SEMPHN is offering Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD) accredited general practitioners a paid opportunity to gain real-world experience in MATOD prescribing.

The MATOD Clinical Placement Program (the Program) is designed to build the skills and confidence of general practitioners who want to provide quality MATOD services to patients who live with Opioid Use Disorder.

Benefits of the program

  • Hands-on, real-world learning in a highly supportive general practice environment
  • Start prescribing at a time when your involvement has potential to make a big impact 
  • Generous remuneration for training time (refer to the GP Guide for more information)
  • Build on prior MATOD training and experience
  • Guaranteed exposure to MATOD prescribing 
  • Fit the program into your working week
  • Choice of two levels of engagement – Observership and Supervised Practice (see levels in detail under ‘program breakdown’)
  • Coursework and mentoring eligible for self-recorded CPD hours 

  • Program Breakdown

    Level 1 – Observership (4 week program)

    Observe an experienced MATOD prescriber (Supervisor) as they undertake consultations with patients receiving treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. This experience will be supplemented with online coursework and mentoring sessions that build on your existing knowledge of MATOD prescribing. 

    The commitment:  Completed across 4 weeks, totalling 28 hours.

    The breakdown

    • Observe an experienced MATOD prescriber at a high-volume MATOD general  practice (4 hours per week) 

    • Online Coursework (eligible for 8 Education Activity CPD hours)

    • Weekly mentoring sessions (eligible for 4 Reviewing Performance CPD hours).

    Please note: Level 1 can be undertaken as a standalone program, if desired. Completion of Level 1 is a pre-requisite for participation in Level 2 and priority will be given to applicants completing both programs.

    Level 2 - Supervised Practice (8-week program)

    Conduct a series of 4-hour "locum" clinics at the practice where you completed your Level 1 placement, with ongoing support from your Supervisor. Gain mastery experience, building confidence and alleviating the apprehension often cited as a barrier to MATOD prescribing.

    The commitment: Completed across 8 weeks, totalling 36 hours.

    The breakdown

    • Run a weekly locum clinic at the high-volume MATOD GP practice, with supervision (4 hours per week)

    • Fortnightly out-of-clinic mentoring sessions (eligible for 4 Reviewing Performance CPD hours).


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  • Who is eligible?

    The Program is available to any General Practitioner who is accredited to prescribe Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence.

    If you are interested in this opportunity, but have not yet attained MATOD accreditation, please get in touch with our team. We can provide guidance on obtaining accreditation and completing the training: A4PN@semphn.org.au  

  • Why do general practitioners need this MATOD training?

    Doctors tell us they often hesitate to prescribe MATOD even after completing their accreditation training. The two most commonly cited reasons for this reluctance are; a lack of immediate opportunities to prescribe MATOD after training (when the knowledge is fresh), and insufficient support in the prescribing process.


    This training has been specifically designed to address these issues - to help general practitioners feel more confident in supporting patients who live with Opioid Use Disorder.


    Additionally, the MATOD system is currently facing numerous service provision challenges – any doctor who starts prescribing now would be alleviating pressure on the system at a crucial time.


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Apply Now

To apply please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) application here.

Places are limited, so please ensure you apply ASAP. Early registration is encouraged.

If you have any questions in relation to the program, please contact A4PN@semphn.org.au or call 03 8514 6600.

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