Requirements for Physician Training 2004 - Adult Internal Medicine

General Information
The Mentor
Although some medical training programs in Australia and New Zealand designate specific individuals to act as mentors to trainees, in the FRACP training program mentoring is seen as a role that may be taken on by Fellows of the College as and when there is a need identified by trainees. The role of the mentor is to complement that of supervisors and other trainers who have an ongoing relationship with trainees, by providing advice and support when required and impartial consideration of conflict situations should they arise. A mentor should be perceived by trainees as a senior colleague aware of the local, specialty and College requirements for training to whom he or she could turn for professional advice and support at any time during training.

The Duties

To help trainees define their learning needs and directions for development.
To facilitate trainees' learning in the FRACP training program.
To counsel trainees on appropriate professional career options and alternatives;
to assist in the resolution of conflicts within the context of the FRACP training program.
To refer trainees to other individuals or resources which will assist them during their training.

In addition to supervisors, trainees may seek advice from DPTs, DATs, CATs, Chairmen, members of the SACs/JSACs, CPT or the Training Section of the College office in Australia or the College office in New Zealand. A mentor may be one of these persons or a Fellow approached directly by trainees. The local DPT may act as a mentor for trainees at any stage in the training program or on request may assist trainees by identifying a suitable Fellow to act as a mentor.

Interactions between trainees and mentors are in confidence, and a mentor would usually not provide information to a supervisor, DPT, DAT, SAC/JSAC or CPT without the expressed consent of trainees.

There can be significant benefits for both the mentor and trainees if the relationship is based on a genuine professional interest in education and adult learning. There needs to be trust between both parties and a clear understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities.

Selection of a Mentor
Trainees are strongly encouraged to choose a mentor. This may be a DPT or another colleague who has empathy with the trainees' needs. In either situation, the DPT can have a role in helping trainees choose their mentor. A mentor will have an important role if there is insufficient support from one or more of the supervisors, if supervision is inadequate or does not satisfy the College requirements. It is recommended that trainees discuss with their mentor at the time of passing the examination their plans for advanced training over the 3 years. Some hospitals have appointed a DAT who could take on the role of a mentor (see information on Directors of Advanced Training*) In addition, some SACs/JSACs nominate a senior physician in the subspecialty who can act in this role if required.

*You will need to be a member of the RACP to access this section of the website, if you don't have a password to access the Members site you can register for access.

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