Doctors interested in a career in regional medicine are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP), with Hunter New England among the participating Local Health Districts.
Applications are now open for the 2027 clinical year, with the program providing doctors a pathway to train and work as rural generalists across both primary care and hospital settings.
Rural generalists are GPs with advanced skills in areas such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, mental health or palliative care, helping broaden the range of medical services available in regional communities.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the program had already attracted strong interest since expanding two years ago.
“We have already seen 74 doctors take up the opportunity to train as rural generalists since the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway program expanded in 2024,” Park said.
He said the initiative was helping improve access to healthcare in country NSW.
“This is good for patients and good for clinicians, ensuring regional, rural, and remote communities in NSW have access to care when they need it while supporting doctors to expand their skills,” he said.
Park said the government was committed to building a sustainable regional health workforce.
“This is part of our commitment to improve the access, quality and sustainability of health care in regional, rural and remote NSW by ensuring we have the staff to deliver the care people need.”
Successful applicants receive a length-of-training employment contract with NSW Health while retaining award wages and leave entitlements throughout their training.
The program is open across several regional Local Health Districts, including Hunter New England.
Current Rural Generalist trainee Dr Myron Raveendran said working in rural communities allowed doctors to make a lasting difference.
“I’ve seen the effects rural doctors can have. You become a pillar for whole families, managing all their medical conditions,” Dr Raveendran said.
“When I finish my training, I want to be the doctor people see in the clinic and the hospital. Someone they know and trust.”
Fellow trainee Dr Annabelle Stephenson said the program had supported her interest in Aboriginal health.
“I’m very committed to closing the gap and the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway program team helped organise a placement at Werin Aboriginal Corporation for me, which was just great,” Dr Stephenson said.
She encouraged other doctors considering regional practice to apply.
“You just need to follow your passion. If you’re thinking about the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, I’d certainly be recommending it.”
Applications for the 2027 clinical year close on 4 August 2026. More information is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/RGSEP.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now