Welcome to all members both old and new to 2025. And welcome to the first of the new but old eBulletin. As you would know, the RACP ROC is no longer in use so we have decided to bring back the eBulletin to keep members regularly informed of AFRM related items. It has been revamped from the previous design with an aim to make it easier to identify and link to AFRM issues and information. There will also be links to general College information relevant to AFRM members. 

The big item for AFRM for our first eBulletin is the transition to the new AFRM adult rehabilitation medicine curriculum/training requirements. Trainees joining our programme this year will be following the training requirements of the new curriculum. Trainees already on the PREP curriculum will continue on the PREP pathway. Trainees should have already received information regarding the changes to their particular programme. Supervisors also need to be aware that the new adult curriculum involves some changes to the required assessments for the new programme. Some supervisors will have already started this year working with trainees who are part of the new programme.

As we transition to the new adult curriculum, most supervisors will in the near future have trainees working with the new programme. Supervisors need to inform themselves regarding the changed requirements for assessments - especially those supervisors who currently have trainees on the new curriculum in their workplace. There are resources available for supervisors to learn about the new requirements and their role in these assessments. The link to these resources appears below. There are also links below for trainees to get more information regarding the new requirements.

AFRM Council has recently endorsed the new paediatric rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Council does have some concerns regarding some details of the changes to assessment processes contained in the paediatric rehabilitation medicine curriculum and these have been outlined to the Curriculum team. We are confident that these will be considered during the final implementation process and the final new curriculum and training programme will continue to deliver skilled paediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians.

Our thanks again must go to the members of the curriculum working groups for both the adult rehabilitation medicine and paediatric rehabilitation medicine. There has been a huge amount of time and thought invested by the volunteers in those working groups and we thank them for all the hours that they have given to the work of the Faculty.

With the transition to the new adult rehabilitation curriculum programme and the changes to examinations, it is anticipated that this year there will be a greater than usual number of candidates sitting what is now known as the Entry Phase Examination.  This means we will require a greater than usual number of examiners. Fellow members will have received an email regarding potential availability for that clinical exam. We ask that Fellows consider their availability to assist with this exam.

How members contact the College has recently changed. All members should have received a recent email regarding the new RACP Member Support Centre. This provides options to contact the College via phone, email or live chat. You can find details on the RACP website. The purpose of the new Member Support Centre is to streamline the ability for members to be put in contact with the correct part of the College for their enquiry. Anyone who has tried to phone the College for specific inquiries in the past will know that it could be quite challenging and frustrating at times (even for a President). It is hoped that this new Member Support Centre will improve that communication. AFRM members are still able to contact the Faculty directly at AFRM@RACP.edu.au, but it should be noted that queries regarding e.g. examinations, CPD or training inquiries will still be referred to the appropriate part of the College.

Finally, I note that the programme for the RMSANZ/NZRA ASM 2025 is now available. This year the ASM will be held in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand on 20-23 July Online registrations open on 4 March.

Our updated events list provides a great opportunity to gain new insights, broaden your knowledge, and network with your colleagues.

• BNTP Webinar Series (monthly sessions) – on the last Wednesday of each month from 3pm to 5pm AEDT.
• NSW Lecture Series (monthly sessions) – on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm AEDT.
• RAMSANZ Annual Scientific – 20 to 23 July 2025, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch.