Time-based requirements
The Advanced Training Program in Geriatric Medicine allows adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during your 3-year total training period (36 months FTE).
Core training
A minimum of 24 months (FTE) must be spent in accredited training positions under the supervision of a geriatrician who is a Fellow of the RACP. Core training is comprised of Level A training with an optional 6 months of Level B training.
Non-core training
A maximum of 12 months of non-core training can be certified.
Non-core training can be undertaken in geriatric medicine, other disciplines or research that complement core training.
No single training program will suit the training needs of every Advanced Trainee. The Advanced Training Committee (ATC) or Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Geriatric Medicine considers individual requests to vary program requirements and takes into consideration your overall training program.
Other clinical options may be acceptable as core or non-core training. You should always prospectively seek the advice of the ATC.
There is a wide range of training options reflecting the diversity of practice undertaken by geriatricians. You’re advised to plan your whole Advanced Training Program while maintaining flexibility.
Advanced Training is differentiated from service commitments on the basis that training follows a prospectively approved training plan in accredited settings, under the supervision of an accredited supervisor.
Your rotation duration should be enough to ensure that your training needs can be met – 4 to 6 months duration is recommended. Rotations of 3 to 4 months can be considered, provided they form a component of a full year’s continuous program.
Rotations less than 3 months long, relieving terms or night cover won’t satisfy the criteria for core or non-core training in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Training categories
Level A
Core: 36 months maximum | Non-core: N/A | Requisite: 18 months minimum
Training in geriatric medicine under the direct clinical supervision of a geriatrician, covering an adequate range of disciplines.
These include but are not limited to: acute aged care, ambulatory care, community care, geriatric emergency medicine, geriatric rehabilitation, orthogeriatrics, perioperative medicine and stroke rehabilitation.
The ATC requires you to demonstrate variation in areas of core training.
Level A training exceeding 24 months in 1 location or under 1 supervisor won't be certified.
Level B
Core: 6 months maximum | Non-core: 12 months maximum | Requisite: 18 months maximum
Complete training relevant to geriatric medicine but not under the direct clinical supervision of a geriatrician.
These disciplines include but are not limited to: general medicine, rehabilitation, palliative care, psychiatry of old age.
Level B training exceeding 6 months in 1 discipline won’t be certified as Level B. The training can be certified as Level C instead, subject to the range of your overall training program.
Level C
Core: N/A | Non-core: 12 months maximum | Requisite: 12 months maximum
Other areas of relevance to geriatric medicine including research, education and other subspecialties of relevance.
Training program by category examples
| Level A |
Level B |
Level C |
| 24 months (core) |
6 months (core) |
6 months (non-core) |
| 24 months (core) |
|
12 months (non-core) |
| 18 months (core) |
18 months (6 months core + 12 months non-core) |
|
Training locations
Requisite: 12 months core training must be undertaken in Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand
We strongly recommended that you complete your Advanced Training at more than 1 training site.
The requirement to train in more than 1 hospital/health setting can cause personal inconvenience, particularly when training in rural locations. The ATC/ATS will seriously consider the impact when assessing requests to vary the requirement.
Overseas placement
If you intend to undertake training outside Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, enquire about the suitability of the training position with the ATC/ATS well before the prospective approval of training application period.
A period of overseas training must comply with the requirements of training outlined in the handbook, including completion of work-based learning and assessments, supervision and achievement of learning objectives as outlined in your program-specific Advanced Training and Professional Qualities Curricula. Once the ATC has confirmed the suitability of the post, you can complete the application process for prospective approval of training as normal.
There are many relief organisations where supervised clinical experience can be gained. This type of experience is believed to enhance trainees’ breadth and depth of knowledge and allows for opportunities not possible in an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand training setting. All trainees, if undertaking such a position, should consider having an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand co-supervisor that they communicate with at least every 3 months.