Registrar medical educators Experiences in the Australian General Practice Training Program 2005-11

Background Increasingly, regional training providers employ general practice registrars within their medical education teams. Until recently, only anecdotal evidence has been available about registrar medical educators. Methods We surveyed current and past registrar medical educators working in the Australian General Practice Training Program from 2005 to 2011, examining demographics, motivations, roles and responsibilities, attitudes and future career intentions. Results Of 45 known registrar medical educators, 30 responded to our survey. Most were female (83%) and motivated by a desired career in medical education or were seeking diversity. Registrar educators undertook the full scope of educational activities and demonstrated a willingness to become more involved in policy, research and creating resources for registrars. Discussion The role of registrar medical educators appears to fill a need both for the individual registrar and for the Australian General Practice Training Program program as a whole.