Transfer between SAC/JSACs

Trainees are normally supervised by only one SAC/JSAC during any one year of training. Completion of a three-year program under one SAC/JSAC is recommended, in order that the requirements of that SAC/JSAC for subspecialty training are satisfied and the trainee can therefore be recommended for Fellowship.

However it is acknowledged that some trainees may wish to change the direction of their vocational training. It may be possible for previously completed and accredited training under one SAC/JSAC to be considered part of a training program by the new SAC/JSAC. Generally, the training will be considered as elective training by the new SAC/JSAC. This training will need to be relevant to the program of the new SAC/JSAC and will be restricted to one years' accreditation. However a trainee should not assume that this will automatically occur and should contact the CAT of the new SAC/JSAC in advance for advice.

Occasionally a trainee may consider undertaking training in a second subspecialty before the FRACP is awarded. The training program for the second subspecialty may comprise, for example, the third year of advanced training and one year of training post-FRACP. The first year of training in the second subspecialty will also be the final year of training under the first SAC/JSAC and will probably be an elective year for that SAC/JSAC. In this situation both the SAC/JSAC of the first specialty, which is also the SAC/JSAC that will recommend the trainee to Fellowship, and the SAC/JSAC of the second subspecialty, for which the year is core training, have a legitimate interest in overseeing the year.

In order to satisfy all requirements, a joint supervision of the year by both SACs/JSACs may be required. The primary supervising SAC will be the one for which the training is core while the other SAC is the secondary supervising SAC. Training under the secondary SAC cannot be accredited as core. The secondary SAC however, may recommend to Fellowship if the year under the primary SAC is acceptable for training under the secondary SAC.

The advanced training program should be submitted prospectively to the primary SAC. The trainee should advise the secondary SAC of his/her intentions and the Training Section will ensure that the secondary SAC receives necessary documentation. The CATs of SACs should advise the trainee prospectively of any potential conflicts at the start of the year.

In the event of a borderline or unsatisfactory supervisor's report, it is likely that both SACs would recommend an Independent Review of Training (IRT). For further information about the IRT contact the Training Section of the College.

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Recommendation to Fellowship by the Committee for Physician Training

It is possible for those trainees who have completed three years of satisfactory training (either under a number of SAC/JSACs or entirely in research) to be recommended for Fellowship by the CPT rather than an SAC/JSAC. Full subspecialty training requirements are unlikely to have been met and there may be implications for membership of some special societies/associations or for recognition or credentialling by state medical boards or other regulatory bodies.

Trainees are strongly advised to consider this matter and to discuss with the CAT of the relevant SAC/JSAC the need for post-FRACP training.

The Training Section of the College should be contacted if clarification is required regarding specialist recognition.

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Post-FRACP Training

Fellows who wish to undertake further advanced training after the award of FRACP may be supervised by an SAC/JSAC. This training is approved prospectively, accredited retrospectively and is supervised in the same way as pre-FRACP training. Documentation is identical.

Principles of Post-FRACP Training

• Post-FRACP training is core training in a second subspecialty. Post-FRACP training does not include elective training, which has relevance only in advanced training programs leading to the award of FRACP.
• Training programs are assessed using the same criteria as for advanced training programs; programs are considered prospectively and subsequently accredited if supervisors' reports are satisfactory.
• Only previously approved satisfactory advanced training which also fulfils the requirement of the SAC/JSAC supervising post-FRACP training may be considered for retrospective accreditation towards completion of post-FRACP training programs. A maximum of one year retrospectively accredited training will be allowed.
• A trainee engaged in post-FRACP training following award of Fellowship will work under supervision and not in a consultant role.
• Following satisfactory completion of a post-FRACP training program, as detailed above, a letter will be provided to the Fellow documenting this completion. It will be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Censors on the recommendation of the SAC/JSAC.

Trainees who are yet to complete pre-FRACP training and intend to pursue post-FRACP training in another subspecialty are asked to notify the Department of Training and Continuing Education of their intention before the completion of pre FRACP training. This will allow their documentation to be saved or transferred to the second SAC/JSAC for consideration.

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