Fellowship Training

Contact details#

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
Level 1, 324 Queen Street
GPO Box 2507
Brisbane QLD 4000
P: (+61) 7 3105 8200 or 1800 223 226
F: (+61) 7 3105 8299
E: training@acrrm.org.au
Website: www.acrrm.org.au
ABN: 12 078 081 848

Copyright#

© 2021 Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced by any means or in any form without express permission in writing from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Version 6.3/2021#

Date published: February 2023
Date implemented: February 2023
Date for review: February 2024

ACRRM acknowledges Australian Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People as the first inhabitants of the nation. We respect the traditional owners of lands across Australia in which our members and staff work and live and pay respect to their elders past present and future.

Introduction#

Welcome to the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), the home of the Rural Generalist.

ACRRM is a professional college accredited by the Australian Medical Council to define standards and deliver training in the medical specialty of general practice.

ACRRM’s standards and training program prepares medical practitioners to practise safely and confidently as rural generalists. Attainment of Fellowship (FACRRM) leads to specialist registration as a general practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia.

Being a rural generalist means you have specific expertise in providing medical care for rural and remote or isolated communities. As a rural generalist you understand and respond to the diverse needs of rural communities including; applying a population health approach, providing safe primary, secondary and emergency care, culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health care and providing specialised medical care in one or more of the Advanced Specialised Training disciplines offered by ACRRM.

This handbook has been designed to support ACRRM’s training program policies and provide you with comprehensive information to enable you to plan and tailor your training and education needs to attain Fellowship.

Curriculum#

The Rural Generalist Curriculum provides a definition of Rural Generalist Medicine and describes the competencies, knowledge, skills and attributes required to be a rural generalist medical practitioner.

The curriculum informs the training, education and assessment requirements to achieve Fellowship. Therefore, an understanding of the curriculum is essential for all registrars.

The Curriculum competencies are structured under the eight domains of rural and remote practice.

  1. Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts
  2. Provide primary care
  3. Provide secondary medical care
  4. Respond to medical emergencies
  5. Apply a population health approach
  6. Work with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and other culturally diverse communities to improve health and wellbeing
  7. Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework
  8. Provide safe medical care while working in geographic and professional isolation

The curriculum consists of Core Generalist and Advanced Specialised components. Registrars must demonstrate meeting all competencies at the Core Generalist standard and choose one specialised area in which they demonstrate meeting the competencies at the Advanced Specialised standard.

These standards are described in the curriculum. The Curriculum also details the knowledge, skills and attributes in 37 clinical and non-clinical Learning Areas. The Learning Areas all include Core Generalised content and Advanced Specialised content is included for the approved AST disciplines.

Fellowship Training Program#

Components of training#

The training program is aligned to the eight domains of Rural Generalist Curriculum and underpins the learning areas included in the Core Generalist and Advanced Specialised components of the Curriculum.

Core Generalist Training#

Core Generalist Training (CGT) covers three years of training

  • developing broad generalist knowledge, skills and attributes in primary, secondary and emergency care in a rural and remote context, and
  • fostering essential rural generalist knowledge and skills in paediatrics, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Advanced Specialised Training#

Advanced Specialised Training (AST) covers one year of training

  • building on the core generalist competencies and increasing knowledge and skills in a procedural or non-procedural discipline
  • in a specialised area relevant to the needs of rural communities
  • to allow autonomous delivery in a defined scope of specialist clinical practice.

Training program summary#

The training program requirements are summarised below.

Fellowship Training Program#

Duration: Minimum 4 years

Core Generalist Training (CGT) Requirements

Time: Minimum 3 years

Training

Commence at post graduate year (PGY) 2 or above.
Train in regional, rural and remote general practices, hospitals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and retrieval services.

Complete the minimum training requirements in the following:

  • primary care - six months
  • secondary care - three months
  • emergency care - three months
  • rural or remote practice -12 months
  • paediatrics
  • obstetrics
  • anaesthetics

Education

Successfully complete:

Assessment

Successfully complete:

  • Six monthly supervisor reports
  • Nine formative mini Clinical Evaluation Exercises (miniCEXs)
  • Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)
  • Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) assessment
  • Cased Based Discussion (CBD)
  • Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios (StAMPS)
  • Procedural Skill Logbook (logbook)

Advanced Specialised Training (AST) Requirements

Time: Minimum 1 year

Training

Commence at PGY 3 or above.

Train in regional, rural, remote, or city health services as appropriate to the chosen discipline.

Complete training in at least one of the AST disciplines:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Academic Practice
  • Adult Internal Medicine
  • Anaesthetics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Mental Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • Palliative Care
  • Population Health
  • Remote Medicine, and
  • Surgery (24 months).

Education

Successfully complete:

  • education provided by the training post, and
  • specific courses as outlined for each of the AST

Assessment

Successfully complete:

  • three monthly reports
  • workplace based and standardised assessments as specified for each AST

Commencement of training#

Registrars who hold general registration and are in post graduate year (PGY) 2 must commence with CGT and undertake the first 12 months full time equivalent (FTE) in a Postgraduate Medical Council (PMC) accredited post. Those who are PGY 3 or above may undertake the first 12 months FTE in a PMC accredited post.

Registrars who hold general registration and are PGY3 or above may commence training with CGT or AST in an ACRRM accredited primary or secondary care training post as applicable.

Registrars who hold limited or provisional registration require an individual training plan approved by the Director of Training at the commencement of training.

Order of training#

CGT and AST can be completed:

  • Sequentially in either order, providing that prerequisites for the AST have been met or
  • Concurrently, undertaking CGT and AST part-time.

If AST is undertaken at the beginning of training, a registrar must maintain currency in the discipline until the completion of training.

It is important to plan timing and sequencing of training, education and assessment activities. This training plan should be started at the beginning of training and reviewed regularly throughout training.

Core Generalist Training#

Core Generalist Training (CGT) may be started at PGY 2 or above. Training program requirements must be met in four areas: time, training, education and assessment.

Time#

CGT requires a minimum of three years full time equivalent (FTE) as described in the Training Time policy.

Training#

All training must take place in accredited training posts. Training placements must provide the opportunity to gain the required scope, type and volume of clinical experience, at an appropriate level of responsibility.

ACRRM accredits training posts for CGT in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia. Accredited posts include general practices, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services, hospitals, emergency departments and retrieval services.

ACRRM accredited training posts are generally suited to doctors who can function competently, with significant responsibility for making patient care decisions, under broad supervision.

ACRRM recognises training posts accredited by state or territory Postgraduate Medical Council (PMC) as training placements for CGT. These posts are suitable for doctors requiring higher levels of supervision for example doctors who commence training in PGY2.

ACRRM also recognises training posts accredited by other specialist colleges as suitable for short term placements up to three months to fulfil mandatory training requirements. Posts accredited by other specialist colleges may also be suitable for long term placements such as for an AST, however ACRRM accreditation is required. See Training Placements policy.

Regional, rural and remote placements#

Registrars are required to work in regional, rural and remote locations and gain experience across primary, secondary and emergency care in rural practice in order to gain the competencies, knowledge, skills and attributes described in the Core Generalist curriculum. All registrars must demonstrate minimum training requirements in these rural contexts.

While training requirements for primary, hospital and emergency care and rural and remote practice are defined separately they are designed to be covered concurrently. The ideal training placement involves working in a rural general practice, admitting into the local hospital, providing inpatient care and after hours cover in the emergency department. Experience in rural primary, secondary and emergency contexts can also be gained through several training placements.

Example:

You have worked for 12 months in a rural location in general practice at 0.5 FTE and at the local hospital at 0.5 FTE providing inpatient and emergency care.

As such you have now met your minimum training requirements of 12 months rural and remote training as well as six months primary care, three months emergency care and three months inpatient care.

You may then to build on your rural primary care and/or rural hospital experience and skills for the remainder of your CGT.

Tertiary hospital placements#

Doctors undertaking hospital placements in their junior doctor years (PGY1-3) must seek a combination of placements that provide generalist skills relevant to rural practice, including where possible the following placements:

  • General medicine
  • General surgery
  • Emergency
  • Paediatrics
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology; and
  • Anaesthetics.

Other generalist placements that would be helpful to include are:

  • Rehabilitation
  • Aged care
  • Palliative care
  • Intensive care
  • Psychiatry
  • Emergency (additional placement)

Experienced (PGY3 onwards) doctors seeking to meet secondary care requirements must seek placements in regional or rural hospitals (MM2-7) where care is provided by generalists rather than large hospitals where care is provided primarily by specialists.\ For further information see Training Placements policy.

Training requirements#

The training requirements as described in the Training Program Requirements policy. ensure that training is undertaken in all rural contexts. Registrars are encouraged to maximise their training time to gain the required competencies articulated in the Rural Generalist Curriculum.

Evidence explanation#

Where the training occurred in a regular training placement, the regular six monthly supervisor report is acceptable evidence. Where a specific training placement was undertaken, a supervisor report is required for the placement. The Verification of Clinical Experience proforma, End of Term Assessment report, or other supervisor report is acceptable.

Where a case log is provided as evidence, it is anticipated that all cases have been conducted by the registrar. To meet the training requirement, 50% or more cases must be conducted by the registrar.

Paediatrics requirement#

Completed at PGY1 or above through one of the options below.

Competencies The knowledge, skills and attributes that are being worked towards are defined in the Rural Generalist Curriculum: Paediatrics learning area.

Accreditation options

Train in a post holding one of the following accreditations:

  • Post Graduate Medical Council (PMC) or
  • RACP basic training or
  • ACRRM CGT or
  • ACRRM AST Paediatrics

Training option 1:

  • 10 weeks or more FTE Paediatrics placement

Evidence required:

  • End of Term Assessment

OR

Training option 2:

  • Six months or more FTE emergency department placement, (where at least 25% of presentations are children)

Evidence required:

OR

Training option 3:

  • General Practice placement, or
  • Integrated rural hospital placement eg PIERCE*, or
  • Paediatrics outreach service placement, assisting a paediatrician (or paediatrics team)

Plus, for the three options above two educational activities in paediatrics, these may be online courses or workshops.

Evidence required:

  • Supervisor report, or Verification of Clinical Experience proforma (if reports do not include dates and location this must be provided separately)
  • Log of 50 paediatric cases (16 years and under) in the Case Log Proforma
  • Complete paediatrics component of Procedural Skills Logbook
  • Evidence of two education activities

*PIERCE A Queensland Rural Generalist Program, Prevocational Integrated Extended Rural Clinical Experience. May cover anaesthetics, paediatrics and obstetrics providing enough cases are seen.

OR

Training option 4:

  • Sydney Child Health Program

Evidence required:

  • Evidence of completion

OR

Training option 5:

  • AST Paediatrics

Evidence required:

  • Letter of completion

Obstetrics requirement#

Completed at PGY1 or above through one of the options below.

Competencies The knowledge, skills and attributes that are being worked towards are defined in the Rural Generalist Curriculum: Obstetrics and Gynaecology learning area.

Accreditation options Train in a post holding one of the following accreditations:

  • PMC
  • RANZCOG Fellowship training, or
  • RANZCOG Advanced Diploma training
  • ACRRM CGT

Training option 1:

  • 10 weeks or more FTE O&G placement

Evidence required:

  • End of Term Assessment

OR

Training option 2:

  • Clinical attachment or work with a Specialist or GP obstetrician (minimum of 10 half day sessions over no more than 6 months), or
  • General Practice placement, or
  • Integrated rural hospital placement eg PIERCE*

Plus for the three options above, demonstrate intrapartum care either:

  • through deliveries, or

  • through simulation by completing one of the following courses

    • Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training (REOT), or
    • Preparation in Maternity Safety (PIMS), or
    • RVTS workshops, or
    • CRANA Maternity Emergency care course

Evidence required:

  • Confirmation of 10 sessions (if relevant)
  • End of Term Assessment or Supervisor report or Verification of Clinical Experience proforma (if reports do not include dates and location this must be provided separately)
  • Case log of 25 antenatal and 25 postnatal cases in the Case Log Proforma
  • Complete O&G component of Procedural Skills Logbook (including manage normal delivery)
  • Course certificate

*PIERCE A Queensland Rural Generalist Program, Prevocational Integrated Extended Rural Clinical Experience. May cover anaesthetics, paediatrics and obstetrics providing enough cases are seen.

OR

Training option 3:

Evidence required:

  • Evidence of completion

Anaesthetic requirement#

Completed at PGY1 or above through one of the options below.

Competencies The knowledge, skills and attributes that are being worked towards are defined in the Rural Generalist Curriculum: Anaesthetics learning area.

Accreditation options Train in a post holding one of the following accreditations:

  • PMC
  • ANZCA training, or
  • JCAA training, or
  • Supervisor with appropriate anaesthetic qualification/credentialing when undertaking sessions

Training options

Training option 1:

  • 10-weeks or more FTE anaesthetics placements

Evidence required:

  • End of Term Assessment

OR

Training option 2:

  • Six months or more FTE in a combination of placements providing anaesthetics skills (e.g. ICU, emergency, or retrieval)
  • Integrated rural hospital placement eg PIERCE*

Evidence required:

  • End of Term Assessment, or Supervisor report, or Verification of Clinical Experience proforma (if reports do not include dates and location this must be provided separately)
  • Complete Anaesthetics component of Procedural Skills Logbook
  • Log 50 procedures selected from the Anaesthetic component in the Procedural Skills Logbook in the Case Log Proforma.

*PIERCE A Queensland Rural Generalist Program, Prevocational Integrated Extended Rural Clinical Experience. May cover anaesthetics, paediatrics and obstetrics providing enough cases are seen.

OR

Training option 3:

  • Clinical attachment or work with a Specialist or GP anaesthetist minimum of 10 anaesthetic half day sessions.

Plus, an advanced airways skills workshop, for example:

Evidence required:

  • Confirmation of 10 sessions
  • Supervisor report, or Verification of Clinical Experience proforma
  • Log 50 procedures selected from the Anaesthetic component in the Procedural Skills Logbook in the Case Log Proforma.
  • Complete Anaesthetics component of Procedural Skills Logbook
  • Evidence of workshop completion

OR

Training option 4:

  • ProStart Anaesthetics program
    This requires undertaking sessions with an anaesthetist while working through the program

Evidence required:

  • ProStart Anaesthetics certificate
  • Complete Anaesthetics component of Procedural Skills Logbook

OR

Training option 5:

  • AST in Anaesthetics (DRGA)

Evidence required:

  • Letter of completion

Primary Care requirement#

Primary care training of six months or more FTE at PGY 2 or above

Competencies The competencies required are defined in Rural Generalist Curriculum:

  • Domain 2: Provide primary care
  • Domain 1: Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts
  • Domain 7: Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework

Accreditation options

  • Train in a post holding ACRRM accreditation for CGT, to cover primary care

Training option 1:

  • Six months or more FTE, or
  • Prorated over a longer period for part time

To demonstrate continuity of care, primary care training must be undertaken:

  • no less than two days per week (averaged over one month), or
  • in FTE blocks, of no less that three months duration

Evidence requirement:

  • MDS reports

Secondary care requirement#

Secondary care training of three months or more FTE at PGY 2 or above.

Competencies The competencies required are defined in Rural Generalist Curriculum:

  • Domain 3: Provide secondary medical care
  • Domain 1: Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts
  • Domain 7: Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework

Accreditation options Train in a post holding one of the following accreditations:

  • ACRRM CGT, to cover secondary care
  • ACRRM AST
  • Specialist College Accreditation

Training option 1:

  • Three months or more FTE of hospital placements providing skills relevant to rural practice, (see Tertiary hospital placements section page 7), or
  • Minimum of 60 inpatient rural generalist hospital shifts (minimum eight hours), or
  • Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) with admitting rights, admitting and managing care, for an average of three inpatients per week, over a period of at least 12 months

Evidence requirement:

OR

Training option 2:

  • Advanced Specialised Training in AIM, Mental Health, O&G, Paediatrics or Surgery

Evidence requirement:

  • Evidence of completion

Emergency care requirement#

Emergency care training of three months or more FTE at PGY2 or above

Competencies

The competencies required are defined in Rural Generalist Curriculum:

  • Domain 4: Respond to medical emergencies
  • Domain 1: Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts
  • Domain 7: Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework

Accreditation options Train in a post holding one of the following accreditations:

  • ACRRM CGT to cover EM or
  • PMC or
  • ACEM Fellowship or Diploma, Certificate training, or
  • AST EM training

Training option 1:

  • Three months or more FTE emergency placement, or
  • Minimum of 60, (minimum eight hour) shifts in an emergency department, or
  • Minimum 12 months FTE in an integrated rural hospital or hospital that provides 24/7 emergency cover, (demonstrating a minimum of 60 shifts), or
  • Minimum of 12 months of providing one in four after hours or weekend cover in an emergency department in a hospital that provides 24/7 emergency cover

Evidence requirement:

OR

Training option 2:

  • Advanced Specialised Training in Emergency Medicine

Evidence requirement:

  • Evidence of completion

Rural and remote practice requirement#

Rural and remote practice training of 12 months or more FTE at PGY2 or above

Competencies The competencies required are defined in Rural Generalist Curriculum:

  • Domain 8: Provide safe medical care while working in geographic and professional isolation
  • Domain 1: Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts
  • Domain 5: Apply a population health approach
  • Domain 6: Work with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and other culturally diverse communities to improve health and wellbeing
  • Domain 7: Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework

Accreditation options

  • Train in a post holding accreditation for ACRRM CGT, to cover R&R

Training option 1:

  • 12 months FTE living and working in rural or remote community (MM 4-7, or 3 case by case).
  • May live and work in different communities providing they are both rural.

The following options providing they total 12 months FTE are suitable:

  • living and working in the rural location averaging four or more days per week, for example regular fly in fly out arrangements
  • living and working FTE in rural location in blocks, each of at least three months duration

Evidence requirement:

  • Supervisor reports
  • Training organisation records

Training option 2: (Prospective approval where time permits, retrospective for short notice deployments)

ADF registrars may include up to six months FTE for the following deployments:

  • at sea aboard a Navy ship
  • leading the treatment team in remote field environment
  • in a military field hospital
  • in an aeromedical evacuation
  • or other types of work as approved

This applies to deployments as a medical officer of 14 or more continuous days, including pre-activity preparation and post activity refurbishment, but not travel.

Evidence requirement:

  • Supervisor report

  • Evidence of:

    • time
    • role, and
    • case/treatment log

Education#

Education program#

All registrars are required to actively participate in and complete a structured education program mapped to the Rural Generalist Curriculum. This consists of the following:

  • Online Semesters A, B, C and D
  • Virtual national education workshop (3 days)
  •  Face to face national education workshop (2 days)
  • Cultural education (annual)

RVTS registrars should refer to your training organisation for your education requirements.

Participation in the education program counts towards Training Time.

Emergency medicine courses#

All registrars must successfully complete:

  • Rural Emergency Skills Training (REST) provided by ACRRM

    • Completed by the end of second year CGT, and

  • One Tier 1 course or two Tier 2 courses, approved by ACRRM

All education activities must be completed within the 5 years prior to 'Completion of Training'.

These courses are provided by ACRRM and other approved providers.

Emergency course criteria

Tier 1:

  • Highly relevant emergency medicine content applicable in a rural context.
  • Not less than 12 hours duration over two days.
  • Rigorously assessed using MCQ, skills station and OSCE type assessment.
  • Recognised at national or international level.

Tier 2:

  • Highly relevant emergency medicine content applicable in a rural context.
  • Not less than 12 hours duration or two days.
  • Taught using interactive learning techniques, including simulation.
  • Recognised at state or national level.

Tier 1 courses, provided by ACRRM#

Tier 1 courses, approved by ACRRM#

  • Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO): Advanced Maternal and Reproductive Education

    • Preparation in Maternity Safety (PIMS): ALSO part 1, OR
    • Advancing in Maternity Safety (AIMS): ALSO part 2

  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 2: Australian Resuscitation Council accredited

  • Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS): APLS Australia & New Zealand

  • Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET): Royal *Australasian College of Surgeons

  • Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP): Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

  • Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST): Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS): American College of Surgeons

  • Emergency Trauma Management Course (ETM): Emergency Trauma Management Pty Ltd

  • Effective Management of Anaesthetics Crises (EMAC): Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists

  • Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) Advanced Course: Australia MIMMS

  • Managing Obstetric Emergencies & Trauma Course (MOET): MOET Australia

  • Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS): NAEMT/American College of Surgeons

  • Rural Emergency Skills Program (RESP): LearnEM

  • Clinical Emergency Management Program (CEMP) Advanced Workshop: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Tier 2 courses, provided by the College#

Tier 2 courses, approved by ACRRM and accredited for PDP#

search the catalogue

  • Advanced and Complex Medical Emergencies: ACME approved providers
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 1: Australian Resuscitation Council accredited
  • ALS Emergency Medicine Course for GP Registrars: GPEx Regional Training Organisation
  • Approach to Medical Emergencies (AME): General Practice Training Tasmania
  • Clinical Emergency Management Program (CEMP) Intermediate Workshop: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Overseas courses that are equivalent to approved courses will also count.

Many of the Tier 1 courses are also EM courses required for AST programs.

Courses must be selected from the currently approved courses. Non-approved courses that have been already completed may be considered case by case. Email training@acrrm.org.au. Details of the course program and instructors must be provided.

ACRRM Online Courses#

Participation in Tele-Derm National, 150 Shades of Radiology online can count towards education requirements.

To be considered as equivalent to one course, for:

Tele-Derm National: registrars are required to , either:

 submit five of their own cases for review and discussion, or  complete 10 cases studies with multiple-choice questions successfully completed

150 Shades of Radiology online, registrars are required to: * complete 10 case studies with multiple-choice questions successfully completed

ruralEM forum, registrars are required to: * complete 10 cases studies with multiple-choice questions successfully completed

The College's Online Courses can be accessed through the ACRRM website The library contains interactive courses that are mapped to the curriculum including case studies, in-depth content and discussion boards covering a diverse and expanding range of topics, such as:

  • dermatology (Tele-Derm)
  • palliative care
  • ruralEM forum
  • skin surgery (a user's guide to skin surgery); and
  • radiology (basics of radiology series)
Other courses#

Courses that are undertaken by registrars relating to the Rural Generalist Curriculum, that are five or more days in duration, may be approved to count towards Training Time.

The following courses are approved for ADF registrars:

  • Medical Officer Introductory Course
  • RAAF Operational Health Support Course
  • Medical Officers Underwater Medicine (MOUM) Course
  • Rotary Wing Aeromedical Evacuation (RWAME) Course
  • ADF Aeromedical Evacuation Course
  • ADF Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO) Course
  • Occupational Medicine Course
  • Joint Health Planning Course

Assessment#

Registrars must satisfactorily complete the following assessments during CGT:

  • Supervisor reports, each six months, or at the end of a training placement if less than six months
  • Nine mini Clinical Evaluation Exercises (miniCEXs), conducted by supervisors, medical educators and other Fellows of ACRRM
  • Certification of the Procedural Logbook skills
  • Multi-Source Feedback (MSF), early in training, ideally while working in primary care.

Obtain a pass grade in the following assessment by the end of training:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • Case Based Discussion (CBD)
  • Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios (StAMPS)

Information on these assessment and resources available to assist with preparing for assessment are provided in the Fellowship Assessment Handbook.

Assessment eligibility requirements must be met prior to enrolling into an assessment see the Assessment Eligibility policy.

Advanced Specialised Training#

Advanced Specialised Training (AST) may be undertaken at any stage of training providing that registrars are at least postgraduate year three or above. It is expected that registrars have core generalist knowledge and skills in the discipline prior to commencing AST.

Training#

AST may be undertaken as full time or part time training or in two or more blocks as appropriate to the discipline. Training must be undertaken in a training post accredited by ACRRM and be supervised by ACRRM accredited supervisors.

Education#

Registrars are expected to average a minimum of four hours per week engaged in educational activities related to the AST. A record of education must be kept by the registrar and discussed with the Supervisor and Medical Educator regularly throughout training.

Registrars are expected to participate in the relevant Specialist College registrar education program where this is provided by the Training Post. The Specialist College education program should be supplemented with (or when a program is not provided, replaced with) education activities tailored to the AST curriculum. These education activities may come from a variety of sources. Courses that are provided or accredited by ACRRM are mapped to the Rural Generalist Curriculum to enable relevant courses to be identified. Search under Online Learning for the relevant curriculum Learning Area provided by ACRRM.

Registrars are encouraged to consider working towards related academic qualifications while undertaking their Advanced Specialised Training; especially when undertaking an AST in Population Health, Remote Medicine, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Academic Practice and Mental Health. This may include work towards Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or master’s level qualifications in a related area. See Appendix 3.

Assessment#

The following changes apply to registrars who commence an AST in 2021. Registrars who commenced an AST in 2020 or earlier are required to complete the requirements that applied when their AST commenced.

The supervisor report is replaced by a Plan and Progress Report which begins with a training plan and is updated by the registrar and supervisor every three months. The report is submitted to the training organisation and ACRRM at training@acrrm.org.au along with completed workplace based assessments and course certificates.

Registrars are strongly encouraged to complete and submit case based discussions conducted by a supervisor in addition to miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor. In the procedural ASTs some miniCEXs may be replaced by Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS). Formative workplace based assessments forms may be found here.

Information and requirements for each type of assessment are provided in the Assessment Handbook.

For anaesthetics, registrars should review the requirements under the DRGA starting 1 February 2023 here.

AST options#

There are twelve AST disciplines to choose from that will meet AST requirements. The time, training, education and assessment requirements for each AST disciplines are provided below.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE.

Training

Train in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services accredited by ACRRM.

Education

Registrars participate in education sessions provided by the training post.

Registrars will supplement their learning by completing ACRRM online courses which have content relevant to the AST for example:

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Academic supervisor reports with project proposal and completed project
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by a supervisor
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by a supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must successfully complete a Project, during AST, that relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health that meets the requirements as documented in the Assessment Handbook.

Academic Practice#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE.

Training: Train in ACRRM accredited placements that integrate academic practice (teaching and research) with a clinical workload.

Education

Registrars participate in education sessions provided by the training post related to Research and Clinical Education. It is expected that some courses at Graduate Certificate level or higher are completed. Other education activities may include attending conferences or completing practical courses such as Train the Trainer, Teaching on the Run, Teach the Teacher.

The courses will be discussed with and guided by the Academic Supervisor.

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Academic supervisor reports with project proposal and completed project
  • Report on the observation and feedback of five teaching/assessment activities (comparable to miniCEX requirement, for academic activities)

Registrars must successfully complete a Project, during the AST, that relates to Academic Practice that meets the requirements as documented in the Assessment Handbook.

Adult Internal Medicine#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE.

Training

Train in ACRRM accredited AIM AST posts, ideally in a regional or rural hospital.

Placements to include inpatient, outpatient and community-based facilities.

Employed as registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars participate in the RACP registrar education program and education tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete or be a recognised instructor in one of the following adult EM courses:

Registrars must attain one or more advanced diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures eg. exercise stress testing, Holter monitoring, ultrasound, endoscopy.

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by a supervisor
  • Five formative Case Based Discussions conducted by a supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must gain a pass in AST AIM StAMPS.

Anaesthetics#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE or part time as provided in the DRGA Handbook.

Training

Registrars undertake the Diploma of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (DRGA) training program.

Train in Anaesthetics posts accredited by the Australian and New Zealand of Anaesthetics (ANZCA).

Education

Registrars participate in the ANZCA registrar education program and education tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete mandatory courses, such as Rural Anaesthetic Crisis Management (RACM).

Assessment

  • Complete DRGA assessment.
  • Submit a current DRGA statement of completion to ACRRM.

Emergency Medicine#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Train in an Emergency Department accredited by ACRRM. Employed as a registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars participate in the ACEM registrar education program and education tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete or be a recognised instructor in one course from each of three categories below:

An adult and a paediatrics course must have been undertaken in the five years prior to completing the AST.

Candidates are also recommended to undertake an emergency obstetric course such as Rural Emergency Obstetric Training (REOT) or Preparation in Maternity Safety (PIMS).

The following definitive texts are used in this AST:

  • Cameron, P et al: Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine, Edinburgh - Churchill Livingstone.
  • Cameron, P et al: Textbook of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Edinburgh - Churchill Livingstone.

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor (two miniCEXs may be replaced by Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS))
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)
  • AST EM Procedural Skills logbook

Registrars must gain a pass in AST EM StAMPS.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Registrars undertake the Advanced Diploma of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG Advanced) program.

Placements in O&G posts accredited by RANZCOG.

Candidates are also recommended to undertake an emergency obstetric course such as Rural Emergency Obstetric Training (REOT).

Education

Registrars participate in education provided by training post.

Registrars must complete education modules specified by RANZCOG.

Assessment

  • Complete DRANZCOG Advanced assessment.
  • Submit a current DRANZCOG Advanced Certificate to ACRRM.

Mental Health#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Train in a mental health service in a regional or rural hospital accredited by ACRRM. Placements in inpatient, outpatient and community-based care. Ideally include a short-term placement in an addiction medicine service.

Employed as a registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars participate in the RANZCP registrar education program and education tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete the following course:

  • an GPMHSC approved Level 2 Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST)

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must gain a pass in AST Mental Health StAMPS.

Paediatrics#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Train an ACRRM accredited paediatric service in regional or rural hospitals.

Placements ideally include paediatric acute care, community and child psychiatry.

Employed as a registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars participate in the RACP registrar education program and education tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete the following courses:

  • Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course

  • Neonatal resuscitation course, and

  • Child protection course covering:

    • identifying and responding to children and young people at risk
    • jurisdiction reporting requirements (many short online courses are available).

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must gain a pass in AST Paediatric StAMPS.

Palliative Care#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Train in a Palliative Care service accredited by ACRRM. Ideally in a regional location.

Placements will ideally include inpatient, outpatient and community based care.

Employed as a registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars are required to participate in the education program provided by the training post.

Registrars will supplement their learning by completing ACRRM online courses which have content relevant to the AST for example:

Candidates are encouraged to complete the Clinical Diploma in Palliative Care - RACP.

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must gain a pass in the Palliative Care Case Based Discussion assessment conducted by a College assessor.

Population Health#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Train in a dedicated public population health service accredited by ACRRM or in a post accredited by ACRRM for CGT.

Education

Registrars are expected to participate in the education program provided by the training post.

Registrars must successfully complete an Epidemiology course at Graduate Certificate level or higher, covering:

  • fundamental principles of epidemiology
  • critical appraisal of epidemiological publications
  • application of study design to a research situation, and
  • the strengths and weaknesses of the main study designs.

Registrars are also encouraged to consider working towards related academic qualifications while undertaking their Advanced Specialised Training in Population Health. See Appendix 3 for related programs.

Registrars will supplement their learning by completing ACRRM online courses which have content relevant to Population Health, for example:

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Academic supervisor reports with project proposal and completed project

Registrars must successfully complete a Project, during AST, that relates to Population Health that meets the requirements as documented in the Assessment Handbook.

Remote Medicine#

Time: Minimum 12 months FTE

Training

Placements in an ACRRM accredited post in a MM 6-7 location or MM 5 approved case by case.

Education

Registrars must participate in the education program provided by the training post.

Registrars are also recommended to undertake a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Course (PHEC).

Registrars will supplement their learning by completing ACRRM online courses which have content relevant to remote medicine, for example:

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • Academic supervisor reports with project proposal and completed project
  • Five miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must successfully complete a Project, during AST, that relates to Remote Medicine that meets the requirements as documented in the Assessment Handbook.

Surgery#

Time: Minimum 24 months FTE

Training

Train in a regional secondary or tertiary referral hospital with general surgical services, accredited by ACRRM.

Work in general surgical services, ideally with short-term placements in orthopaedic trauma, O&G, burns, vascular and plastics.

Employed as a registrar or equivalent position.

Education

Registrars participate in the RACS registrar education program and education sessions tailored to the AST curriculum.

Registrars must successfully complete the following courses:

  • RACS Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) course or RANZCOG Basic Surgical Skills Workshop
  • Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) or (ATLS American equivalent)
  • Care of the Critically Ill Patient (CCrISP)

Candidates are required to undertake Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy training that meets the requirements of the Conjoint Committee for Recognition of Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (CCRTGE). Candidates provide confirmation from the Conjoint Committee that the application for recognition has been approved and the CCRTGE certificate will be issued once Fellowship is awarded.

Assessment

Registrars must submit to their training organisation and ACRRM:

  • AST Plan and Progress Report completed by registrar and supervisor every three months
  • A log of surgical procedures
  • Ten miniCEXs conducted by their supervisor (five miniCEXs may be replaced by Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS))
  • Five Case Based Discussions conducted by their supervisor (strongly encouraged)

Registrars must gain a pass in AST Surgery StAMPS. 

Training Program Policies#

View training program policies

Training#

Eligibility for Training

This policy describes the eligibility requirements to apply to the ACRRM Training Program. It covers eligibility for first time applicants, repeat applicants and applicants who have previously been accepted for training but not completed.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This policy aims to provide guidelines for the granting of recognition of prior learning that is deemed comparable to the training program requirements for training, education and assessment program. Recognition of prior learning is assessed in consideration of currency of experience, skills, knowledge and time.

Training Program Requirements

This policy defines the requirements that must be met to complete the ACRRM Training Program.

Performance and Progression

This policy sets the requirement for registrars to demonstrate progression through training and to improve the level of performance during training. Registrars must achieve Fellowship within 10 calendar years from the commencement of training unless there are extenuating and unforeseen circumstances.

Training Time

This policy defines the minimum Training Time for registrars on the ACRRM Training Program. It defines how training time is accrued and provisions for part-time training.

Training Placements

This policy sets the requirements that need to be met to have a placement count towards Training Time.

Overseas Training Placements

This policy sets the requirements that need to be met for training placements to be undertaken outside Australia.

Medicare Provider Number

The policy defines the situations where ACRRM will support an application to be placed on the Register of Approved Placements while in training, and when advice will be provided to Department of Human Services (DHS) to remove a registrar from the Register of Approved Placements. This policy applies to IP registrars only.

Registrar in Difficulty

This policy defines ‘a registrar in difficulty’ in the context of the Training Program and defines the responsibilities for the registrar, training post, training organisation and the college when a difficulty is identified.

Leave from Training

This policy defines what leave can be taken while on training, including statutory and additional leave.

Training Pathway Transfer

This describes the policy to transfer within the Fellowship Program.

Withdrawal from Training

This policy defines voluntary and involuntary withdrawal from training, the reasons for actioning involuntary withdrawal and the actions that follow withdrawal. Doctors who have withdrawn either voluntarily or involuntarily may apply for re-entry to training, acceptance is at the discretion of the College.

Assessment#

Assessment Eligibility

This policy defines eligibility requirements to enrol in and undertake assessments, rules around reattempting assessments and undertaking assessments while on leave from training.

Special Consideration policy

This policy describes the criteria by which candidates may apply for reasonable adjustments to accommodate for circumstances beyond their control and which is likely to affect participation in assessment.

Conduct, behaviour and access#

Academic Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct aims to provide a clear statement of the College’s expectations of doctors participating in education or training programs in respect to personal and professional conduct and a duty to disclose a review of or changes to medical registration.

Academic Misconduct

The Academic Misconduct Policy defines how alleged breaches of the Academic Code of Conduct are investigated and the penalties that may be applied for proven misconduct.

Access to Training

This policy describes how the College seeks to ensure that doctors with a disability can access and participate in the ACRRM Training Program on the same basis as other doctors. It applies to selection into training and training.

Complaints

The complaints policy outlines the principles and processes for handling complaints. It is applicable to any person accessing College services or programs.

Reconsideration, Review and Appeals

This policy defines College decisions that can be reconsidered, reviewed, or appealed. The policy defines the processes and timeframes and the possible outcomes.

Refund

This policy details the circumstances under which refunds are paid.

Financial Hardship

This defines the policy for the recognition of financial hardship in meeting fees set by the College.

Information, support and advocacy#

ACRRM training and assessment requirements are outlined in this handbook and the assessment handbook as well as ACRRM's training and assessment policies.

You may contact the College at any time by phone on 1800 223 226 or (07) 3105 8200 or email. If your query relates to:

There is a range of available resources, communities and groups through the College and externally for you to connect and network, share your views and find support, including:

Rural Medicine Australia conference

ACRRM and Rural Doctors Association host the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) annual conference and scientific forum each October. The conference includes a wide range of presentations and workshops relevant to rural and remote practice.

Research Grants

Registrars training on the AGPT pathway who wish to undertake research as part of training may apply for a funded Academic Post. A registrar in an academic post will work 0.5 FTE in an academic institution and 0.5 FTE in a clinical position in an accredited training post. Registrars may choose to undertake Advanced Specialised Training in Academic Practice, Population Health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health or Remote Medicine. The topic of the research and the post where clinical work is undertaken will determine which AST is appropriate.

ACRRM Registrar Committee

The committee provides registrars of the College with an opportunity to provide feedback, suggestions, and advice to the ACRRM Board and Council, which ultimately determines College policy and direction. The Registrar Committee aims to have membership from all training pathways. The Committee represents the views of registrars in Committees of the College including the College Board, College Council, Education Council, Education and Training Committee and Assessment Committee.

The Registrar Committee also represents and advocates for ACRRM registrars on a range of external national fora.

If you have any suggestions or feedback for the committee, or would like to join the committee, or get more involved – please email: registrarchair@acrrm.org.au.

Registrars Online Community

Registrars have access to their own exclusive community on Connect@ACRRM. Connect@ACRRM is an online forum where you can communicate, collaborate and connect with fellow registrars across Australia. Through the dedicated Registrars Community, you can engage in conversation about member-driven topics regarding your education and training journey, work life balance, or life as a Fellow.

Now available on desktop and mobile devices! Conveniently access Connect@ACRRM on the go by downloading the new app. Anywhere, anytime, all the features now fit into your back-pocket. Google Play (Android) App Store (Apple iOS)

Industry-relevant resources, professional learning opportunities, and other members’ insights on industry-specific topics are just a click away. To find out more, please visit https://connect.acrrm.org.au/home.

General Practice Registrars Australia

General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. It is funded by the federal government to provide advocacy services for registrars on employment and policy issues in general practice. For further information see: https://gpra.org.au/.

Employee Assistance Program

If you are experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues that are impacting your personal well-being you can call ACRRM’s Employee Assistance Program.

ACRRM's Employee Assistance Program is available to any registrar and provides immediate confidential phone counselling support 24 hours, 7 days a week in Australia & Overseas. Phone 1800 818 728.

Counselling aims to resolve work or personal problems before they adversely impact general well-being.

Additional resources and practical advice are available on the Employee Assistance Program website.

Doctors Health Advisory Service (DHAS)

DHAS operate a telephone Help Line and are available to provide confidential personal advice to practitioners facing difficulties. They also provide health promotion and educational information through their website and they provide lectures to interested groups.

The advice is used mostly in relation to stress and mental illness, drug and alcohol problems, or personal and financial difficulties. More information is available here.

CRANAPlus Bush Crisis Line

This service has a trained psychologist available 24 hours, 7 days a week through a phone counselling service to all remote and rural registrars, health workers and their families who may be in distress with support and assistance every day of the year at 1800 805 391. More information is available here.

DRS4DRS

The Drs4Drs website is provided by Doctors Health Services and offers doctors and medical students access to resources to support their own health and wellbeing, as well as training modules to support doctors who treat other doctors. More information is available here.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides free, confidential, 24 hours, 7 days a week phone counselling services for people experiencing mental stress or illness at 1300 22 4636. Further information regarding these and other national services is available here.

Building respectful workplaces#

ACRRM is committed to promoting and upholding safe and respectful workplaces and communities with a culture of belonging; where diversity is celebrated, and people can reach their full potential.

Accordingly, the College framework to address issues of Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment and Racism is based on a resilience paradigm, emphasising proactive and preventive approaches to encourage positive behaviours across entire workplace cultures.

While regulatory processes are in place our focus is on creating training and work environments for our members which understand and value respectful behaviours and which enable the individuals within them to learn, improve, and support their peers towards creating a better workplace

An overview of the College framework for preventing and addressing bullying, discrimination, racism and harassment is provided here.

Comments, compliments and complaints#

ACRRM welcomes all feedback from registrars and others to enable continued improvement of training. Any formal complaints received by the College will be managed appropriately and will also be de-identified and considered for the purposes of ongoing program improvement. Feedback is encouraged anytime:

ACRRM invites registrars to provide feedback via online surveys:

  • following education or assessment events
  • training program feedback surveys, and
  • as required around specific areas.

Resolving problems#

If you have a problem or concern during training the following general principles should assist you to resolve the concern.

  • Direct contact is usually the quickest and most effective way to resolve an issue. Raise the issue with the person involved and explain your point of view. Under normal circumstances, this discussion should occur as close to the time of the relevant event as possible.
  • If you feel that the issue was not dealt with appropriately as a result of speaking with the person most directly involved, or if you feel uncomfortable speaking with the direct contact, then you should speak with the next senior person of responsibility.
  • If you still feel that the issue has not been resolved satisfactorily, you should speak with someone in a senior management position in the organisation responsible.
  • If you feel that the issue has not been resolved satisfactorily, lodge a formal complaint in writing.

There are many organisations involved in general practice training and it may not always be clear where to direct your concern. You may wish to seek guidance on where to direct your concern from your training organisation or from ACRRM. As a general guide, the areas of responsibility for the College include the following:

  • Delivery of assessment
  • Delivery of education and support
  • Ensuring College Standards for Supervisors and Teaching Posts and Standards, and
  • Deliver training in accordance with the ACRRM curriculum.

Delivery of:

  • placement of matching and approvals
  • payments to support training

Management of complaints

Appendix 1 Glossary#

Additional leave

Leave taken by a registrar not working, or undertaking work that is not able to count towards Training Time.

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

ALS skills and knowledge must include:

  • An understanding of, and practical competence in, one-person and two-person expired air resuscitation and external cardiac compression
  • Competence in airway management techniques that include Guedel airway, bag and mask, oxygen therapy and either laryngeal mask or intubation
  • Demonstrated ability to efficiently use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and/or biphasic defibrillators
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and manage basic arrhythmias; and
  • Competence in intravenous access and drug therapy.

Candidates

Doctors enrolled to undertake an assessment.

Competency

Observable abilities that require the integration of multiple knowledge, skills and attributes.

Education program

The education that is provided during training; this may be provided by the training post, training organisation or the College.

MMM

The Modified Monash Model is a geographic classification system that categorises metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas. For more information on the MM system see DoctorConnect.

Formative assessments

This includes supervisor reports, miniCEX and other assessments undertaken by supervisors or medical educators.

Non-VR Support Funding

Funding provided by the Commonwealth to assist non vocationally registered doctors to achieve a general practice Fellowship.

Remediation Program

Formal program of work that is documented and agreed by registrar, remediator and Director of Training.

Show cause

Provide justification explaining why the application should be considered.

Summative assessments

Multi Choice Question exam, Multi-source Feedback, Case Based Discussion, Procedural Skills Logbook, Project and StAMPS for Core Generalist Training and as relevant for Advanced Specialised Training.

Training

Working in an accredited training post under supervision.

Training Placement

Placements that count towards Training Time and may meet Training Program Requirements.

Training plan

A prospective map of the training journey, planning when and where Training Program Requirements will be met.

Training Pathway

A funding option for ACRRM Fellowship Training Program: ie AGPT, RGTS, IP and RVTS.

Training Posts

Facilities accredited by ACRRM to provide training on the ACRRM Training Program.

Training Program Requirements

Requirements that must be med to complete the ACRRM Training Program.

Training Time

Minimum training time required to meet Training Program Requirements.

Appendix 2 Acronyms#

ACRRM: Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
AGPT: Australian General Practice Training
AHPRA: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
ALSO: Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
AMC: Australian Medical Council
AMS: Aboriginal Medical Service
AST: Advanced Specialised Training
CBD: Case Based Discussion
CGT: Core Generalist Training
CRANA: Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia
DHAS: Doctors Health Advisory Service
DRANZCOG: Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
**DRGA: Diploma of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia FACRRM: Fellowship of Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
GPRA: General Practice Registrars Australia
IMG: International Medical Graduate
IP: Independent Pathway
JCCA: Joint Consultative Committee for Anaesthesia
MCQ: Multiple Choice Questions
MSRPP: Medical Superintendent with Right of Private Practice
MMM: Modified Monash Model
MSF: Multi-Source Feedback
PGY: Post graduate year
PMC: Post Graduate Medical Council
RANZCOG: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
REOT: Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training
REST: Rural Emergency Skills Training
RFDS: Rural Flying Doctors Service
RGTS: Rural Generalist Training Scheme
RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning
RVTS: Remote Vocational Training Scheme
StAMPS: Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios
VMO:** Visiting Medical Officer

Appendix 3 Tertiary Courses#

Courses that may articulate with Advanced Specialised Training programs include, but are not limited to:

Advanced Specialised Training in Public Health, Remote Medicine, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health:

Advanced Specialised Training in Academic Practice:

Possible courses include any Master of Public Health (MPH) programmes, particularly those incorporating a research component, and a range of other options, such as:

Advanced Specialised Training in Mental Health:

Appendix 4 Table of changes to training requirements#

The core components for training have remained relatively constant since training was implemented. However there have been several adjustments to make requirements more explicit or to articulate flexibility. The table below describes changes made and when they were introduced.

Registrars are required to meet the training requirements in place at the time of enrolment but may choose to move to revised requirements.

Year Training Commenced: 2007

CCT 12 months: Rotations:

  • AIM
  • Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Paediatrics, and recommend
  • Anaesthetics
  • O&G

PRRT 24 months: Range of rural posts including:

  • GP
  • hospitals
  • AMS
  • retrieval must be accredited

AST 12 months:

  • Ten disciplines named
  • Individual training plans

Online Learning modules:

  • Any four modules

EM courses:

  • Two EMST
  • APLS
  • ELS
  • ALSO, or equivalent

Year Training Commenced: 2008

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2009

CCT 12 months: Rotation:

  • AIM
  • Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Paediatrics
  • Anaesthetics, and
  • O&G

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • 2 tier 1 OR
  • 1 tier 1, and 2 tier 2

Year Training Commenced: 2010

CCT 12 months:

  • Alternatives to rotations described

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

Curricula published:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Remote Health
  • ATSI

Assessments required for these ASTs

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2011

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

Curricula published:

  • AIM
  • Mental Health
  • Surgery
  • Paediatrics

Assessments required for these ASTs

Online Learning modules:

  • Only those with a green flag

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2012

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • 6 months community primary care, and
  • 6 months rural
  • Formative miniCEX required

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2013

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

  • Academic practice names as a discipline
  • Registrars apply under individual training plan

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2014

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • 6 months community primary care
  • 6 months hospital emergency care, and
  • 12 months rural

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • Courses must be within 10 years of Fellowship, providing one ALS is within three years of Fellowship

Year Training Commenced: 2015

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

  • Online Learning modules:
  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2016

CCT 12 months:

  • Alternatives increased

  • Evidence to demonstrate completion of skills sets defied

    • logbook, and
    • supervisors report

PRRT 24 months:

  • Definition of requirements for:

    • hospital and emergency care
    • community primary care and population health, and
    • rural and remote

  • Case Based Discussion replaced MiniCEX as a summative assessment - applied to all registrars commencing training in 2016

  • MiniCEX maintained as formative assessment requirement

AST 12 months:

  • Academic Practice added as an AST option

  • Revised curricula:

    • Emergency Medicine
    • Paediatrics
    • Mental Health
    • Population Health
    • Remote
    • ATSI

  • Minor changes to prerequisites and formative miniCEX required for all clinical ASTs

Online Learning modules:

  • Now referred to as FACRRM recommended modules

EM courses:

  • REST mandated as one of the tier 1 courses

Year Training Commenced: 2017

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

  • Training plan required

  • Maximum RPL reduced to 2 years on AGPT and RVTS and 3 years for IP

    • Training plan must be submitted with RPL application

PRRT 24 months:

  • Options for flexibility defined

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2018

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

  • Currency of experience required to apply for RPL reduced to:

    • CCT within past seven years
    • PRRT within past five years, and
    • AST within past two years

PRRT 24 months:

  • No change

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2019

CCT 12 months:

  • No change

PRRT 24 months:

  • Time restrictions removed from PRRT posts

  • Registrar must continue to meet mandatory requirements for experience in domains of rural practice

  • Minor changes to Procedural Skills Logbook

    • 100% essential skills must be completed and at least 75% of important skills

AST 12 months:

  • No change

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2020

Core Generalist Training (CGT)

  • CCT and PRRT merged into Core Generalist Training
  • No change to requirements, but there is more flexibility for experienced doctors to commence training in either hospital or general practice.
  • Continued refinements in options and evidence to meet Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Anaesthetics

AST 12 months:

  • Palliative care added as an AST option

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2021

Core Generalist Training (CGT)

  • No changes

AST 12 months:

  • 6 monthly Supervisor reports replaced with the:

    • 3 monthly plan, and
    • Progress Report

Online Learning modules:

  • No change

EM courses:

  • No change

Year Training Commenced: 2022

Core Generalist Training (CGT)

  • No changes

AST 12 months:

  • No changes

Online Learning modules:

  • No clonger a training requirement

EM courses:

  • No change
Last updated on by acrrmbot