Director of Physician Training

Background

During basic training the individual in each accredited hospital with ultimate responsibility for trainees and the training program is the Director of Physician Training (DPT).

A DPT is appointed by the College in each accredited university and general teaching hospital to ensure that training occurs satisfactorily, with success at the Examination and transition to advanced training by each trainee being the ultimate goal. Each DPT has responsibility for all basic physician trainees at his/her hospital - this may be as few as five or as many as fifty trainees at any one time.

In addition, the DPT has limited responsibilities relating to advanced trainees at his/her hospital.

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Duties

The duties of the DPT include the following:

Development of a Training Program for Basic Physician Trainees

• Formulation of a program of educational activities aimed at basic trainees and potential basic trainees within the hospital.
  
• Assistance in the development of appropriate rostering for basic physician trainees.
  
• Determination of appropriate secondment hospital and positions.
  
• Assistance in the selection of an appropriate senior or training registrar whose duties will include overseeing the training program.

Selection of Basic Physician Trainees and Term Allocation

• Identification and counselling of doctors who are considering physician training. This may include liaison with appropriate postgraduate offices.
  
• Involvement in the selection process for physician trainees.
  
• Involvement in rostering of individual trainees (taking into account the content and nature of terms, and trainee needs to satisfy basic training requirements).

Training and Examination

• Organisation of regular meetings with basic physician trainees. This is particularly important at the beginning of each year when matters such as the feedback and grievance mechanisms should be specified.
  
• Monitoring the progress of individual trainees, giving feedback and advice where appropriate.
  
• Administrative responsibilities relating to registration of basic physician trainees and applications for the Examination.
  
• Assisting the senior or teaching registrar with trial written and clinical examinations.
  
• Liaison with the Committee for Examinations representative at the hospital to facilitate conduct of the clinical examination and participation as a co-opted examiner.
  
• Review of examination results with individual trainees, including, if necessary, facilitating counselling of failed candidates.
  
• Discussing advanced training options with individual trainees.

Other Responsibilities Relating to Basic Training

• Attending twice yearly regional meetings for Directors of Physician Training.
  
• Ensuring that the hospital continues to meet the College standards of accreditation.
  
• Assisting with preparation of documentation for and scheduling of re-accreditation site visits.

Responsibilities Relating to Advanced Physician Trainees

Acting as a mentor for advanced trainees at the hospital or, if appropriate, nominating an alternative person to act as mentor.

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The Role and Responsibility of the Hospital in Basic Physician Training

The College believes that a comprehensive basic training program is essential for the formation of the attitudes and skills required for the development of competent consultant physicians. During this period, the DPT has primary responsibility for nurturing and guiding individual trainees and has full support from the College in this role.

It is expected that an accredited hospital will provide an appropriate environment for training and adequate support for the training program, including administrative support for the DPT and sufficient time to perform the duties listed above. Usually this will be a minimum of two sessions a week although this will vary depending on the number of trainees. Good physician trainees provide good clinical service ensuring that hospitals receive an appropriate return for this expenditure.

Accreditation of a hospital for basic physician training requires that full support be given to the DPT and the training program - if this support is not provided, accreditation status will be jeopardised.

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The Mentor
It is suggested that each trainee choose a mentor to guide him or her through their career development. This may be the DPT, or the role may be vested in a colleague who has empathy with the trainee. In either situation the DPT can have a role in the nomination or selection of the mentor.

A mentor will have an important role if the trainee is having difficulties in the training program with the supervisor, or if supervision is inadequate or does not satisfy the requirements.

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