Tasmania AIM
Overview
Basic Physician Training is possible at 3 settings in Tasmania:
- Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH)
- Launceston General Hospital: (LGH)
- North West Regional Hospital (NWRH)
Trainees at the RHH will rotate to the NWRH as a secondment hospital during their training. Each of the 3 hospitals are incorporated into the Tasmanian Health Service structure.
The RHH and LGH are both Level 3 teaching hospitals and are committed to providing training that fulfils all core requirements of training as set out by the RACP across a 36-month timeframe. The NWRH is a level 1 teaching hospital.
At the Royal Hobart Hospital, the first and second years (BPT1 and BPT2) are at the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) level. BPT1 and BPT2 RMOs rotate in predominantly subspecialty terms, including Hospital at Night terms each year and a rural General Medicine term for some BPT2 trainees (4 each year).
Subsequent 3rd-year (BPT 3) training is possible as a Medical Registrar in General Medicine.
Directors of Physician Education (DPE) are at each site. While the Tasmanian Hospitals run individual programs and individual recruitment processes, there is an informal network for support and sharing of information across all 3 settings. There is access to resources including accredited supervision and written and clinical exam preparation across all 3 settings.
Entry into training at the RHH is preferred at the RMO level due to access to subspecialty rotations.
Trainees already on the program wishing to continue training in Tasmania should either apply to the RMO recruitment drive (for BPT 2 year) or to the Medical Registrar Recruitment drive (for BPT 3 year)
The Basic Physician Training Program recruitment timeline will coincide with the RMO recruitment process.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for Basic Physician Training (BPT) in Tasmania, you must have:
- a medical degree accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC)
- general medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- successful training time in a pre-vocational medical role
For BPT 1, you can apply for and secure a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) role (PGY2 and PGY3) at:
- Royal Hobart Hospital
- Launceston General Hospital
- North West Regional
- Mersey Community Hospitals
You’ll need to identify your preferred training stream within your application for Basic Physician Training. Candidates can apply to one or all the hospitals that are offering suitable positions. One application is required per advertised position of interest.
The Tasmanian Department of Health and Tasmanian Health Service run an annual recruitment campaign for doctors in training.
Apply
Entry into basic training is based on eligibility to enter the RACP Basic Physician Training program as determined by the Director(s) of Physician Education (DPE) at the individual settings.
It involves an application for an RMO role in the Recruitment drive, during which you specify your preferred training stream as Basic Physician training. You’ll go through the annual recruitment process to gain a joint training and employment position.
If successful, you’ll be offered either a 12-month or 24-month contract. You’ll need to reapply during the recruitment campaign at the end of that period to continue your employment, or to the Medical Registrar positions to continue Basic Training into the third year.
To apply you’re required to submit an online application form that includes the opportunity to identify your preferred training stream as Basic Physician Training. Only applications listing Basic Physician Training as first preference will be considered by the DPE. The form includes information on:
- your location
- eligibility to work in Australia
- details of referees
Your application should include:
- your CV
- statement against selection criteria and other relevant information.
- a cover letter to the DPE outlining your preference and suitability to enter BPT
Referees
You’ll be required to nominate 3 referees who should be at Consultant level:
- 1 x referee from your current or most recent employer
- 1 x referee from the past 12 months
- 1 x a referee of your choosing.
Selection
The selection criteria is contained in the RMO Statement of Duties attached to the online advertisement.
The selection process is determined by the employing hospital. However, in general suitability for Tasmanian Health Service RMO roles is assessed based on a review of your application, referee reports, and an assessment of workforce sustainability.
A selection panel consisting of 2 or more appropriate Senior Clinicians (Consultants) conduct the selection process. Panel membership includes representation from respective training streams, to ensure applicant preferences are considered as a part of the assessment process. The selection panel will assess each component identified and provide a score. The panel scoring is based on predetermined criteria to ensure equity.
Selection into the RACP Basic Physician Training in Tasmania is consistent with the RACP Selection into Training Policy.
Application and referee reports
The panel looks for relevant qualifications and evidence of experience that may also be demonstrated through publications and voluntary activities.
Interviews
You’ll be interviewed by the Director of Physician Education as part of the selection process.
The panel will assess knowledge, professionalism and 'organisational fit'. The panel will also consider future workforce
sustainability. Consideration will be given to whether a candidate is a graduate of the University of Tasmania, where the applicant completed their internship, and whether the applicant is a current employee and a local resident.
The DPEs are looking for applicants with a strong desire to enter the Physician Training program, and knowledge of what the training entails.
Ranking and offers
Recruitment process conclusions may differ between hospitals, it is standard practice for you, and all applicants, to be ranked in order of merit. If you attain the highest score, you’ll be one of the first applicants offered a position, considering stream preference.
First-round offers are made as soon as possible, followed by second-round offers, and so on as required.