Recognition of Prior Learning pathway shortlisted for Irish Healthcare Awards

In 2016, the Irish College of General Practitioners' Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway was developed and launched for the 2017 GP training intake.

For the first time, the ICGP, with the support of the HSE National Doctors Training and Planning Unit (HSE-NDTP), developed this innovative pathway to enable doctors to join GP training from another relevant specialty. This enabled a training path of 3 years, instead of 4, with one year accredited, making the option more attractive for those who wanted to switch from another discipline to general practice.

"We are delighted with this recognition, and it's terrific to be shortlisted for the Irish Healthcare Awards under the Best Education Project category," said Dr Karena Hanley, National Director of GP Training. "It is recognition of the work by Dr Thomas Dennehy, RPL Fellow, Muríosa O'Reilly, Examinations and Assessment Manager, and myself in promoting this new pathway for experienced doctors considering a career in general practice."

In 2016, Dr Hanley secured funding from HSE-NDTP to develop a recognition of prior learning pathway for doctors applying to join GP training from another relevant specialty. This pathway was developed and launched in the first 6 months of 2017 and successful applicants took places on training in July 2017.

The RPL pathway will be available to applicants for the 2018 scheme, which will open in October 2017.

Last year, there were unfilled places on the expanded 2017 training scheme, and in response to this, the Irish College of General Practitioners has begun a social media campaign, with a dedicated website and videos, to help tell potential trainees about the training scheme, how to apply and the key dates they need to know. The application and training experience of a successful RPL trainee is detailed as part of this campaign. See www.beagp.com/dr-aoife-broderick/ for the video interview with the successful RPL candidate, Dr Aoife Broderick.

The dedicated website for the social media campaign is www.BEaGP.com; there is a Facebook campaign in progress, and the Twitter hashtag is #BEaGP.

Further details

Aileen O'Meara
Communications Consultant
Irish College of General Practitioners
Email: media@icgp.ie
Tel: 087 2239830 / 01 5175311