Training Considerations

Interrupted Training

Normally basic training should be continuous. If a training program is interrupted for more than two years, the CPT will usually require an additional period of training.

A trainee who has satisfactorily completed basic training may sit for the Examination during a period of interrupted training.

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Leave from Training

In each year of training, standard statutory recurrent leave entitlements (holiday, conference etc.) can be taken without prolonging training. However, it is recognised that over a six-year training period, additional or exceptional periods of leave may be required. Examples include maternity/paternity leave or prolonged illness. These may occur as a single episode or on repeated occasions.

As a general principle, the total period of leave in any one training year should not exceed two months. Total leave taken during basic and advanced training will be considered separately and individual circumstances may be taken into account.

If the total period of leave during either basic or advanced training is considered to have been in excess of the guidelines or to have interfered significantly with training, an additional period of training may be required.

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Part-Time Training

Although it is strongly recommended that basic training be undertaken full-time, part-time training may be an acceptable option provided that the position is equivalent to 50% or more of full-time training, and that all the requirements of full-time training have been met. The total length of training, including both full-time and part-time, shall be equivalent to that required under full-time training, ie, 36 months.

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Research during Training

The College adopts a flexible attitude to the inclusion of research in both basic and advanced training. However, all applicants for Fellowship must be satisfactorily trained as physicians whether or not their training program includes a significant component of research. At least three years of the six years training must be spent in clinical medicine.

Normally, research may be undertaken during advanced training but up to six months may be accepted towards basic training requirements. Documentation must be provided.

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Teaching

Basic trainees are expected to teach medical students and other health professionals in the course of their training. Teaching may include bedside tutorials, small group discussions and larger group presentations. Whilst some material will be well known to trainees, preparation will usually be required. When such are available, trainees are encouraged to attend courses outlining principles of adult learning and effective presentation techniques. Feedback from more senior clinicians should be arranged periodically.

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Rural Training

The College wishes to promote rural training at both basic and advanced levels. It realises that there is a shortage of physicians in rural Australia, and believes that rural posts offer excellent training and provide an opportunity for trainees to experience practice in a nonmetropolitan setting.

During basic training this will generally be achieved by rotation to secondment hospitals in rural areas. As long as the level of supervision is adequate and the workload appropriate to training in adult medicine, this training can count towards the requirement for at least six months in general medical terms during basic training.

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