New Fellow Survey
The 2025 New Fellow Survey (NFS) is now closed.
Share your experience
This is an opportunity for new Fellows and those completing additional RACP training programs to share their experiences of moving to unsupervised practice. Your feedback helps us support members and improve training in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Eligibility
Members were invited to take the survey if they completed an RACP Advanced Division, Faculty, or Chapter training program between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024.
Evidence-based improvements
Insights from the survey responses help us identify tailored resources to support a smooth transition to Fellowship and inform training initiatives across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your direct feedback helps us to:
- understand challenges encountered in the transition from trainee to unsupervised professional practice
- identify areas for training improvement
- provide tailored support and resources on topics our members want to know more about
- better understand our members’ positions and the barriers they face in acquiring specialist roles
Note: responses are confidential and used only for quality improvement. Any identifying details are removed, and only aggregated results are published.
2025 New Fellow Survey Insights
Improving and supporting training experiences
Some aspects of training are going well. Over 80% of respondents agreed that:
- the training requirements are achievable
- they knew how to meet the training program's requirements
- they received enough supervision to guide their learning
- they knew how to seek help with their training.
Respondents want more support, particularly from the College. Work–life balance also remains a key concern.
Perception of assessments
Compared to 2024, respondents now view the research project as more useful, while work-based assessments are seen as less valuable.
Preparedness for practice
92% of respondents felt ready for unsupervised practice, with improvements in all areas compared to 2024. Fellows felt least prepared in:
- health policy, systems and advocacy (46%)
- research (51%)
Need for targeted support for the transition to Fellowship
Transition to practice
Many find the transition from Advanced Trainee to Consultant/Specialist challenging. A third said this transition was difficult or very difficult, slightly more than in 2024.
Targeted support could help, including:
- finding and keeping consistent employment
- handling administrative tasks, such as private practice and billing
- taking on leadership roles and feeling confident in clinical decisions
Support from RACP
New Fellows want more support from the College. The most helpful topics identified were:
- managing the transition from trainee to consultant/specialist (68%)
- career planning and advice (61%)
- Artificial intelligence in medicine (44%)
Over half of respondents didn’t know about key resources such as the New Fellows Forum, Medflix, online wellbeing guides, and the RACP Support Program.
Those who used College resources generally found them useful. More than 80% said the following were helpful: Medflix, the College Learning Series, and online wellbeing guides.
How are we responding?
First introduced in 2021 and conducted annually since 2023, the New Fellow Survey has led to significant improvements and ongoing initiatives including:
Educational resources
Changes to training and supervision requirements
- mandating the Supervisor Professional Development Program (SPDP) for all supervisors of trainees
- revising the RACP Flexible Training Policy (PDF) to support improved gender equity, wellbeing and inclusion during training
- revising of the Advanced Training Research Project requirements to provide greater flexibility (including a new exemption process, extension of deadlines to submit recognition of prior learning applications and the broadening of accepted project types)
Improvements in RACP Services
- establishing a new Member Support Centre to assist members in navigating the College, improving enquiry responses, and enhancing resolution times to better support your needs
- developing a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) strategy
- creating a new strategy for regional, rural, and remote physicians
Read more in the 2025 New Fellow Summary Report (PDF)
Contact us if you have any questions about the survey.