This program was known as the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program (JFPDP) from 2023–2025. Find out more about the program update.

About the program

The Australian Primary Care Prevocational Program – Rural (APCPP – Rural) provides junior doctors the chance to live and work in a regional, rural or remote area.

While on rotation you’ll learn about the benefits and challenges of rural medicine. You'll also be supported by:

  • your hospital and health service (HHS)
  • your host practice or facility
  • peers and educators through online sessions
  • the APCPP – Rural team.

Rotations range from 8 to 12 weeks, and you may be able to do multiple rotations.

Where you'll train

You’ll do your rotations in general practices or primary care centres in Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2 to 7 areas. The model measures remoteness and population size, with MM 1 being a major city and MM 7 being very remote.

There are 230 rotations available in 2026.

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You can learn more about the Modified Monash Model (MMM) on the Australian Government website.

Who can take part

The program is designed for junior doctors in postgraduate year 1 and 2 (PGY1-2), but you can still take part if you're further into your postgraduate training.

If you’ll be doing a non-GP specialist training program, you can do APCPP – Rural rotations until you begin your vocational training.

If you’re an ACRRM or RACGP registrar, you can do rotations while you finish your core generalist hospital training or hospital terms.

How to take part

If you'd like to take part in the program, talk to the medical education officer where you work. They can tell you about opportunities in your region.

To learn more about the APCPP – Rural call us on 1800 680 291 or email APCPP_Rural@health.qld.gov.au. You can also talk with our training advisors if you’d like more information about rural training opportunities. They'll help you find options that suits your personal and career goals.

Hear from our participants

  • Mel Hobi

    My rural placements provided fantastic early experiences where I have ‘tested the waters’ for what it’s like to be a GP and RG.

  • Marco Soncin

    A rural rotation is a unique opportunity to work in primary healthcare, enhance your skillset and broaden your professional experience.

  • Jasper Lawson

    I really enjoyed my time on Palm Island. The Joyce Palmer Health Service (JPHS) is a fantastic service, and the community is welcoming.

Information for practices

Benefits of the program

Hosting a junior doctor for their rotation can bring a range of benefits to your staff, patients and community.

You'll get funding to help with the cost of supervising junior doctors, IT and running your practice.

The HHS where the junior doctor works will pay their salary, travel and accommodation costs via funding made available through the program. They'll also give you their rotation details.

Learn more about the experience of one of our hosting practices, Landsborough Medical Centre.

Who can host junior doctors

To be a host, your practice must be:

  • in a regional, rural or remote area (MM 2 to MM 7 under the Modified Monash Model)
  • accredited by the Australian Medical Council as a general practice training location
  • accredited by Prevocational Medical Accreditation Queensland if you're hosting interns in their first postgraduate year (PGY1).

You also need to sign a contract with the supplying HHS and Darling Downs Health.

Your responsibilities

A GP or rural generalist needs to supervise the junior doctors you host.

You also need to provide them with a safe and positive experience.

You should promote and support:

  • their safety and wellbeing
  • the safety of your patients, staff and other health professionals
  • quality health care and services
  • constructive feedback and critical reflection
  • the value of a career in rural medicine.

The program prioritises education, experience and support, rather than being a workforce initiative.

Medicare billing

Junior doctors can't bill Medicare for services. A GP or rural generalist who can bill Medicare must supervise them when they see patients.

They can still use a ‘Refer and request only’ provider number for Medicare. Their HHS can apply for this before their placement.

How to be a host

To learn more about hosting junior doctors, call us on 1800 680 291 or email APCPP_Rural@health.qld.gov.au.

Expanding the program

Participants will be able to do the program at more practices in 2026 with new sites in North West Hospital and Health Service and approved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical service regions.

Program partners

The Queensland Rural Medical Service (Darling Downs Health) leads the program in Queensland.

They work with:

This program received funding under the Australian Government's Federation Funding Agreement.

Program performance

Download a copy of the performance data.

Rotation principles and expectations

The success of the Australian Primary Care Prevocational Program – Rural relies on collaboration between participants, allocation teams, rotation sites and the APCPP – Rural team. The principles and expectations for these key stakeholders are outlined below.

Participants will:

  • adhere to the Medical Board of Australia code of conduct for doctors
  • participate in rotation-site induction and orientation, including cultural awareness training
  • contribute to service delivery appropriate to position-level and clinical scope of practice
  • demonstrate commitment to learning with critical reflection and openness to feedback
  • complete the rotation evaluation survey administered on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC)
  • raise any concerns in a timely manner to appropriate parties.

The Hospital and Health Service (HHS) allocation teams will:

  • ensure junior doctor eligibility for the program per APCPP – Rural contract guidelines
  • ensure Prevocational Medical Accreditation Queensland (PMAQ) accreditation status is current at the rotation facility
  • prioritise prevocational doctors with an interest in primary care or rural generalism to participate in APCPP – Rural rotation where possible
  • provide all necessary rotation information in a timely manner to the prevocational doctor prior to commencement
  • consider the doctor’s personal requirements prior to a rural or remote allocation (e.g. dependents, disability, language)
  • confirm junior doctor remuneration and allowances as commensurate while on rotation.

The rotation sites will:

  • uphold the primary care experience intent as priority throughout the rotation
  • adhere to the Medical Board of Australia Supervised Practice Framework and Supervised practice for international medical graduates guidelines
  • maintain (PMAQ) accreditation requirements
  • provide onsite orientation and induction to participants upon commencement, including local cultural connection information
  • ensure timely roster provision reflective of the junior doctor’s clinical capability and supervision requirements
  • ensure feedback mechanisms, including support services, are available
  • notify the HHS allocation team immediately if the facility is unable to provide the requisite supervision at any time during the rotation
  • enable participants to attend formal and informal educational opportunities where possible.

The APCPP – Rural team will:

  • provide support to program stakeholders before, during and after rotations
  • oversee program allocations, contract management and funding disbursal
  • promote the program to participants and interested rotation sites
  • encourage participation in the APCPP – Rural Commonwealth survey for national evaluation of the program and continued funding opportunities
  • provide opportunities for education and peer support and access to general practice college resources where possible
  • coordinate stakeholder engagement and feedback opportunities with general practice colleges and HHS and rotation partners.

Last updated:   March 2026

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