RACGP Foundation launches PhD Scholarships

GPs interested in pursuing a career in research are encouraged to apply for two new scholarships now up for grabs.
 
The RACGP Foundation’s inaugural PhD top-up scholarships are designed to support outstanding doctors to undertake research, in line with the college’s commitment to building research capacity within general practice.
 
Offered in partnership with university departments of general practice, the two scholarships are available for GPs and GPs in training starting their first or second year of full-time equivalent candidature in 2024.
 
RACGP Research and Foundation Manager Dr Taryn Elliott told newsGP the program aims to combat the significant workforce shortage in academic general practice.
 
‘We are facing a challenge with an ageing academic workforce and too few GP doctoral students to take their place,’ she said.
 
‘If we do not take proactive measures now to build the future academic workforce in general practice, the visibility of general practice in our universities will deteriorate further and this could adversely impact the demand for the GP training program, which is already concerningly low.’
 
The scholarships are each valued at $25,000 per annum for a maximum 3.5 years for full-time PhD candidates, or pro-rata for a maximum seven years for part-time candidates.
 
An additional $5000 per annum (or pro-rata for part-time candidates) is also available for development and research translation activities.
 
Peer cohort experiences, and opportunities for networking and industry placements within the RACGP will also be made available where possible.
 
The scholarships are designed to supplement a primary scholarship or equivalent salary support provided by the PhD candidate’s university, ensuring that doctoral research is more financially viable.
 
Darwin-based GP Dr Winnie Chen is a current PhD candidate at Menzies School of Health Research, investigating the development and cost-effectiveness of clinical decision support algorithms with the Territory Kidney Care team.
 
Dr Chen told newsGP that although finding a way into a research career in general practice can often be more challenging than in hospital-based specialties, GPs possess unique qualifications making them well-suited for research.
 
‘GPs gain versatile clinical experience, which is useful for most areas of research, and there are great opportunities for GP registrars to try out research through RACGP Academic Posts,’ she said.
 
‘GPs are the experts in chronic disease and multimorbidity.
 
‘Research is not merely theoretical. As a clinician with hands-on data analysis and health economics skills, I am able to contribute more meaningfully to resource allocation discussions, both for primary care and the healthcare system more broadly.’
 
For more information about the RACGP Foundation’s PhD scholarships program and to apply, visit the RACGP Foundation website.
 
Applications close Friday 3 November at 5 pm (AEDT).
 
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