2026 sees the implementation of our new AFOEM curriculum, with four new trainees commencing under this new system. In coming years, more trainees will be educated using the new curriculum. You can view the program and find more details here.
We are also reviewing site accreditation and supervision criteria to take into consideration the new curriculum’s emphasis on meeting competencies though a variety of ways, and not necessarily solely at one’s primary place of work. The intention is for site accreditation to be for the benefit and information of trainees. Expressions of interest (EOIs) will soon be invited for this working party. Please consider nominating to help shape the best outcomes for this important aspect of our training program.
The structure of the Education Committee has also been revised, with a Faculty Training Program Committee (FTPC) now combining the roles of both the Education and Training Committees. A new chair of the FTPC is required, so please nominate for this important role, and help lead and shape our education programs. The Assessment Committee, chaired by Matt Brandt now reports to the new FTPC.
Other EOIs currently open are:
Planning is well underway for this year’s Annual Training Meeting (ATM) to be held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 May. Many thanks to the Victorian Regional Committee and especially Joe Slessenger for taking the lead on this, and to Peter Sharman for lending a hand from Tasmania.
We’re excited to launch our new tailored event series, RACP LIFT 2026. It is designed to satisfy your appetite for a richer blend of clinical insights, topical discussions and short form, highly digestible sessions that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. The first event in the series, Cardio-metabolic and vascular health, will take place on Tuesday, 31 March at the RACP Office, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney. View the website for more details.
AFOEM, together with AFPHM, recently gave its support to the Australian Academy of Sciences’ (AAS) Federal budget proposal on indoor air quality action. This proposal calls on the Australian Government to invest $3.5 million over a two-year period to develop a national indoor air quality strategy and establish a multidisciplinary advisory council on indoor air quality, among other strategies. This aligns with recent AFOEM advocacy activities.
AFOEM also contributed to the Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work, highlighting the expertise of occupational physicians. As the report states on page 38, “medical experts like Occupational and Environmental Medicine Physicians might be engaged to assist with identifying potential biological hazards in the workplace, how people are exposed and the level of harm they could cause…”
A big thank you to Rob McDonald for leading a strategic review of the Health Benefits of Good Work. The recommendations of that review have been considered by the College and discussions will take place in coming months regarding the future management of this important AFOEM initiative
Earlier this month, you received an email outlining opportunities to connect, learn and engage in 2026, including a list of all the regional training meetings for 2026 and Zoom links where available. I encourage all Fellows to add some of these meetings to your calendars, not only to support the education of our trainees but also to network and earn CPD hours.
Also on the agenda later this year is the 11th International Conference on Managing Fatigue in Perth from 11 to 13 August – a valuable event for learning, networking, and professional growth.
Dr Armand Casolin
AFOEM President