Rural Generalist Single Employer Model

Overview

The Rural Generalist Single Employer Model (RG SEM) trial is being implemented by WA Country Health Service (WACHS) in 2026 for rural and regional WA. This innovative employment arrangement will offer 20 rural generalist trainees the opportunity to train under a single employer – WACHS – across both hospital and primary care settings, while retaining accrued entitlements throughout their rotations.

The RG SEM trial aims to provide greater employment certainty, continuity of salary and entitlements, and a smoother transition between hospital-based and primary care placements. By helping attract and retain rural generalists, the RG SEM trial supports stronger, more consistent healthcare for people living in regional and remote WA.

NB: The RG SEM trial is currently in development within WA, so specific intake details and timelines are yet to be finalised.

Eligibility Criteria

Trainees who may be eligible for the RG SEM trial include those who are:

• A registrar (PGY3+) in 2026;
• Enrolled (or planning to enrol) in rural generalist training;
• An RGPWA trainee; and
• Committed to living and working in a rural or regional WA location for the duration of their training placement (or rotating through such settings).

How It Works

• The RG SEM trainee is employed by WACHS and remains under one employment contract for the period of the RG SEM trial placement.
• The trainee will rotate through hospital-based and primary care placements aligned with the rural generalist training pathway.
• During primary care placements, the trainee remains a WACHS employee but works under the supervision and training structures of the practice.
• The practice hosts the primary care placement, provides supervision and supports clinical training while WACHS remains the employer.

Applications and Enquiries

For further information, including applications, benefits, and operations of the trial, please contact the RG SEM team via email WACHS.SEM@health.wa.gov.au.