A balancing act--the role of the general practice trainer

The general practice trainer is recognised by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (the RACGP) as the most important element of Australian general practice training. The college has recently introduced new standards for trainers to ensure high quality general practice training.

This paper describes the various roles and responsibilities of the general practice trainer, and highlights the potential conflicts contained within them.

The role of the general practice trainer is complex, challenging and diverse. It comprises separate--though interconnected--core roles of mentor, role model, clinical educator, assessor and pastoral carer. The balance of the various roles depends on the individual circumstances of the trainer-registrar relationship, and at times is potentially conflicting. Greater definition and consideration of the various facets of the role may lead to greater sustainability, satisfaction and reward for the trainer, and enhanced learning for the registrar.