An Irish perspective with an Australian link – GP training and education in Ireland

Ciara Murphy, Centric Health, Rockfield Medical Campus, Dublin, Ireland
John Lacy, Centric Health, Rockfield Medical Campus, Dublin, Ireland
Dr Ray Power, Centric Health, Rockfield Medical Campus, Dublin, Ireland*

Current Situation: Presently in Ireland, there is a shortage of GPs working in comparison to our EU counterparts (60% of the number of GPs per thousand population compared to Germany and the US) with the demand expected to rise over the next number of years – in fact an additional 126 GPs will be required to be trained each year in Ireland just to keep up with the demand resulting from population growth – an additional 75 GPs will be required each year in order to bring the supply of GPs in Ireland in line with the EU average.

In order to become a GP in Ireland, medical graduates must apply for a place on a GP training program. In 2010, 157 places were available on these training programs in Ireland for approximately 470 applicants. This competition is set to rise in 2012 as the number of medical graduates will increase due to an increased number of places available in Irish medical schools to Irish/EU students (305 pa in 2006 to 456 in 2010).

A key constraint in the future supply of GPs in Ireland will be the restricted number of places on GP training programs.

Ireland also has a number of GPs working who are non-Irish nationals and who have completed their GP training outside of the EU or Australia (The Irish Medical Council recognise GP training received in the EU and in Australia). These GPs are required to undergo GP training to be registered on the specialist register despite the fact they have GP training and many have worked as GPs for many years in Ireland.

The Training Program: GP Training Programs in Ireland currently require medical graduates to complete four years of post-graduate training (two years in clinical training in hospital and two years vocational training in approved GP practices). Each applicant currently has to complete each year regardless of previous experience.

The Competition Authority released a report in Dec 2009 which highlighted the fact that a more flexible GP training program for certain doctors with previous hospital training would be an efficient and cost effective way of increasing the number of GPs trained in Ireland.

The Problem: There is a significant demand in Ireland for an increased number of GP training places in Ireland, specifically training programs that recognise prior learning and previously acquired qualifications to allow specialised training of GPs which will benefit patient care in an effective and cost efficient manner.

Non-recognition of previous training is inconsistent with other medical specialities in Ireland where credit is given for previous training prior to entry into any given training program.

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