Rural GP Programme in Ireland

Ireland is facing a critical shortage of general practitioners. In a situation like this, rural areas get underserved, and patients often struggle to access primary care. Irish Independent states that 2 out of 3 general practitioners in rural Ireland are unable to take on new patients, and some have appointment waiting times of up to two weeks.

The Irish government has taken a number of measures to address this ongoing GP crisis and boost the number of active GPs. To address the issues of healthcare access in rural areas, the Irish College of GPs (ICGP) has come up with a new initiative: IMG Rural GP Programme.

This programme is a unique opportunity for non-EU doctors to make a significant impact on Irish healthcare. It not only addresses the urgent need for medical professionals in rural areas but also provides an exceptional pathway for healthcare candidates from other countries to advance their careers in a supportive and enriching environment. 

If you are a healthcare professional and want to leverage this programme, our in-depth guide will help you. We will provide you with every essential piece of information, from eligibility criteria to programme components and the application process.

Criteria to Meet

Ireland offers lucrative work opportunities for GPs and the average salary range is also good. So, if you are considering enrolling in the rural GP programme – then it might be a good choice. But first, you need to meet certain criteria:

• Hold a primary medical degree from a university or school outside of Ireland.
• Gain at least three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in general practice, predominantly during daytime hours.
• Get postgraduate experience in both general medicine and pediatrics, with a minimum of three months in each specialty.
• Provide proof of medical indemnity coverage for the three years in general practice.
• Submit a current letter of good standing from the indemnity organization regarding medico-legal cases.
• Showcase evidence of current registration with the medical council or regulatory body in Ireland or your current practice country.
• Provide a current letter of good standing from your medical council or regulatory body.
• Give contact details of two recent clinical referees who can verify supervision over your previous or current roles and are aware of your application.
• Provide a notarized copy of your medical degree, with an English translation if needed.
• Include a notarized copy of your degree transcript, also with an English translation if required.
• Achieve an overall band score of 7.0 or higher in the Academic IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four domains, completed within the last two years. Alternatively, attain a minimum of grade B in all four domains of the OET.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuous professional development activities.

Apart from this, you will also need to obtain a medical indemnity to cover your clinical practice. You can discuss this with your clinical mentor before starting to work as a GP in Ireland.

Programme Components: Education and MICGP Exam

IMG Rural GP Programme is designed for experienced professionals. It’s a self-directed learning programme (not a training programme) that includes two years of supervised practice in rural areas.

Here are some mandatory aspects of this programme you should note:

Self-Directed Learning

Start by conducting a learning needs assessment. This vital step helps you identify areas for improvement and guides your self-directed learning. The Irish College of GPs (ICGP) will provide guidance on this process and direct you to relevant educational resources. Remember to maintain a log of your learning needs and how you address them throughout the programme.

Induction Program

Prepare for a four-day induction program organized by the ICGP. This program is split into two initial days, followed by a two-day catch-up session a few months later. Be ready for potential additional days as advised by the programme team.

Online Modules

Each year, you’ll need to complete at least six modules from an ICGP online course. Choose modules that align with your clinical practice and learning needs from options like

• Community Gynaecology
• Dermatology in Practice
• Better Safer Prescribing

University College Dublin Course

A 12-week online course with University College Dublin is part of the curriculum. This course covers essential topics in general practice, including chronic disease management, mental health, and child health. More details will be provided at the program’s start.

Study Leave and Exams

Your GP practice will grant you two weeks of study leave annually (based on ten sessions per week). By the end of this two-year programme, you’re expected to pass the Membership of the Irish College of GPs (MICGP) exams.

The MICGP exam is divided into two parts:

Clinical Knowledge Test (CKT):

• Must be taken before CCT
• 200-question single-based answer paper
• Offered once a year in April
• Cost: €800

Clinical Competency Test (CCT):

• Must be taken after CKT
• Face-to-face simulated everyday clinic
• Available twice a year in May and November
• Cost: €1,500

Application Process

Now that you know the basics of the programme and the mandatory components, you might be excited to get started. So, here are the application steps to follow:

1. Create an account on the Irish College of GPs website.

2. Now, go to the application form.

3. Carefully read all the questions on the form.

4. Prepare the required documents to upload. All documents should be in PDF format, and the maximum upload size limit is 3 MB.

5. You need to pay the €100 administration fee (non-refundable)

6. Review all the application details and then submit.

Additional Things for Application

When filling in the application form, you must consider the following things as required by the ICGP:

• Detail your GP experience, starting with the most recent position.
• Include exact dates and full addresses of each GP practice.
• Describe your responsibilities at each practice.
• Outline your postgraduate experience, beginning with the most recent.
• Specify dates, locations, and specialty areas, with a minimum of three months in internal/general medicine and pediatrics.
• Highlight your specific roles and duties in each post.
• Choose referees who held senior positions and supervised your work closely.
• Note that the referees you mention shouldn’t be your relatives or friends

Costs Involved

Once you are done with the application process and plan your relocation, you might be thinking about the costs, right? Costs are one of the most important factors to consider when considering a relocation.

While your relocation and accommodation costs can vary depending on your preferences and locality. Here, we have provided some participation costs of the programme:

• Associate membership fee of Irish College of GPs (annual): €1,100
• Irish Medical Council fee (annual): €600
• Irish College of GPs online course (annual): €1500

Examinations :

• Clinical Knowledge Test (CKT): €800
• Clinical Competency Test (CCT): €1,500

As of now, the ICGP doesn’t charge any fees for the four-day induction. While the hotel accommodation and meals will be provided by the ICGP, you will need to manage the travel expenses.

Conclusion

The Rural GP programme is a new ray of hope for the country’s rural healthcare. By addressing the challenges faced by remote communities, it ensures that high-quality medical care is accessible to all, regardless of their location. The programme not only attracts skilled doctors to rural areas but also fosters a supportive environment for their professional growth and well-being.

As the program continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the commitment to equitable healthcare for all, regardless of geographic location.

If you are enrolling in the Rural GP programme and looking for opportunities, trust CSE Connect. We have collaborations with a large number of healthcare institutes, so we can connect you with a wide range of opportunities.