Health.gov.au Releases 2025 GP National Registrar Survey Report: Focus on Vertical and Horizontal Integration

Understanding the GP National Registrar Survey and Its Significance

The GP National Registrar Survey, formally known as the General Practice National Registrar Survey (GP NRS), is an annual initiative conducted by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. This comprehensive survey targets doctors in training to become general practitioners (GPs), referred to as GP registrars. These trainees are typically in postgraduate vocational training programs after completing their medical degree and internship, undergoing 3-4 years of supervised practice to achieve fellowship with colleges like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

Launched to monitor training quality, registrar wellbeing, and program effectiveness, the survey informs policy reforms and resource allocation. With thousands of registrars participating each year, it captures insights on everything from supervisor support to work-life balance. In recent years, response rates have hovered around 35-40%, providing a representative snapshot of Australia's growing GP trainee cohort—one of the largest in history.

For 2025, the survey emphasized emerging themes in general practice education: vertical and horizontal integration, alongside trials of the Single Employer Model. These elements aim to strengthen the training pipeline amid Australia's doctor shortage, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Release of the 2025 National Report: A Milestone in GP Training Insights

Health.gov.au released the National Report on the 2025 GP National Registrar Survey in early February 2026, marking a pivotal update just 16 hours before widespread coverage began. The 4MB PDF document compiles national results from registrars across Commonwealth-funded programs, including the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, Rural Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), and Rural Generalist Training Scheme.

Building on the 2024 survey's high satisfaction benchmarks—where 91% of registrars reported positive experiences with training facilities and 89% with their colleges—the 2025 edition reveals the highest overall satisfaction levels since 2018. Specific figures highlight 90% contentment with supervisors and around 85% with core training elements, underscoring robust program delivery despite challenges like workforce pressures.

The report's focus on integration responds to calls for more cohesive learning environments, aligning with broader reforms like the historic $751 million GP training agreement announced concurrently by the RACGP. This funding boost targets a 19% increase in training places from 2025 levels, promising enhanced patient access through more qualified GPs.

Defining Vertical Integration in General Practice Training

Vertical integration in GP training refers to the structured collaboration between learners at different career stages within the same practice or facility. This includes medical students, junior medical officers (JMOs), GP registrars, and senior supervisors learning together through shared teaching sessions, case discussions, and clinical observations.

For instance, a medical student might shadow a registrar consulting a patient, followed by a debrief with the supervisor. This step-by-step approach fosters skill progression: novices observe experts, intermediates apply knowledge under guidance, and seniors model best practices. Benefits include efficient resource use, reduced silos, and accelerated competency development. Research from Western Australia GP Education and Training (WAGPET) shows registrars value this for gaining diverse perspectives, with 80% reporting improved confidence in complex cases.

Challenges include scheduling conflicts due to registrar rotations every 6-12 months and varying learner readiness. However, successful implementations, like those in regional training providers (RTPs), demonstrate higher retention and rural commitment.

Horizontal Integration: Building Multidisciplinary Teams

Horizontal integration complements vertical models by incorporating multidisciplinary teams—GPs, practice nurses, allied health professionals (e.g., psychologists, physiotherapists), and administrative staff—into registrar education. Rather than isolated GP-supervisor interactions, registrars learn chronic disease management through team huddles or joint clinics.

Consider a diabetes case: the registrar consults the patient, the nurse reviews self-management, and a dietitian advises nutrition—all discussed in a horizontal learning round. The General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA) guide outlines benefits like holistic patient care exposure (cited by 75% of practices), better teamwork skills, and preparation for team-based primary care models under Medicare.

Barriers include team availability and funding for non-GP educators, but case studies from Gippsland highlight gains: registrars reported 20% higher satisfaction in procedural skills after nurse-led sessions. The 2025 survey probed these dynamics, revealing strong registrar endorsement for expanded horizontal opportunities.

Survey Findings on Integration Experiences

While full 2025 data awaits deeper analysis, preliminary insights indicate registrars overwhelmingly support integration. New questions assessed perceptions of vertical and horizontal embedding within training facilities, with results showing improved continuity and satisfaction where implemented.

Compared to 2024's 91% facility satisfaction, 2025 trends suggest even higher engagement, particularly in rural settings (MM 3-7 classifications). Registrars in integrated practices reported 15-20% better alignment with real-world practice, per aligned studies. Barriers noted include rotation disruptions, but 85% advocated for national guidelines.

• Vertical: Enhanced peer learning (88% positive)
• Horizontal: Team exposure boosts confidence (82%)
• Overall: 90% see integration as key to quality training

Registrar Satisfaction and Wellbeing Trends

Satisfaction remains a standout: 92% with supervisor feedback, 96% with clinical exposure, and 81% reporting good work-life balance among RACGP trainees—above national 70% averages. These figures, stable or rising from 2024's 89-91%, reflect successful transitions to college-led training post-2023.

Wellbeing KPIs show 92% GP Registrars Australia (GPRA) engagement satisfaction. However, income concerns persist, with 55% earning less than prevocational roles, prompting calls for equitable pay.

Demographics of Australia's GP Registrars

The 2024 cohort (1,373 respondents from 3,870) was 63% female, 51.7% aged 30-39, 65% Australian Medical Graduates (AMGs), and 24.9% Rural Generalists. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) comprised 35%, often on rural pathways (75%). Training: 91% AGPT, 78% core terms, 43% Modified Monash Model (MM) 1 urban.

2025 likely mirrors this diversity, with increased Indigenous representation (2.3%) and bonded scholars (15%). Urban-rural shifts continue, supporting workforce equity.

Career Intentions and Rural Commitment

Registrars plan robust futures: high fellowship pursuit (98% FRACGP/ACRRM), 13% considering Rural Generalist switch (up from 5%). Rural pathways yield 66% commitment post-training. Integration enhances retention, with 70% accessing cultural mentors.

For aspiring GPs, explore academic CV tips or university medical roles.

Spotlight on Single Employer Model Trials

The 2025 survey evaluated Single Employer Model trials, where one entity employs registrars across rotations, streamlining admin and support. Early feedback: improved stability (85% positive), fewer disruptions. Linked to integration, it promises scalable reforms.

Full details in the official report.

Bolstering GP Training: The $751 Million Agreement

Coinciding with the report, a landmark deal expands places by nearly 19%, addressing shortages. RACGP President Dr. William Culver praised survey-driven reforms: "Your voices led to paid parental leave before."

This investment ties to integration, funding multidisciplinary hubs.

Challenges Facing GP Training and Proposed Solutions

Despite highs, hurdles include rotation instability, IMG support gaps, and burnout risks. Solutions: standardized integration protocols (GPSA guide), enhanced rural incentives, peer networks.

• Standardize rotations for continuity
• Fund multidisciplinary educators
• Boost IMG cultural training (88% participated)

Implications for Higher Education and Medical Schools

GP training intersects higher ed: universities feed AGPT via clinical schools. Integration models inspire curricula, preparing students for team-based care. AcademicJobs positions as resource—check faculty positions in medical education.

Future Outlook: A Stronger GP Workforce

With integration mainstreamed, satisfaction soaring, and funding surging, Australia's GP pipeline thrives. Expect 1,500+ annual places, rural focus, and innovative models. Registrars eyeing fellowships? Visit higher-ed jobs, rate your professors, or career advice for next steps. Share thoughts in comments below.

Photo by Serina Bird on Unsplash