What Does “MM2+” Mean?

Modified Monash Model – Remoteness

The Modified Monash Model (MMM) is used to define whether a location is:

• city
• rural
• remote, or
• very remote

The MMM classifications is a tool to help encourage the distribution of the health workforce better in rural and remote areas.

You can check a location’s MM rating on the Health Workforce Locator.

MMM measures remoteness and population size on a scale of Modified Monash (MM) category MM 1 to MM 7. MM 1 is a major city and MM 7 is very remote. MMM classifications are based on the Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Areas (ASGS-RA) framework. Analysts review and update the MMM after each Census.

The MMM tells us about an area according to geographical remoteness and town size.

• Areas classified MM 2 to MM 7 are rural or remote.
• People living in these areas can find it harder to get medical help.
• Accessing doctors can take longer and cost more.
• The Distribution Priority Area classification also uses MMM boundaries. Areas classified as MM 2 – 7 under the MMM are automatically classified DPA. The Northern Territory is automatically classified as DPA.
• Some government programs use the MMM to define their eligibility requirements.
• There are a broad range of programs to encourage junior doctors, GP registrars and qualified GPs to train and work in rural communities.

In terms of General Practice workforce, its important to note that most Pathways to Fellowship for OTDs require you to work in an MM2+ (ie. MM2, MM3, MM4, MM5, MM6, or MM7) location.

• AHPRA Expedited Pathway – requires DPA, can be MM1
• RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, Substantially Comparable – requires DPA, but can be MM1
• RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, Partially Comparable – requires MM2+ (until you gain Fellowship, and then you only need to work in DPA)
• ACRRM Independent Pathway – requires MM2+ with minimum 12months in MM4+
• ACRRM Specialist Pathway – requires MM4+
• RACGP FSP – requires MM2+
• Rural Generalist Training Scheme – requires MM2+ with minimum 12months in MM4+
• Remote Vocational Training Scheme, RVTS – requires MM2+

For more information on Modified Monash Model.