Rural General Practice Network

The College's Rural General Practice Standing Committee is dedicated to supporting, advocating, and enhancing the role of general practitioners (GPs) in rural communities across Ireland. We understand the unique challenges faced by rural GPs and are committed to ensuring they have the resources, training, and representation needed to provide the highest quality of care to their communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to champion the needs of Rural GPs in Ireland by:

• Advocating for Support and Resources: We work tirelessly to ensure that rural general practices have access to the necessary resources, funding, and infrastructure to deliver comprehensive and effective healthcare.
• Promoting Professional Development: Through continuous education, training programs, and peer support, we empower rural GPs to stay at the forefront of medical innovation and best practices.
• Influencing Policy: We actively engage with policymakers to shape healthcare policies that address the specific needs of rural communities, ensuring that they are not overlooked in the broader healthcare landscape.
• Fostering a Supportive Community: Our committee is a network of rural GPs who share experiences, challenges, and solutions, fostering a strong, supportive community that stands together in advocating for rural healthcare.

Rural General Practice is the backbone of community healthcare in many of Ireland's most remote and underserved communities. GPs in these areas are the senior clinical decision makers and provide critical care, often serving as the primary point of contact for patients with diverse and complex healthcare needs. The unique environment of rural practice requires a special blend of skills, resilience, and dedication. Rural General Practice is an incredibly rewarding career!

If you are a rural GP or have a vested interest in rural healthcare, we invite you to get involved with the activities of the Rural General Practice Standing Committee. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of rural communities across Ireland.

Explore our initiatives, learn more about our work, and find out how you can contribute to our mission. Your expertise and passion are invaluable to ensuring that rural communities in Ireland receive equitable access to healthcare.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us.

The Research, Policy and Information Department is pleased to announce a new Rural Practice Research and Innovation Grant.

The deadline for submission is Friday, 10 January 2025 at 5pm.

For further information or queries please contact us.

Irish College of GPs are advertising four General Practice Clinical Rural Fellowships, as part of a larger overall plan to address gaps in general practice service in rural areas in Ireland. 

The closing date is Friday, 10 January, 2025

Rural Eye September 2024:
General Practice urgently needs a Locum Lifeline, writes Noreen Lineen-Curtis... (PDF, 94.8KB)

Cover Story October 2024:
One of the most stressful parts of working as a rural GP is trying to find a locum. The pressure is on for the HSE to step in with solutions to deal with the problem, writes Niall Hunter. (PDF, 337KB)

Rural Focus October 2024:
John McKeown describes how his practice in Co. Louth interacts organically with patients for the benefit of all concerned. (PDF, 121KB)

Rural Eye November 2024:
Noreen Lineen Curtis offers her perspective on the recent WONCA Europe conference. (PDF, 98.2KB)

Rural Focus November 2024:
Alex Michel, a rural GP, audited his working time and found that he works nearly 70 hours per week. (PDF, 662KB)