About the program

The John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program (JFPDP) gives 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 JFPDP team.

Rotations range from 8 to 13 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 180 rotations available in 2025 and 220 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 JFPDP 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 JFPDP call us on 1800 680 291 or email jfpdp@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.

Learn more about the program from Dr Jaime Hurley.
Duration: 04:53

Transcript for video of Dr Jaime Hurley

[Text on screen] Queensland Health – Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway 
John Flynn Prevocational Doctors Program (JFPDP) 
Find your calling 
The Generalist Pathway

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: Hello, my name is Jamie Hurley and I'm a rural generalist working with the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway to support junior doctors that are currently or planning to undertake a John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program rotation. In this short video I'll provide some more information about what the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program entails, as well as how you can be part of it.

[Text on screen] What is the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program (JFPDP)?

  • Rural primary care immersion experience for prevocational junior doctors (PGY1-5)
  • Work beyond the hospital setting and broaden your perspective of rural health
  • Be part of a legacy

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: The John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program or JFPDP is a program that provides a unique opportunity to spend a junior doctor rotation in a regional or rural area.

As a PGY1 to 5 you may have the option to spend one or more terms living and working outside of your primary hospital, either in a primary care or rural hospital setting. It really is a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in a community and get a taste for life as a rural doctor.

The program was named of course after the Reverend John Flynn, an incredible advocate for rural health as the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service so being part of the program therefore makes you part of his legacy.

[Text on screen] Why was JFPDP developed?

  • Offer a positive rural and remote experience
  • Expand your skills
  • Experience a new perspective
  • Benefit for you and the community

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: The JFPDP commenced in January 2023 to provide an additional training opportunity to junior doctors which allows you the chance to step outside of the bigger hospital system and see what rural medicine has to offer.

The rotations provide a positive experience with the chance to expand your skill set and scope of practice in a safe and supportive environment.

Recognising the unique challenges and joys of rural practice will provide a new perspective to juniors starting out irrespective of what career path you may eventually take and whilst the individual undertaking the rotation stands to benefit greatly from the experience, we know the local community certainly does too.

[Text on screen] Benefits of a JFPDP rotation

  • Become a better doctor
  • Understand health care systems
  • Patient advocacy
  • Step outside of your comfort zone
  • Experience a different place/environment
  • Challenge your abilities
  • Prepare for a career in rural medicine
  • Deliver care where it is needed

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: The potential benefits of a JFPDP rotation are endless. The increased breadth of clinical exposure set you up to be a really well-rounded doctor. A different health care setting also promotes an improved understanding of the broader Australian health care system.

A rotation like this may allow you to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge your clinical abilities. You'll appreciate the differences of health care in rural areas and understand how to be the best advocate for your patients. Your time working in a rural setting will be a meaningful contribution to delivering care where it's needed.

We hope that the experience may even foster or further increase in interest in a career in rural medicine and serve as a helpful preparation for the next stage. As well as all of this you'll be given the opportunity to get to know a new place and be an important member of a rural community for a period of time.

[Text on screen] What to expect on a JFPDP rotation

  • Supportive working environment
  • Supportive community
  • Support from HHS and Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway
  • Chance to extend your practice
  • Opportunity to value add to health care in a place that needs it

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: In undertaking this rotation you'll be supported by the local team in either the general practice and or the rural hospital setting with supervised practice and learning.

You'll also have contact and support from the team here at Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway including opportunities for education and connection with both us and your colleagues around the state undertaking a rotation at the same time as you. This is in addition to the usual support from your hospital team.

Once again, it's a wonderful chance to expand upon your current knowledge and skills in a supported setting whilst assisting the provision of care to a welcoming rural community.

[Text on screen] How to find out more

  • Ask your local MEU
  • Ask your colleague who have been there before
  • Reach out to Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP)
  • Discuss with practice

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: To take the next step and find out more, your local medical education unit will be able to provide details about the rotations on offer at your hospital. You may then choose to talk to colleagues who have previously undertaken the rotation to hear about their experience.

There may be a chance to reach out to the practice themselves to discuss what opportunities they offer and here at QRGP we are always happy to hear from anyone with an interest in undertaking a JFPDP rotation.

[Text on screen] How to make most of your placement

  • Be curious
  • Immerse yourself
  • Build relationship
  • Say yes

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: Once your rotation is confirmed we have some simple advice to help you make the most of the experience. Being curious will make for a richer experience. Clinical curiosity always drives knowledge and learning. Being curious in the community itself will provide a more immersive experience and an appreciation of the potential career option. These rotations can be the start of lifelong relationships - make the most of the new professional network around you. In general, the more that you say yes to the more you'll take away from this opportunity.

[Text on screen] For further information

  • Medical allocations/rostering teams within your hospital

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: To reach out to the support team at QRGP, please feel free to email us on the email listed at any time. Additionally, please speak with your allocations or rostering team to discuss preferencing a JFPDP rotation. For more information about an exciting career as a rural generalist our website also has plenty of further information.

[Text on screen] Connect with us

  • Scan the QR code below to learn more about the Generalist Pathway
  • You can subscribe to our monthly Pathway Pulse newsletter and express your interest to receive up to date information on intern and postgraduate recruitment.
  • Follow @QldRGP on our social to keep in touch!

>>Dr Jamie Hurley: Feel free to use the QR code below to connect or check out the QRGP on any of the usual social media platforms. Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.

End of transcript

Hear from our participants

  • Mel Hobi

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

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.

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 jfpdp@health.qld.gov.au.

Expanding the program

Participants will be able to do the program at more practices in 2025. We’re planning new sites in Torres and Cape, South West and Central West Hospital and Health Service regions.

We’re also exploring placements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.

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.

Last updated: May 2025

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