Professional career needs of GPs and registrars working in northwestern NSW

BACKGROUND: The Australian general practice workforce increasingly comprises international medical graduates. These doctors come from a range of professional backgrounds. AIM: This project aimed to document the current education, training and support needs of the general practice workforce, including international medical graduates, who currently train and/or practise in northwestern New South Wales. METHOD: Cross sectional survey of all 66 registrars and all 149 GPs who work in this area. RESULTS: Irrespective of doctors' origin or gender, priority information needs were related to indigenous health, rural health, and key community issues. Training and pre-employment opportunities, and continuing professional development were high priority areas for all participants. DISCUSSION: Education initiatives are best targeted at identified groups but not necessarily reserved for international medical graduates only. Supporting the professional careers of doctors in a region requires the provision of integrated educational programs that focus on specific information and skills deficits, as well as requested programs.