"Supervision fosters a kind of professional cross-pollination that’s vital to growth and development in our field. That’s something worth holding onto" - Dr Kate Lloyd, SLO

Dr. Kate Lloyd, a dedicated GP and Supervisor Liaison Officer (SLO) in the Northern Territory, never set out to take on a leadership role in medical education—but when the opportunity arose, she embraced it. With a passion for mentoring and a deep understanding of the challenges facing GP supervisors, she stepped into the SLO role during a transformative period for general practice training in the NT. In this interview, Dr. Lloyd reflects on her journey, the impact of GPSA’s resources, and the evolving landscape of GP supervision.

Could you share your journey into your current role as an SLO and what inspired or motivated you to take up that role?

"My journey into the SLO role began during a period of significant transition in college training. Honestly, it was one of those opportunities I stumbled into. I attended an event where a representative from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) was seeking candidates for SLO positions. They asked me to get involved, and I agreed.

"Years ago, I had served as a Registrar Liaison Officer (RLO) with a Regional Training Organisation (RTO), which gave me some familiarity with the role’s responsibilities. Around the same time, the RACGP NT faculty was re-establishing itself, and the Northern Territory was carving out its own path. It was a dynamic period of change, and stepping up as an SLO felt like a natural next step in contributing to the evolving landscape of training and development."

In what ways have your past experiences prepared you for the work you’re doing now as an SLO?

"My experience as a registrar with an RTO gave me a solid understanding of the GP training landscape. You really need to have a good grasp of GP politics in this role, and although I still have a lot to learn, that time as an RLO provided valuable insight and a good grounding that has stayed with me.

"One of the things I enjoy most is catching up with colleagues. The role gives me the opportunity to stay connected, and I always learn something new from those conversations. 

"It’s a constant learning process, and I appreciate being able to share and exchange ideas with my peers."

What does GPSA bring to its members?

I think GPSA is quite a gem for supervisors offering high-quality teaching materials and structured teaching plans.

"These resources are especially beneficial for supervisors looking to build or enhance their sessions with registrars. For those just starting out, the teaching plans provide inspiration and structure, making them an ideal entry point.

"The webinars are another standout feature, often designed to teach supervisors how to cover specific topics with their registrars. They are practical, informative, and easy to apply in day-to-day training scenarios.

"Overall, GPSA’s education resources are compelling and essential for supervisors. Many are surprised by how useful the materials are and often wish they had known about them sooner. These resources help simplify the supervisor’s role and provide valuable support in their daily work.

"In addition to education, GPSA’s advocacy work plays a crucial role, particularly with the shift to college-led training. The organization ensures supervisors’ voices are heard and their needs are prioritized during and since this important transition."

For those already involved, how can supervisors make the most of what GPSA has to offer?

"As already stated, GPSA provides a wealth of resources, including education materials, webinars and advocacy efforts. One of the most valuable but perhaps underutilized tools is the GPSA Community’s online forums.

"These forums offer a fantastic platform for open communication, creating a safe, closed environment where supervisors can discuss a wide range of issues and topics. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster collaboration across the supervisory community.

"For remote supervisors like myself, maintaining meaningful connections is particularly challenging. I’m based in a remote area and don’t often get to meet fellow supervisors in person or at CPD events. Most of our engagement happens through Zoom, which makes it essential to find ways to foster connections in virtual spaces such as the GPSA Community."

What aspect of GPSA's work do you personally value the most?

"I value GPSA’s work on two levels. 

"As a supervisor, the educational materials are incredibly valuable for supporting both teaching and ongoing learning. 

"As an SLO, I really appreciate the SLO Advisory Council - which GPSA facilitates. This platform creates a valuable space for open conversations and discussions about the broader context behind various decisions and processes. It fosters a deeper understanding of the political landscape and how things might evolve. Since advocacy is central to the SLO role, having this platform is essential for sharing insights and exploring opportunities for improvement."

What are some of the biggest challenges facing supervisors today especially in relation to the needs of Northern Territory GPSA members? ?

"One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing shortage of registrars, which makes it difficult to keep supervisors engaged with so many not actively supervising right now. We want supervisors to be ready when workforce measures bring more registrars, but if engagement drops, it becomes a self-perpetuating issue.

"Another challenge is the lack of consistent communication and support for supervisors who may not be actively supervising or fully oriented into the new training systems. Early on in College-led training and my SLO role, I wasn’t supervising and didn’t have access to tools like the Training Management System (TMS), which made me feel somewhat disconnected from the process. However, I saw the need to advocate for supervisors in similar situations—those coming back after a gap or those who missed the initial orientation  due to a lack of registrars.

"Without clear entry points or proper guidance, there’s a significant risk of supervisors becoming disengaged.

"Additionally, the switching between ACRRM and RACGP registrars adds complexity. One year a supervisor might have an ACRRM registrar, then none for a year, followed by an RACGP registrar. This inconsistency makes it harder to stay up-to-date with differing requirements. Many supervisors simply want clear guidance on what’s expected, and I’ve made it a priority to voice these concerns to ensure ongoing support and engagement.

What messages do you have for your fellow supervisors?

"I would remind supervisors that being a supervisor is an incredibly valuable form of professional development. It helps keep you fresh and up-to-date—not just clinically, but also with movements within the profession and shifts in medical politics.

"Working with registrars, often younger ones, offers mutual learning opportunities. You gain insights into what’s happening in the hospital system and their perspectives on it, which is especially important given our constant interface with that system. It’s also a chance to reflect on your own practice—explaining your reasoning to a registrar can deepen your own understanding.

"Ultimately, supervision fosters a kind of professional cross-pollination that’s vital to growth and development in our field. That’s something worth holding onto."

Finally, do you have any closing thoughts or relections for the sector?

"Yes I have some thoughts to share with my colleagues:

• Firstly, it's important to view supervision as part of a continuum from medical student training through to registrar training. While the assessments differ, the skill sets required for supervising both groups are closely related. Advocacy to ensure that supervision remains financially viable is critical and needs to be maintained.

• An important trend in primary care is working to the top of our scope and strengthening relationships with other health professionals. These are significant changes in the healthcare landscape, and being a supervisor helps you stay across these developments.

• Lastly, navigating the crowded landscape of medical communications—especially with the volume of emails about training, RACGP updates, and other information—can be overwhelming. We all do what we can, but it’s worth acknowledging this challenge and finding ways to communicate effectively across distances."