In order to design a training program, the trainee and the supervisor must be familiar with:

• the general (generic) objectives of advanced training;
• the specific (vocational) requirements for training of the relevant SAC/JSAC
• the current stage of advanced training of the particular trainee.

The supervisor and trainee will meet at, or before, the beginning of the training year to map out a program of training for the year which is consistent with the training requirements and appropriate for the stage of training.

If the trainee is in the first year of training, the supervisor should indicate to what extent the advanced training program could be satisfied in that hospital or training site; what should be done elsewhere; and work out a tentative overall plan for the full three years of advanced training.

If the trainee is in the second and third years of advanced training, the training program should be planned to fill any deficiencies and strengthen other areas. The trainee should be given the opportunity and encouraged to provide feedback about the proposed training program, previous experiences and future expectations.

Following the initial meeting, the trainee will be in a position to complete the Application to Commence or Continue Advanced Training Program and forward it to the appropriate SAC/JSAC for approval. The trainee and supervisor should keep a copy of the application form.

The supervisor should also indicate to the trainee that a mentor is available in the hospital if required. In general, this will be the DPT although some DPTs may wish to appoint another physician as the mentor. In addition, some SAC/JSACs nominate a senior physician in the subspecialty who can act in this role if required.

Plans should be made for regular formal meetings with the supervisor during the year, at least every quarter, to ensure that the objectives of the year are being met in a timely fashion. This is particularly important if there are additional requirements such as projects, target number of procedures, or experience in particular areas of the specialty. There should be a written record of the meeting and the SAC/JSAC should be advised as soon as possible if there were any concerns.

A copy of the Supervisor's Report form is sent to the trainee at the beginning of the training year for information about areas of assessment. This form is used to document the trainee's progress in each of the eight generic objectives of advanced training, as well as in specific vocational training requirements. The trainee should be aware that assessment will include the humanitarian qualities as well as the other aspects of physicianly behaviour. The supervisor should discuss the form (and its implications) with the trainee.

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