Training and research bursaries available for GPs

For 20 years, GPTQ delivered the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, supporting Queensland doctors to achieve recognition as GPs.

After the transition to college-led GP training in 2023, GPTQ ceased operating.

The AMA Queensland Foundation is pleased to have been selected to establish a dedicated bursary in GPTQ’s honour.

“We’re pleased to announce applications are now open for the 2025 GPTQ bursaries, providing another round of GPs with training and research opportunities,” AMA Queensland Foundation Chair Dr Dilip Dhupelia said.

“Over the years, the program has made an outstanding contribution to the workforce, with so many Queensland GPs having come through GPTQ.

“GPTQ built a legacy as a longstanding training program committed to increasing the quality of healthcare and workforce in areas of need.

“Recognising this legacy through the bursaries is just one way we can give back to the medical community and boost the general practice workforce.

“This year we have up to four bursaries of $20,000 each for Queensland GP Fellows or Registrars seeking to undertake training initiatives or research relevant to general practice.

“We know the value of general practice is not to be underestimated and encourage all GPs to apply for these bursaries.

“The AMA Queensland Foundation is honoured to carry the legacy of GPTQ and looks forward to hearing from applicants.”

Dr Josh Faint was one of the inaugural four bursary recipients and has used the funds to begin his journey to upskill in skin cancer medicine.

“It's been wonderful to have the money from the bursary … I am enrolled to begin a Certificate in Dermoscopy which I will then follow up with a Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine, both with the Skin Cancer College Australasia,” Dr Faint said.

Dr Kellie West is using the bursary money to focus on research, participating in an academic post through Monash.

“I travelled to Monash to assist with an obesity short course and ‘Deep End Living Lab’ community forum which brought together people from the housing sector, clinical workers and consumer advocates,” Dr West said.

Applications close 5pm AEST Monday 29 April.

More information and apply here

Background

• AMA Queensland Foundation is the charitable arm of AMA Queensland. It was established in 2000 with a mission to improve medical conditions in areas of need.
• The Foundation provides scholarships for medical students who are undergoing hardship.
• Most recently, it raised and donated $173,780 for Beddown, a charity providing safe sleeping spaces for vulnerable Queenslanders.
• When GPTQ ceased operating, the Foundation lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) to use some residential funds to establish this bursary.
• Four GP registrars were awarded GPTQ Bursaries for 2024.
• The 2025 successful bursary recipients will be announced at the AMA Queensland Foundation Charity Gala in July 2024.