AFOEM News - October 2025
Occupational and environmental physicians understand the consequences when systems fail. An Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) investigation identified concerns that the RACP was not adequately meeting its requirements under the Governance Standards, specifically relating to accountability and transparency to members, and the duties of Responsible Persons. As part of a compliance agreement, the RACP agreed to engage a governance professional to review the board governance and culture, make recommendations for change, and then oversee the implementation of those recommendations.
The first resolution is presented to members as a considered response to the ACNC’s governance concerns. The rationale for the proposal is that for an organisation with a $100 million+ annual turnover, there are critical skills in finance, law and governance that come from deep professional experience in these areas, that are needed in the Board Chair to guide the College in the years to come. The links below outline the history that has led to the 31 October vote for Constitutional change.
Our College needs a governance structure that reduces conflict and enables clear decision-making. I support the proposed separation of the President and Chair roles. Note that the President remains on the Board under this proposal and is eligible to be elected Chair by the Board members. Importantly, under this proposal, the College President gains a seat on College Council and is automatically appointed as the Chair of Council. Currently the President does not sit on Council.
Please review the Explanatory Memorandum and cast your vote online before 29 October. Trainees your vote counts equally and it’s important that you vote to help ensure good governance of the College moving forward and stability of our training programs.
In other news, Dr Peter Sharman has been tirelessly advocating for occupational medicine in Tasmania. On Monday, 29 September, he hosted a forum attended by the Tasmanian Secretary of Health, with past AFOEM President Dr Ian Gardner also speaking. This important event highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise the profile of occupational medicine and strengthen its role in Tasmania’s health landscape.
The ANZSOM 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) will be held at The Langham, Melbourne from 19 to 22 October 2025. As part of the program, Professor Ewan Macdonald CBE will deliver the prestigious AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration, “Workplaces in transition – the future for occupational health”, on Monday 20 October from 9.30 to 10.30am AEDT. This is an event not to be missed.
Looking ahead, we’re delighted to announce that the AFOEM 2026 Annual Training Meeting (ATM) will be held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 May, starting with site visits on Friday, 15 May. In 2027, the ASM will head west to Perth, and beyond that we’ll be publishing a forward plan of future meeting locations to make it easier to plan ahead and be part of these important events.
And finally, our next message in early 2026 will share a new list of upcoming AFOEM events to help you plan ahead. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of attending NSW, WA and SA regional training meetings, where it became clear that some Fellows are unsure if they can attend. To be clear, Fellows are welcome at regional training meetings, and your presence makes a real difference. By joining, you not only support the education of our trainees but also help enrich participation, interaction and knowledge-sharing at these important gatherings.
Dr Armand Casolin
AFOEM President
Dr Maggie Goldie, History of Occupational Medicine
The History of Occupational Medicine Committee continues to meet every two months, with its most recent meeting held on Thursday, 21 August. The committee’s focus remains on encouraging trainees to undertake historical research projects. This follows the successful completion of two recent projects: Dr Jess Johnston’s Thematic Analysis of the 2022 Witness Seminar, “Are We There Yet?” presented in 2024, and Dr Haseeb Qureshi’s study on messages from occupational physician interviews conducted by Dr Farhan Shahzad, presented in 2025.
A notice in a previous edition of the newsletter inviting expressions of interest from trainees keen on pursuing a historically oriented research project generated several enquiries. These were followed up by our Academic Support Lead, Dr Amanda Sillcock. As a result, two trainees have now submitted project proposals:
- Dr Ye Ko, a Victorian trainee, has submitted a proposal to base his research on the history of mesothelioma in Australia.
- Dr Farhana Islam is interested in continuing the work undertaken by Dr Haseeb Qureshi, further analysing responses from Dr Farhan Shahzad’s interviews. The title of Dr Islam’s research proposal is “What Message Do You Have for Trainees and Fellows?”
Dr Niki Ellis and I have continued to work with RACP Librarian, Karen Myres, to review the occupational medicine archives and identify and label key documents for retention. We’ve been struck by the wealth of historical information contained in these archives and encourage all members to contribute any relevant historical material in their possession to the RACP Library, so it can be preserved for posterity.
With our eyes already on 2026, the committee has identified an opportunity to run another witness seminar on the development and implementation of our professional training program and competencies. The archives include substantial material on this topic, and the committee is reaching out to members who were involved in the early stages of the program’s development and may wish to contribute to this seminar.
ANZSOM 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) – AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration
Professor Ewan Macdonald CBE will be delivering the Ferguson-Glass Oration, “Workplaces in transition – the future for occupational health” at the ANZSOM 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Professor Macdonald will also join other sessions on behalf of AFOEM.
AFOEM Annual Training Meeting 2026
The 2026 Annual Training Meeting (ATM) will be held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 May 2026, with site visits on Friday, 15 May. Dr Joe Slesenger and Dr Peter Sharman are taking the lead in organising the program, and the Faculty thanks everyone involved in planning this important event. In 2027, the ATM will be held in Perth. Further details will follow as planning progresses.
Research Supervision: Free online courses for AFOEM supervisors
Are you a supervisor or interested in becoming one? A trainee’s experience can be greatly enhanced by a supportive and informed supervisor. The Research Supervision online course offers practical guidance and updates on research project requirements and the research process to help you support your trainees effectively.
Code of Practice – managing biological hazards at work
The Policy & Advocacy team provided feedback to Safe Work Australia on a draft model Code of Practice on managing biological hazards at work, for employers of all workplaces.
South Australia Impairment Assessment Guidelines (3rd edition) – new edition
South Australian members are advised that from 1 October 2025, Return to Work SA’s revised Impairment Assessment Guidelines are in effect. These guidelines also contain a list of accredited assessors in South Australia and include AFOEM members.
New AFOEM Curriculum
Starting in 2026, first-year trainees will be enrolled in the new OEM curriculum with revised entry criteria. Trainees planning to apply for training in 2026 should consult the entry pack and entry form.
The new curriculum standards and learning, teaching, and assessment (LTA) requirements can be reviewed on RACP online learning. For more information visit the New Curricula Support Hub.
Trainees, supervisors and relevant assessors will use new work-based assessments (replacing existing PREP tools) supported by the new Training Management Platform. This will change how trainees and educators plan learning, record feedback and assess performance against new curriculum standards to determine how trainees progress through training.
Please note there is no change in requirements for current and ongoing trainees who started in 2025 or earlier, who will continue to follow the PREP curriculum.
Trainees' corner
Stay up to date with the latest news from the trainee community and discover ways to enhance your training. From new resources to upcoming events, there's always something to support your growth and development.
AFOEM Stage B Practical Examination
The Stage B Practical Examination tests your clinical skills in occupational and environmental medicine at the end of Stage B training. See key dates here.
For exam-related enquiries, email faculty.examinations@racp.edu.au
New AFOEM Curriculum
Starting in 2026, first year trainees will be enrolled in the new OEM curriculum with revised entry criteria. Please note there is no change in requirements for current and ongoing trainees who started in 2025 or earlier, who will continue to follow the PREP curriculum. For more information visit the New Curricula Support Hub.
Research Projects: Free online courses for trainees
Join the online Research Projects course, which supports trainees with a detailed walk-through of the entire research process.
AFOEM NSW/ACT Regional Training Meetings
Wednesday, 5 November, 6pm (AEDT)
Register here
Wednesday, 26 November, 6pm (AEDT)
Register here
AFOEM NSW/ACT Mock Exam
Tuesday, 11 November
For more information, contact: racpnsw@racp.edu.au
AFOEM Victoria/Tasmania Regional Training Meetings
Wednesday, 27 October, 6.30pm (AEDT)
Wednesday, 5 November, 6.30pm (AEDT)
Wednesday, 19 November, 6.30pm (AEDT)
Join Zoom link
AFOEM WA Regional Training Meetings
Saturday, 25 October, 9am (AWST)
Meeting ID: 932 2077 9755
Passcode: 101709 (WA AFOEM trainees must attend in person)
Join Zoom
Wednesday, 19 November
Time: 6pm (AWST)
Meeting ID: 915 2282 4611
Passcode: 694333 (WA AFOEM trainees must attend in person)
Join Zoom
AFOEM SA Regional Training Meetings
Thursday, 27 November
Time: 5.30pm (ACDT)
Meeting ID: 921 4378 7340
Passcode: 819548
Join Zoom
View AFOEM 2025 ATM Resources: AFOEM resources
For general training enquires, email occenvmed@racp.edu.au
Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by volunteering for an exciting opportunity within the Faculty. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, gain experience, or simply give back, there are plenty of rewarding opportunities waiting for you.
Calling all VIC/TAS AFOEM Fellows
Interested in joining AFOEM Council to help shape the future of the Faculty and serve as Chair of the VIC Regional Committee? Apply here.
Internal Medicine Journal, Editor in Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Expressions of interest are open for an AFOEM editor to join the Editorial Board of the Internal Medicine Journal. Apply here.
Other Expressions of Interests:
AFOEM Council
AFOEM Policy & Advocacy Committee
AFOEM Regional Committees
Call for Essay Prize Reviewers
Would you like to help us judge the AFOEM Essay Prize and earn CPD hours? To find out more or express your interest, email afoem@racp.edu.au
Keep your eye on the Standards Australia website for reviews
Standards Australia regularly reviews workplace standards, and your expert input can help improve worker and workplace health and safety. We encourage you to check the Standards Australia website and let us know which Standards you’d like to be involved with.
If you see a Standard coming up for review, please email policy@racp.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you!
View more
expressions of interest.
Closing Soon
AFOEM Essay Prize: open to medical students or interns in their first year after graduation. Closes: Friday, 31 October 2025.
Explore our updated events list for a chance to gain valuable insights, grow your expertise, and connect with your colleagues. Each event is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your professional journey.
AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration at ANZSOM ASM 2025
Date: Monday, 20 October 2025, 9.30am to 10.30am (AEDT) at The Langham, Melbourne
Speaker: Professor Ewan Macdonald CBE will present on “Workplaces in transition – the future for occupational health”.
Register here
Joint AFOEM NSW/ACT Branch/ANZSOM Christmas Meeting
Wednesday, 26 November at the Royal Automobile Club, Sydney
Speaker: Paul Byleveld, NSW Health.
Find out more
More ANZSOM webinars and events:
ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2025
Date: Sunday, 19 to Wednesday, 22 October
Location: The Langham, Melbourne
Call for papers: here
Register here
ANZSOM ASM Ethics and Behaviour Workshop
Date and time: Tuesday, 21 October, 3.30pm to 5.15pm
Location: The Langham, Melbourne
Presented by: Dr Tony Brown, Dr David Goddard, and Dr Abhishek Verma
Previous Webinar Recordings – available to AFOEM Fellows and trainees who are ANZSOM members.
Useful Links:
Visit the RACP website to view the latest news and events
AFOEM contact details
AFOEM Faculty enquiries (including Council and committees):
Jane Konjevic
AFOEM Executive Officer
Email: afoem@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa NZ AFOEM office:
Email: AoNZ_AFRM@racp.org.nz
AFOEM Education and Training enquiries:
Education Officer
Email: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
AFOEM Examination enquiries:
Examination Coordinator, Assessment and Selection Unit
Email: examinations@racp.edu.au
AFOEM training site accreditation enquiries:
Site Accreditation Unit
Email: accreditation@racp.edu.au
AFOEM CPD enquiries:
Email: mycpd@racp.edu.au