24/06/2026
When doctors start exploring GP training, AGPT is often the default choice.
And that’s understandable.
But often the Fellowship Support Program (FSP) is frequently overlooked, despite offering some advantages that may make it a better fit for many candidates.
We're not saying one pathway is universally better than the other.
✅ Both lead to Fellowship.
✅ Both require the same assessments.
✅ Both produce excellent GPs.
The real question is: which pathway suits you best?
One of the biggest advantages of FSP is choice.
You have greater control over where you train, allowing you to stay in a practice, community and team that aligns with your personal and professional goals. That continuity can be incredibly valuable during training.
The same applies to supervision.
While AGPT offers a structured training environment, the quality of supervision often comes down to the individual supervisor and practice culture rather than the pathway itself. FSP allows you to choose a training environment that suits your learning style.
Another area that doesn’t get discussed enough is self-directed learning.
Some see this as a disadvantage, however it can be seen as preparation for real-world general practice.
As GPs, you're expected to be lifelong learners, make independent clinical decisions, manage your own professional development and build your careers with a high degree of autonomy.
FSP starts developing those skills from day one.
For doctors planning to work as independent GP contractors, this can be particularly valuable, helping foster ownership, accountability and professional independence early in their careers.
Most importantly, the syllabus, standards and Fellowship outcome are exactly the same.
The destination doesn’t change.
Only the journey does.
AGPT is an excellent pathway for those wanting a highly structured training experience.
But for doctors who value flexibility, continuity, autonomy and self-directed learning, FSP deserves far more consideration than it often receives.
We'd love to hear from registrars, supervisors and Fellows. What influenced your choice between AGPT and FSP, and would you make the same decision again?
