Doctors on the Mid North Coast are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP), with the Mid North Coast Local Health District among the regions participating in the program.
Applications are now open for the 2027 clinical year, with the program offering doctors a pathway to train and work as rural generalists across both general practice and hospital settings.
Rural generalists are GPs with advanced skills in areas such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, mental health and palliative care, helping expand the range of medical services available in regional communities.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the program had already attracted strong interest since it expanded in 2024.
“We have already seen 74 doctors take up the opportunity to train as rural generalists since the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway program expanded in 2024,” Park said.
He said the initiative was helping improve access to healthcare in regional NSW.
“This is good for patients and good for clinicians, ensuring regional, rural, and remote communities in NSW have access to care when they need it while supporting doctors to expand their skills,” he said.
Park said the program was part of the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare in country communities.
“This is part of our commitment to improve the access, quality and sustainability of health care in regional, rural and remote NSW by ensuring we have the staff to deliver the care people need.”
Successful applicants receive a length-of-training employment contract with NSW Health while retaining award wages and leave entitlements throughout their training.
The program is available across several regional Local Health Districts, including the Mid North Coast.
Port Macquarie-based Rural Generalist trainee Dr Annabelle Stephenson said the program had helped her pursue her passion for Aboriginal health.
“I’m very committed to closing the gap and the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway program team helped organise a placement at Werin Aboriginal Corporation for me, which was just great,” Dr Stephenson said.
She encouraged other doctors interested in regional practice to consider applying.
“You just need to follow your passion. If you’re thinking about the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, I’d certainly be recommending it.”
Applications for the 2027 clinical year close on 4 August 2026. More information is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/RGSEP.
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