Training Pathways

Becoming a Physician/Paediatrician

If you are you a registered practitioner in Australia or New Zealand and are interested in Physician or Paediatrician training...

The RACP has various training pathways, linked to comprehensive training curricula, complemented by an extensive and wide-ranging program of on-the-job training, working with and learning from experienced clinicians. Becoming a Physician involves a significant amount of training, time and commitment and we have provided below some information on areas of interest and training options. 

The RACP provides exemplary, workplace-orientated training and assessment in a broad range of medical specialties to equip Fellows and Trainees in Australia and New Zealand with the knowledge and skills required to perform as Physicians and Paediatricians at the highest possible standard. The College provides 2 major streams of training and a Continuing Professional Development program for our Fellows to ensure life-long learning.

Professional Qualities Curriculum (PQC)

• All training pathways are underpinned by our Professional Qualities Curriculum;
• It outlines 9 key domains with specific learning objectives required and used by all Physicians and Paediatricians, regardless of their specialty area of expertise ;
• It spans both basic and advanced training and forms a key component of the CPD program.

There are 2 main training entry points for the College:

1. The PREP (Physician Readiness for Expert Practice) Program.

2. Tailored training programs provided by the Faculties & Chapters.
 

1. The PREP Training program

Trainees can apply to join the PREP (Physician Readiness for Expert Practice) Basic Training Program in Adult Internal Medicine or Paediatrics & Child Health. A trainee will progress to the Advanced Training Program upon successful completion of the PREP Basic Training Program.

The entire program can take a minimum of 6 years to complete to become a Physician/Paediatrician and Fellow of the College. Timing is dependant upon the specialty/pathway chosen after basic training has been successfully completed. For more information about either program, click the link below:

• PREP Basic Training program
• Advanced Training program

Note: Training assessment requirements for Trainees that began Basic or Advanced Training PRIOR to 2008 are not the same as those listed in the PREP Program. These Trainees should refer to the requirements noted in the 2004 handbook. See the respective requirements page for more information.

2. Tailored training programs provided by the Faculties and Chapters

Trainees can choose to undertake a specialised training program within one (or more) of the Faculties and Chapters.

Chapters	Faculties
Addiction Medicine Palliative Medicine Sexual Health Medicine	Occupational & Environmental Public Health Medicine Rehabilitation Medicine

Note: Gaining Fellowship of a Faculty or Chapter does not confer Fellowship of the RACP, however, training obtained during program may be considered towards training for Fellowship of the College and vice versa.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Once a trainee becomes a Fellow, they are provided with tools and support to assist with life-long learning and continuing professional development. See the CPD section of this site for more information.
 

Specialist Training Program (Expanded Settings for Training)

The Specialist Training Program provides support to enable medical specialist trainees to rotate through an expanded range of settings beyond traditional public teaching hospitals.

In 2010, the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) announced the newly branded Specialist Training Program (STP). Previous programs now consolidated under the STP include:

• Expanded Specialist Training Program (ESTP);
• Outer Metropolitan Specialist Trainee Program (OMSTP);
• Advanced Specialist Training Posts in Rural Areas (ASTPRA);
• Pathology  Workforce Support Program; 
• Overseas Trained Specialist Upskilling Program;
• Psychiatry Training Outside Teaching Hospitals (PTOTH); and
• Supporting best practice and workforce in pathology and diagnostic imaging.

Placements under STP provide trainees with the opportunity to access a range of clinical experiences and treatment plans that may not be available in metropolitan tertiary hospital settings including:

• Aboriginal Medical Services
• Ambulatory Care Settings
• Community Settings
• Non Clinical Settings
• Private Clinics
• Private Hospitals

For further information about the Specialist Training Program click here or email, stp@racp.edu.au