The principal role of the GP Supervisor is to provide supervision and teaching to GP Registrars and prevocational trainees undertaking a placement in their Training Practice.  There are also additional administrative responsibilities for the GP Supervisor which are essential in documenting the progress of trainees through their training program.  The time spent with an experienced GP Supervisor in an accredited Training Practice provides GP Registrar with the most valuable learning experiences of their GP training.  It is for this reason that Training Practices are carefully selected and supported by WAGPET and why GP Supervisors are required to participate in a focussed education program to support their professional development in this field.

Supervision and teaching responsibilities

To meet their supervision and training responsibilities the GP Supervisor must:

• Ensure the GP Registrar receives a comprehensive orientation to the Training Practice at the start of their placement
• Provide on-site supervision for at least 80% of the GP Registrar’s working time in a Basic term placement and at least 50% during an Advanced term and be available by phone at all other times
• Provide the appropriate level of in-Practice teaching for the GP Registrar’s level of training
• Assist the GP Registrar to develop a learning plan by week four of their placement and to regularly monitor progress toward achieving the set learning objectives during weekly teaching sessions
• Develop a teaching program which aims to meet the learning objectives of the GP Registrar by maximising the learning opportunities available in the Training Practice
• Undertake a formative assessment review in consultation with the GP Registrar mid-way and on completion of every six-month placement
• Ensure the GP Registrar is released to attend the WAGPET education program (central and regional)
• Ensure External Clinical Teaching Visits are scheduled during the GP Registrar placement

Administrative responsibilities

GP Supervisors should ensure that the GP Registrar has signed an employment agreement before commencing their placement and that the conditions at least meet the National Minimum Terms and Conditions.  GP Supervisors should also ensure that the weekly teaching sessions are documented using the in-Practice Education Log and that this is submitted to WAGPET every month with the invoice claiming in-Practice teaching payments.