The main things you need to know about this stream is:

From 2020, applicants will be required to sit a PEPEA, similar to a PESCI
From 2022 onwards, it will be compulsory for all doctors to complete this program to be eligible to sit their fellowship exams.
The program is based on 3 six month terms all with each different education requirements such as online modules however most of the work is practice based meaning less at home studying.
Applicants will be required to work in MMM2+ areas

You can find out more about the PEP streams on the RACGP website