Delight at the record number of post-grad medical students opting to begin the three year programme to become a GP

The Royal College of General Practitioners will train 239 medical graduates next year, the largest intake in its history.

College President Doctor Samantha Murton says the new pay parity for registrars is a big factor.

She says it's crucial we have these people coming through - to help fight the shortages around the country.

Murton says they do 90 percent of the work and the most complex and chaotic job, but it's also the most interesting and challenging.