Joint Immunology and Allergy

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Program
overview
Apply
or re-register
Training
requirements
Forms and
resources

Program overview

Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy is a joint program between the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

In Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy, you’ll explore in-depth specialty training, including the direct care for patients with a diverse range of disorders of the immune system and in the provision of laboratory services. You will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant. The program builds on your skills through work-based learning and assessment tools.

Program updates

The Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy Program is evaluated biennially by the Committee for Joint College Training (CJCT) in Immunology and Allergy to ensure that it’s in line with educational best practice. Changes in program requirements may occur and could impact your training plan. The College will provide sufficient notice prior to implementing any change. You must always ensure you’re following the correct requirements during your training.

Entry requirements

Prospective trainees must have:

completed RACP Basic Training, including Written and Clinical Examinations
a current medical registration
been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position

New and current trainees need to apply for Advanced Training each year.

Joint Training Program requirements

Joint trainees must:

be registered with both the RACP and the RCPA
complete both clinical and laboratory training in more than 1 training setting — only in exceptional circumstances can this be considered.

Duration

Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy requires 4 years (48 months) of full-time equivalent (FTE) training.

Fellowship

Once you've completed all requirements of your training and the CJCT in Immunology and Allergy has recommended you for admission, you’ll be invited to apply for Fellowship of the RACP and Fellowship of the RCPA.

See Becoming a Fellow for information on admission to Fellowship.

As a Fellow in active practice in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas, you’ll need to meet the annual requirements of the Continuing Professional Development program.

Apply or re-register

Australia

Australian trainees can complete their registration online.

Apply online

If the online application is closed, email an application form (DOC) to immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand trainees must email an application form (DOC) to immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Nominating eligible supervisors

From mid-2023, you’re required to nominate eligible supervisors who meet the supervision requirements of the training program.

You can find a list of eligible supervisors:

in the supervision section of your online registration form
on MyRACP

The MyRACP list is not available for post-Fellowship trainees. Post-Fellowship trainees can check the list in their online registration form or contact us to confirm supervisor eligibility.

Application deadlines

28 February | first half or whole of the current year

31 August | second half of the current year

You're responsible for organising all necessary documentation for submission by the deadline. We recommend that you keep a copy of your application for future reference.

See program key dates for trainees and supervisors.

Late applications

Late applications will be considered up to 1 month after the deadline.

Applications received 1 month after the deadline won’t be considered unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated in line with the Special Considerations for Assessment Policy.

Late applications may incur a fee.

Late fees won't apply if supervisor approval is pending after the deadline.

Fees

The standard annual membership fees apply.

Visit MyRACP to pay or view previous training program payments.

About your training position

Core training must be undertaken at accredited settings.

Once you have secured a training position, you must prospectively apply for approval as per the Progression through Training Policy.

The College is not involved in the recruitment and selection of trainees. Our role is to set and monitor standards for selection and provide advice to settings and their selection committees.

Training approval and certification

Approval of training periods are determined by the Committee for Joint College Training (CJCT) in Immunology and Allergy. To be approved, your individual training program must be consistent with the training requirements and appropriate for the stage of training you have reached.

Upon completion of each rotation or calendar year of training, the CJCT reviews your progress according to the training requirements. If you have satisfactorily completed all training requirements, the CJCT will certify that training period.

Training variations

See variations in training for processes covering dual, joint, conjoint and post-Fellowship training.

See flexible training options for information on part-time training, interruptions to training, withdrawing from training and time limits.

Rotation or supervision changes

Changes to your rotation require you to re-submit an application form (if online registration is closed) to your training committee as soon as possible. This includes any changes to sites, dates of rotations and flexible training arrangements.

Change to your supervision must be notified as soon as possible by submitting a Supervisor Details Amendment Form (DOC).

Some changes may require a review of the approval decision and can affect the certification of your training.

More information

Overseas specialists
Trainee responsibilities

Training requirements

At the end of your Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy, you’ll have completed 48 months of certified training time consisting of work-based learning and assessment tools.

The PREP teaching and learning activities are designed to support you in your reflective practice and self-directed learning. A variety of teaching and learning activities and assessments are used, catering to a range of learning needs, styles and situations that may arise in your workplace training.

See forms and resources for the training program curricula.

Requirements overview

Core clinical training
(18 months minimum)

Supervision

1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP practising in immunology and allergy

1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP

Teaching and learning

2 x Learning Needs Analysis (1 per 6-month period) per training year

Assessments

4 x Case-based Discussions (2 per 6-month period) per training year

2 x Direct Observation of Procedural Skills per training year

1 x Logbook per rotation

1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotation — full-time and part-time trainees)

Core laboratory training
(24 months minimum)

Supervision

1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RCPA practising in immunology and allergy

1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RCPA

Assessments

1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotation — full-time and part-time trainees)

Non-core training
(6 months maximum)

Supervision

2 x supervisors per rotation, who are Fellows of the RACP or RCPA

Assessments

1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotation — full-time and part-time trainees)

Advanced Training summary

After 48 months of certified training time, you will have completed:

42 months of core training
- 18 months of core clinical training
- 24 months of core laboratory training
6 months of non-core training
Research Project requirement:
- Trainees who commenced in 2019 onwards:
  - 1 x Advanced Training Research Project
  - 1 x Immunology and Allergy Research Project^*
- Trainees who commenced between 2017 and 2019:
  - 1 x Advanced Training Research Project
- Trainees who commenced before 2017:
  - 1 x Immunology and Allergy Research Project
Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course (trainees who commenced in 2023 onwards)
Developmental and Psychosocial Training (Paediatrics & Child Health trainees only)
RCPA Basic Pathological Sciences Examination (trainees who commenced in 2020 onwards)
RCPA Part I Examination
RCPA Part II Examination

^* Not required if your Advanced Training Research Project is specific to immunology and allergy, is supervised by an immunology and allergy Fellow and completed during Advanced Training.

Time-based requirements

The Advanced Training Program in Joint Immunology and Allergy allows adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during your 4-year total training period (48 months FTE).

Advanced training must be completed at a minimum of 2 separate settings. Exceptions may be considered if applied for prospectively to the Committee for Joint College Training (CJCT) in Immunology and Allergy.

Core training

18 months minimum core clinical training + 24 months minimum core laboratory training

Core clinical and core laboratory training must be completed in an accredited training position.

Core laboratory training generally requires 2 years of supervised training in a diagnostic immunopathology laboratory.

In exceptional circumstances, you can apply for a full-time research project, accounting for up to 12 months of your core laboratory training. Your research project can be part of a PhD or Masters by research but it’s not a requirement. You must apply prospectively with a research proposal in the year before your research project is to be undertaken.

Non-core training

6 months maximum non-core clinical training

Trainees are provided considerable flexibility in selecting their non-core clinical training. At least 80% of each rotation must be entirely clinical.

Training can take place in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas, and can involve clinical practice in an area related to immunology or another relevant area of medical practice. Usually this might occur in a RACP-accredited training position in another specialty.

For all other exceptional circumstances, a proposal submitted to the CJCT is required.

Night rotations

Approval of night rotations undertaken during a training rotation will be considered by the CJCT on a case-by-case basis.

Training time

At least 12 months of core Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy must be undertaken in Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand. This is to ensure that you receive adequate exposure to local practices and health services.

Program key dates

January – March

31 January | Previous year’s Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools due (trainees not applying for Fellowship in December)
28 February | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for first half or whole of the current year due
February | RCPA examination applications due
31 March | Advanced Training Research Project may be submitted
Case-based Discussion
Learning Needs Analysis

April – June

15 June | Advanced Training Research Project may be submitted
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

July – September

15 July | Supervisor’s Report and Logbook due
31 August | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the year due
15 September | Advanced Training Research Project may be submitted
15 September | Immunology and Allergy Research Project due
Case-based Discussion
Learning Needs Analysis

October – December

15 October | Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools due (trainees eligible for Fellowship in December)
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

Work-based learning and assessment requirements

A work-based learning and assessment tool requirement stipulates what you must achieve as part of your training program.

Type of assessment

Formative: Focuses on learning through feedback and guidance, which assists trainees and supervisors in the formal feedback discussion through prompting discussion of or highlighting areas of a trainee’s performance. Assessments are based on existing workplace-based assessment methods and are best practice in medical education.

Summative: Focuses on judgements about trainee progression, resulting in pass or fail decisions on a trainee’s performance.

Advanced Training Research Project

Requirement for trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards

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Overview

The Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP) is a report on a project that you have had significant involvement in designing, conducting of research and analysis of data. It enables you to gain experience in:

research methods
interpretation of research literature
participation in research at some stage of your career
developing quality improvement skills

ATRPs aren't required to be specialty-specific but must be broadly relevant to your area of specialty. ‘Broadly relevant’ is defined as topics that can enhance, complement and inform your practice in the chosen specialty.

The ATRP, introduced to most trainees who commenced after 2017, addresses wide variations in purpose, type, quantity and assessment criteria across the RACP Training Programs. An ATRP submission provides evidence of the skills of:

considering and defining research problems
the systematic acquisition, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of data
effective written communication

The ATRP requirement must be undertaken and completed during your Advanced Training. If you're dual training, you only need to complete one ATRP over the course of Advanced Training.

Review your training program requirements to confirm whether there are any additional research requirements beyond completing your ATRP.

Requirements

Requirement

1 x Advanced Training Research Project to be completed in any year before the end of Advanced Training.

Deadline

Due 31 March, 15 June or 15 September.

It's recommended that you submit your research project in your penultimate year. If you submit in your final year, you may not have enough time to address any feedback or resubmit it if needed. This could delay your progression of training or admission to Fellowship.

Resources

Advanced Training Research Project cover sheet (DOC)

Recognition of Prior Learning

You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the ATRP requirement if you meet the following 2 criteria:

You successfully completed one of the following before entering Advanced Training:

research doctoral degree, like MD or PhD
Master's/higher degree by research
major project completed through a Master's by coursework
publication of research as first author in a peer-reviewed, indexed medical scientific journal

Research completed through your primary medical qualification is not eligible for RPL.

You completed the above in one or more of the following accepted project topics:

human subjects, populations and communities and laboratory research
epidemiology
education
leadership
medical humanities
areas of study which can be applied to care of patients or populations

Applications for recognition of research completed prior to entry into training are considered in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Applying

You must apply for RPL for research activities within 6 months of commencing your first approved rotation in your Advanced Training Program. You'll need to submit evidence of satisfactory completion with your application.

To apply:

complete the Recognition of Prior Learning application form (PDF)

email your completed form and supporting evidence to:
- Advanced Training (Australia): advancedtraining@racp.edu.au
- Advanced Training (Aotearoa New Zealand): advanced.training@racp.org.nz

Your Advanced Training Committee or Subcommittee, which reviews all RPL applications, will contact you about the outcome.

Resources

Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning application form (PDF)

Exemption during training

You can apply for an exemption from the ATRP if you meet the following 2 criteria:

You’re currently undertaking or have successfully completed one of the following during your Advanced Training^*:
- research doctoral degree, like MD or PhD
- Master’s/higher degree by research
- major project completed through a Master’s by coursework
- publication of research as first author in a peer-reviewed, indexed medical scientific journal
^* or during an interruption of Advanced Training.
You're currently undertaking or have completed the above during Advanced Training in one or more of the following accepted project topics:

human subjects, populations and communities and laboratory research
epidemiology
education
leadership
medical humanities
areas of study which can be applied to care of patients or populations

Applying

An application for exemption may be submitted to the College at any time during Advanced Training. We recommend you apply as soon as possible once you have commenced one of the above options, to allow time for review and to avoid delays in recommendation to Fellowship.

To apply:

complete the Advanced Training Research Project exemption application form (DOC)
email your completed exemption application form and supporting evidence to:
- Advanced Training (Australia): advancedtraining@racp.edu.au
- Advanced Training (Aotearoa New Zealand): advanced.training@racp.org.nz

Exemption outcome

Your exemption application will be assessed by your Advanced Training Committee or Subcommittee and you will be notified of the outcome.

An exemption will only be granted if the evidence provided demonstrates that your research meets the learning outcomes of the research requirement.

If your application is successful but you have not yet completed your degree, you will be considered ‘eligible for exemption’ until you submit evidence of satisfactory completion. This evidence must be submitted before the end of your Advanced Training for the exemption to be granted.

Learning outcomes

Trainees will demonstrate skills in:

considering and defining research problems
interpretation of research literature
the systematic acquisition, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of data
quality improvement
effective written communication

Master’s by coursework

Your project will be reviewed by your training committee, using the ATRP exemption assessment form (DOC), to determine if it meets the learning outcomes of the research requirement.

If it's determined that the learning outcomes of the research requirement are met, an exemption will be granted.

Resources

Advanced Training Research Project exemption application form (DOC)
Advanced Training Research Project exemption assessment form (DOC) – for major project completed through a Master’s by coursework.

Accepted project formats

Three research project types are accepted:

research in:
- human subjects, populations and communities and laboratory research
- epidemiology
- education
- leadership
- medical humanities
- areas of study which can be applied to care of patients or populations
audit
systematic review

Additional project formats may be considered provided they meet the Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP) guidelines and marking criteria. Trainees and supervisors seeking additional format approval need to provide justification as to how the project submission meets the criteria.

Research in human subjects, populations and communities or laboratory research

This project type also includes epidemiology, education, leadership, medical humanities and areas of study which can be applied to care of patients or populations.

Step-by-step: Research in human subjects, populations and communities or laboratory research

1. General preparation

Identify a supervisor and review the ATRP guidelines.
Develop skills in scientific writing to apply for grant support, publish scientific and medical papers.

2. Identify the problem and formulate research questions

Consider and define a health-related problem.
Review, analyse and synthesise evidence related to the existing literature, or your current practice, to identify research gaps and formulate research questions or hypotheses.

3. Develop the research design

Convert information needs into answerable questions and clearly identify the specific aims of a study designed to address the question.
Identify an appropriate research method and techniques.
Identify the ethical issues arising from conduct of the study.
Obtain ethics approval from the appropriate body, if required.

4. Collect or identify data to achieve the study objectives

Apply quantitative or qualitative methods.

5. Write up research

Appraise and synthesise the research findings in consideration of the research objectives and hypotheses.
Set findings within the context of the wider literature on the topic.
Apply the results of the study to practice.
Demonstrate effective and succinct written communication.
Outline how research should and could contribute to the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Assess strengths, weaknesses and limitations of the research project.
Reference using a consistent style.

6. Self-reflection

Evaluate your performance.
Discuss your performance with your supervisor — consider any issues that arose during the research project and how the findings might change your practice.

Audit

An audit project aims to assess, evaluate and improve the quality of healthcare through the systematic review of practice. A specific component of practice to be reviewed is identified and local performance is assessed against specific criteria in relation to the gold standard.

An audit will identify substandard areas and develop recommendations for implementation, based on a succinct review of the literature. The audit should then be repeated to assess the success of the interventions. AT Research Project audit diagram

If a repeated audit isn’t possible due to time constraints, then a plan for implementing, measuring and sustaining improvements must be presented.

Your audit should be of an area of interest to you. Look at opportunities to audit a novel project or program within your training setting.

The size of your audit is dependent on the topic and nature of the audit undertaken. The presentation of the audit must adhere to the standards for presentation of research, including the suggested word count.

You must demonstrate a clear understanding of the audit cycle, with evidence of how your work will lead to an improvement in clinical practice.

Step-by-step: Audit

Follow the paradigm of ‘joined-up research’, which begins by assessing a problem, moving on to implementing change and completing the circle by evaluating change over an appropriate period.

1. Identify a topic that is important to audit.

2. Review the literature and other relevant information to determine standards against which to audit.

3. Develop audit criteria that will measure performance against the agreed standard.

4. Collect and analyse data and report results.

5. Reflect on results and develop improvement plan.

6. Implement improvement plan.

7. Repeat data collection to measure improvement.

Systematic review

A systematic review is a method of critically appraising bodies of research studies with a high level of rigour. Systematic reviews are different to narrative reviews and expert commentaries because they use a well-defined protocol to ensure high coverage of all relevant information and can be replicated easily. A standard, published protocol, such as the PRISMA guidelines could be used.

For ATRPs, the systematic review should be conducted in an area of relevance of your practice.

Step-by-step: Systematic review

1. Define the review question and rationale behind question.

2. Develop inclusion and exclusion criteria for including studies, search for studies and explain search syntax, define search strategy — for example a brief description of PICO, identify and defend databases searched.

3. Assess study quality.

4. Select studies and collect data.

5. Assess risk of bias of included studies.

6. Analyse data.

7. Interpret results and draw conclusions.

Resources

RACP Online Learning Resource: Research Project

Presentation guidelines

You're encouraged to present your Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP) orally at hospital, state or national meetings and submit your work for publication in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal. It should meet the requirements of that journal and instructions to authors for the journal should be submitted with the ATRP.

The ATRP word limit should be appropriate to the study type:

quantitative research | up to 3500 words
qualitative research | up to 5000 words

You must comply with the Academic Integrity in Training Policy.

Your ATRP presentation should contain:

1. Abstract | approx 10% of word count

concise summary of the background, aims, methods, results and conclusions

2. Introduction

discussion and placement of the research in context of published literature
critique of literature if there are alternative views

3. Aims

define the research aim, questions and hypotheses

4. Methodology

describe the methods used in enough detail to allow it to be replicated

5. Statistical analysis

perform appropriate statistical analysis of the data

6. Results

present the results in figure and tabular format to the standard of published literature
include figure and table legends with a brief description of your data and statistical analysis

7. Discussion

discuss and interpret the results
discuss the results in context of published literature - for example, do your results support or disagree with published literature and do they enhance what is already published?
consider the limitations of the study

8. Conclusion

brief conclusion of the research
potential project improvements if you were to repeat the study
future steps/directions

9. Reference list

Resources

RACP Online Learning Resource: Research Project
Research Project checklist and planner (XLS)

Submission guidelines

When electronically submitting your Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP), you’re to provide:

an Advanced Training Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
Turnitin similarity report

The Turnitin submission and reporting process is outlined in the project cover sheet.

Email your research project submission to Research.Project@racp.edu.au

About Turnitin

Turnitin is an originality and plagiarism detection tool, which compares projects against electronic texts from the Internet, published works and assignments previously submitted to Turnitin by other users.

The similarity report you’re to obtain from Turnitin provides you the opportunity to make any changes prior to submitting your project to the College for marking.

An updated similarity report must be submitted with the project if changes are made. If an updated report isn’t submitted, the College will obtain a report on your behalf and you won’t have the opportunity to make changes.

Find out more about Turnitin detection tool.

For most Advanced Training Programs, submission of your research project is due by your second last year of training to ensure enough time for marking the project and the opportunity to resubmit if required. Refer to the requirements for submission dates.

To request an extension, contact your specialty’s Education Officer.

If you don’t meet the prescribed deadline, it could delay your progression of training, or if you're near the end of training, it can delay your admission to Fellowship. It’s important to plan early and submit your project as soon as possible.

Resources

Advanced Training Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
Advanced Training Research Project marking criteria (DOC)
Research Project checklist and planner (XLS)

Marking outcomes

Research projects are independently marked by 2 assessors using the Advanced Training Research Project marking criteria (DOC) common to all Advanced Training Programs.

In the case that the assessors cannot reach agreement, the research project is sent to a third assessor who will determine an outcome.

There are 3 grading outcomes that a project reviewer can make:

Pass — meets expected standard, below expected standard in no more than 1 criterion
Resubmit — 2 or more areas below the expected standard
Fail — doesn’t meet any of the criteria for a research project

You’ll receive the outcome of your project within approximately 8 to 12 weeks of submission to the College. Delays in receiving project outcomes can happen between September and January, when the majority of project submissions are expected to occur.

If your project is marked as ‘resubmit’, you’ll have 2 more opportunities to resubmit the same project to assessors with revisions. If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome following 2 resubmissions, you can request for 2 new assessors to mark the project.

You can also request 2 new assessors to mark your project if it’s marked as a ‘fail’ in the first instance.

In this stage of marking, there are only 2 marking outcomes new assessors can provide — ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. If your project is marked as a ‘fail’ by the 2 new assessors, you cannot resubmit again and will need to complete a substantially new project to meet your ATRP requirement.

Resources

Advanced Training Research Project marking criteria (DOC)

Project supervisor's role

Your research project supervisor guides you with your project choice, method, data analysis and interpretation, and quality of written and oral presentation.

A project supervisor requires specific skills and experience and likely won't be your training rotation supervisor. To find an appropriate supervisor:

explore the work of notable researchers in your hospital or network who may be able to help you find suitable potential project supervisors
ask your training rotation supervisor for advice, relevant contacts or to direct you to another colleague who can
attend research groups or events held at your hospital to get ideas, meet research supervisors and network with trainees

These steps are important if you’re at a small training site with limited research opportunities.

If you end up with a project supervisor and a training rotation supervisor, clear communication between both supervisors is important so that they’re both aware of your progress in your research project work.

A project supervisor should:

familiarise themselves with the guidelines and marking standards
recommend colleagues to assist with supervision, if necessary
meet with you early in the period of supervision to clarify the research project goals and requirements
consider and provide feedback regarding the merits of the proposed research project early in the process
ensure that your planned research project is feasible and of a suitable standard
review the feasibility of your developed project timeline
clarify access to statistical support or other resources required
monitor progress at regular intervals
review the research project prior to submission, ensuring it’s of an acceptable standard
support you to find a forum to present the research project
approve the research project prior to submission to indicate that the proportion of work attributed you is correct

When selecting a research project supervisor, choose someone who:

aligns with your goals
is an expert in the area of your research
is available for regular meetings or other correspondence
is interested in providing mentorship and guidance on the project
is interested in the topic of the proposal
provides constructive criticism on completed work, such as abstracts and academic writing
enjoys sharing knowledge, such as laboratory or technical skills, academic research and writing skills
is experienced supervising research students

You should establish manageable expectations and practice open and clear communication with your research project supervisor from the beginning.

Resources

RACP Online Learning Resource: Research Project

Case-based Discussion

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Overview

A Case-based Discussion (CbD) is a work-based assessment and Advanced Training Program requirement used to evaluate your professional judgement in clinical cases.

A CbD involves a comprehensive review of a clinical case or cases between you and an assessor. After the CbD, the assessor provides constructive feedback to help you improve and structure your future learning.

The CbD aims to:

guide your learning through structured feedback
improve clinical decision making, clinical knowledge and patient management
provide you with an opportunity to discuss their approach to the case and identify strategies to improve your practice
enable your assessor to share their professional knowledge and experience

An assessor can choose any case or cases where you'll play a significant role in clinical decision-making and patient management. The discussion should reflect your level of experience and be linked to your Advanced Training Curriculum.

The discussion may focus on a single complex case or a series of cases covering a wide range of clinical areas. Areas may include:

record keeping
history taking
clinical findings and interpretation
management plan
follow-up and future planning

Step-by-step: Case-based Discussion

Arrange a CbD with your assessor.

Your assessor will choose an appropriate case or cases.

Confirm the chosen case or cases with your assessor.

Provide your assessor with a CbD rating form (PDF).

Discuss the case or cases with your assessor – allow for at least 30 minutes.
Note: Your assessor will be making notes and ratings on the CbD rating form during this discussion.

Your assessor provides you feedback following your CbD – allow for at least 10 minutes.

You and your assessor sign the CbD rating form.

Enter the data from your completed CbD form into the online CbD tool via your relevant training portal:
Advanced Training Portal | AFRM Portal | AFPHM Portal | AFOEM Portal

Submit a copy of your completed form to your assessor through the online CbD tool in your training portal.

Requirements

Requirement

4 x Case-based Discussions (CbD) to be completed per core clinical year (2 per 6-month period)

Deadlines

Due 31 January in the following year.

In your final year, CbDs are due 15 October.

Submit your CbD rating form data via the Advanced Training Portal.

Resources

Case-based Discussion rating form (PDF)

Cultural Safety

Requirement for trainees who commenced in 2023 onwards

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Overview

Specialist training requires you to:

examine your own implicit biases
be mindful of power differentials
develop reflective practice
undertake transformative unlearning
contribute to a decolonisation of health services for Indigenous peoples

The Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course teaches best practice medicine for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori patients through reflection on your own cultural values and recognition of their influence on professional practice.

Resources

RACP Online Learning: Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety

Requirements

Requirement

1 x Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course^*

^* If not completed during Basic Training.

Certification

You immediately receive your certificate on RACP Online Learning when you complete the course.

Deadline

You must complete the course by the end of your Advanced Training however it’s recommended you complete it within your first year.

Resources

RACP Online Learning: Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety

Developmental and Psychosocial Training

Requirement for Paediatrics & Child Health trainees only

Australia

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Overview

Developmental and Psychosocial (D&P) Training assists trainees to develop a sophisticated understanding of child development, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social areas, which should be gained from the perspective of the child within the family and in the context of the community.

A mandatory period of D&P Training for all paediatricians was introduced to ensure that the changing nature of paediatric practice is reflected in the training programs.

Apply

Prospectively apply for D&P Training via the Advanced Training online registration.

Allowed rotations

Child and adolescent mental health
Child protection
Community paediatrics
Developmental/behavioural paediatrics
Disability/rehabilitation paediatrics
Palliative medicine

These areas reflect a holistic approach to the health problems of children and young people. An understanding of the roles and inter-relationships of many allied health and community-based services, in a way that distinguishes them from experience in organ-based specialties, is required.

Approved training options

A prospectively approved psychosocial training position (6 months)

The 6-month training program can be completed in one of these formats:

2 x 3-month terms
1 x 6-month block
a continuous part-time position, such as 2.5 days a week for 12 months^*

A prospectively approved rural position (6 months)

Complete the 6-month training comprised of a documented weekly program in the psychosocial training areas with an appropriate level of supervision.

Attendance at a prospectively approved clinic

The 6-month training program can be completed in one of these formats:

2 x sessions a week for 18 months
1 x session a week for 3 years

You must also complete an approved learning module.

^*A conglomerate of experience for shorter time periods adding up to 6 months will not be acceptable.

Approved clinics

An approved clinic is determined to be a clinic where other health and/or educational professionals are involved, and supervision is directed by a paediatrician who is experienced in one or multiple areas of D&P Training, such as behaviour, development, rehabilitation and child protection.

Approved learning module options

An approved learning module includes one of the following options:

Evidence of attendance at a lecture series at a recognised institution, related to the D&P Training areas.
3 x referenced case reports/essays demonstrating comprehensive understanding of 3 different issues in the areas of psychosocial training – for example rehabilitation or community paediatrics (1500 to 2000 words each).
Completion of the Griffith Mental Developmental Scales course.

Other prospectively approved modules may be considered.

Resources

Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report form (DOC)

Requirements

Requirement

1 x 6-month period of training during your Basic or Advanced Training

Deadline

You must complete your Developmental and Psychosocial Training by the end of Advanced Training.

At the end of your rotation, you must submit an Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report (DOC) for certification.

Supervision

A satisfactory Supervisor’s Report for Developmental and Psychosocial (D&P) Training is required for your training to be certified.

You must nominate a supervisor for your D&P Training component during your Advanced Training.

Advanced Trainees who want their D&P Training rotation to count towards their specialty training time must also submit a specialty Supervisor’s Report.

Resources

Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report form (DOC)

Aotearoa New Zealand

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Overview

A mandatory period of D&P Training for all paediatricians was introduced to ensure that the changing nature of paediatric practice is reflected in the training programs.

Apply

Prospectively apply for D&P Training via your Advanced Training registration process.

Allowed rotations

Adolescent medicine
Child protection and adolescent psychiatry
Community paediatrics
Developmental/behavioural paediatrics
Disability/rehabilitation paediatrics

Rotations not suitable for D&P Training:

Paediatric gastroenterology^*
Paediatric neurology^**

^* Exceptions may be possible if rotation is specifically designed to have a D&P Training focus. However, this would be unlikely in Basic Training and would require specific prospective approval.
^** Rotation usually not possible unless there is significant developmental focus. Not possible at SHO level.

Logbook

Alternatively, you can gain the required training by managing suitable cases over a longer period with appropriate supervision. Your training must be documented in a logbook.

You must keep a record of at least 12 cases you've personally managed under supervision.

In your logbook, your entries must cover a range of conditions:

Developmental problems, with a focus on the response of parents, families and caregivers to the diagnosis and ongoing care of the child with special needs.
Pervasive developmental disorders.
General learning disability — the behaviour problems that arise secondary to this condition.
Chronic illness — behavioural and psychological problems resulting from chronic illness, and parent and family difficulties resulting from chronic conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, chronic arthritis, chronic respiratory disease, physical disability and childhood cancer.
Common behavioural paediatric problems such as enuresis, encopresis, sleep disturbance, eating difficulties, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, and pre-school behavioural adjustment disorders.

You're to provide a summary of the issues involved in each case and how they were managed. Copies of clinical letters are not appropriate.

Cases will generally accumulate over a 2-year period and each case record must be signed by the supervisor.

Resources

Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report form (DOC)
Psychosocial Logbook example (PDF)
Psychosocial Logbook template (DOC)

Requirements

Requirement

1 x 3-month period of training during your Basic or Advanced Training

Deadline

You must complete your Developmental and Psychosocial Training by the end of Advanced Training.

At the end of your rotation, you must submit an Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report (DOC) for certification.

Supervision

Trainees must nominate a paediatrician with a special interest and skill in behavioural paediatrics or, where available, a child psychiatrist or paediatric clinical psychologist, to act as their supervisor.

We will provide your nominated supervisor with information about the requirements for the logbook as well as review the logbook.

A satisfactory Supervisor’s Report for Developmental and Psychosocial Training is required for your training to be certified.

Advanced Trainees who want their Developmental and Psychosocial Training rotation to count towards their specialty training time must also submit a specialty Supervisor’s Report.

Resources

Advanced Training Developmental and Psychosocial Training Supervisor's Report (PDF)
Psychosocial Logbook example (PDF)
Psychosocial Logbook template (DOC)

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

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Overview

The Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is an evidence-based assessment used to guide your learning and competency.

You will perform a procedure on a patient in the workplace, while an experienced and knowledgeable assessor observes your performance.

Step-by-step: Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

Negotiate a procedure with your supervisor for the DOPS assessment.

Provide your assessor with a copy of the DOPS rating form (PDF).

Your assessor observes you while you perform a procedure.

The assessor provides you with immediate feedback on the procedure.

You and your assessor both sign the DOPS rating form.

Enter the data from your completed DOPS rating form online via the Advanced Training Portal.

Once submitted, your assessor will receive a copy of the DOPS form. Your supervisor can also view your DOPS rating form online.

Assessment areas

During a DOPS, you can be assessed across up to ten assessment domains:

Understanding of indications, relevant anatomy, technique of procedure
Obtains informed consent
Appropriate pre-procedure preparation
Patient and risk awareness
Aseptic technique
Technical ability
Seeks help where appropriate
Post-procedure management
Communication skills
Consideration for patient

Feedback

An assessor provides feedback to help identify learning needs and plan future learning opportunities for your training, as well as identify your observed strengths.

The feedback should be given in a structured manner by breaking up the procedure into skill-related areas. This will help you focus your future learning.

You’ll have the opportunity to comment on the assessor’s feedback and with them develop an action plan for future skill development.

Your learning plan should be reviewed by your supervisor (if they’re not your assessor) following its development and reviewed again at your next meeting to see your progress against the action plan.

Resources

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills rating form (PDF)

Requirements

Requirement

2 x Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) per core clinical year (1 per 6-month period), early in the rotation

Deadlines

Due 31 January in the following year.

In your final year, DOPS are due by 15 October.

Submit your DOPS via the Advanced Training Portal.

Resources

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills rating form (PDF)

Procedures

Your Advanced Training Program has an identified list of procedures in its Advanced Training Curriculum that are suitable for one or more DOPS.

Suitable procedures are central to practice in each specialty and complex enough to warrant observation and feedback across a number of assessment domains.

Acceptable procedures

For each core clinical training year:

1 x Skin-prick test (minimum)
1 x Intradermal test (minimum)

Procedures are to be performed under observation on two separate occasions. A total of 4 procedures must be completed during your 2 years of core training.

Resources

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills rating form (PDF)

Immunology and Allergy Research Project

Requirement for trainees who commenced before 2017 and in 2019 onwards

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Overview

An Immunology and Allergy Research Project enables you to gain a broad range of knowledge as outlined in the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF).

These requirements enable you to gain experience:

in research methods
in interpretation of research literature
in participation in research at some stage of your career
to develop quality improvement skills

Your research project should demonstrate:

evidence of the skills of considering and defining research problems
the systematic acquisition, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of data
effective written communication

Research projects can form part of a higher research degree undertaken during or prior to commencement of Advanced Training. Ideally, you should complete the research project during your Advanced Training.

You should develop your presentation skills through presenting clinical or laboratory projects at the national meetings of the relevant colleges and/or societies.

Exemptions

Post-Fellowship trainees or those who have completed higher degree studies that satisfactorily meet the requirement criteria can be exempted from the requirement.

Advanced Trainees who have completed an Advanced Training Research Project that is specific to immunology and allergy and was supervised by an immunology and allergy Fellow during Advanced Training.

We recommend that you contact the RACP Education Officer early in your Advanced Training and prior to starting your project via immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Requirements

Requirement

1 x Immunology and Allergy Research Project over the course of your Advanced Training

Deadlines

Trainees who commenced in 2019 onwards: 15 September in any training year^*.

Trainees who commenced before 2017: 15 September in your penultimate training year.

Late submission of your research project can delay certification and completion of your Advanced Training.

^* Not required if your completed Advanced Training Research Project is specific to immunology and allergy and is supervised by an immunology and allergy Fellow during Advanced Training.

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Research Project cover sheet (DOC)

Accepted project formats

Your Immunology and Allergy Research Project can be presented one of these formats:

Quality assurance activity or clinical audit that refines or attempts to refine standards in patient management within clinical immunology, with recommendations for improvements in patient care.
Analysis of a laboratory test of an immunological condition.
Analysis of a clinical test of an immunological condition.
Case series identifying a novel aspect of an immunological condition.
Case report with detailed laboratory assessment beyond routinely available diagnostic assays.
Note: A simple case report is only satisfactory when used as an introduction to an extensive literature review.
Small clinical study of a novel therapeutic, or more likely an established therapeutic for a novel condition.
Basic research project within the discipline of immunology.
Detailed review of the literature on an immunological topic.

Other projects formats can be acceptable as long as they meet the requirement objectives. Discuss the project format choice prior to commencing your research project with the RACP Education Officer at immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Submission guidelines

Format

Your research project must be presented in a rigorous scientific format that is suitable for publication, with these defined sections:

Abstract
Introduction
Aims
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

A peer-reviewed medical journal publication is the best example of this format.

Word limit: 5000 to 10,000 words.

Shorter, concise submissions can be considered satisfactory as long as they meet the full criteria.

Project criteria

Your research project must:

contribute to established medical knowledge
constitute as a significant body of work, either as a publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal or as a scientific report
be presented in a logical sequence and convey a detailed understanding of the topic, with appropriate and comprehensive reference to published medical literature
be your original work – any work that is not authored by you can be included in an appendix or referenced but it won’t be considered against the marking criteria
detail your exact contribution if you’re not the author of the publication – your contribution alone is what is assessed

When working towards completing your research project, you should allocate 8 hours a week over a 1-year period.

Submission

Submit your Immunology and Allergy Research Project, along with a signed research project cover sheet (DOC), to immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Project supervisor's role

The role of your project supervisor is to assist you in your project selection and design and provide guidance in your completion of the research project. Your project supervisor is not a joint author.

Your project supervisor is to review and confirm your research project as satisfactory prior to submission, along with a statement detailing the their assessment of the project’s merits and your input, through the research project cover sheet (DOC).

You must allow adequate time for your project supervisor to review, provide feedback prior to completion and to certify for submission.

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Research Project cover sheet (DOC)
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Learning Needs Analysis

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Overview

A Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) embeds the process of planning and evaluating learning in the trainee’s practice.

The LNA is designed to help you:

tailor your learning experiences and build on clinical knowledge and skills
enhance face-to-face communication with your supervisor
provide information on your learning needs and progress
reflect on your strengths, limitations and future learning strategies

Your ward/service consultant or supervisor are responsible for:

advising you of available learning opportunities and resources
ensuring you have set appropriate goals and identified achievable learning objectives
reviewing your completed LNA and providing you feedback

Step-by-step: Learning Need Analysis

You need to complete a specified number of LNAs each year, per rotation. Refer to the training program requirements for the required number.

Prepare for your LNA

To plan the learning objectives for each training period, discuss the learning opportunities and resources available with your ward/service consultant or supervisor.

Meet with your consultant/supervisor to discuss:
- career goals
- personal strengths and weaknesses
- strengths and constraints of the training site/rotation, including the expertise of the medical staff and the resources available
- requirements established in the curriculum, the Professional Practice Framework and Professional Standards (PDF)

Create your LNA: Part 1

Log into your online training portal and create a new LNA
Basic Training Portal^* | Advanced Training Portal | AFOEM Portal | AFRM Portal

You'll be prompted to enter:
- learning goals for the training period
- self-evaluation on current competency for the goals identified
- learning objectives from the curricula that map to your goals (optional)
- strategies and resources that will assist your learning
- contact details of additional supervisors (optional)

Submit Part 1 of your LNA

You and your consultant/supervisor can meet to review and improve your LNA

Begin implementing your LNA over your training period

Complete your LNA: Part 2

At the end of your training period, you'll complete a self-evaluation of your LNA.

Provide your input on:
- competency in the areas specified in the learning plan
- evidence of learning
- reflection on training period

Complete your LNA by submitting LNA Part 2

Your consultant/supervisor can access your completed LNA

^* New trainees who don't currently have access to the Basic Training Portal can complete a Learning Needs Analysis form (DOC). You don't need to submit this to your supervisor. When you have access to the portal, fill in your LNA online.

Requirements

Requirement

2 x Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) per core clinical year (1 per 6-month period), early in the rotation

Deadlines

Due 31 January in the following year.

In your final year, LNAs are due 15 October.

Submit your LNA via the Advanced Training Portal.

Logbook

Open all

Overview

A logbook ensures that you cover an adequate breadth and practice in procedural skills. It also allows you to reflect on your experience and knowledge gained and identify any gaps.

Your logbook should record:

date of procedure
diagnosis
patient status
- new
- follow-up
encounter type
- inpatient
- consult
- outpatient
reviewed by consultant
- yes – include their name
- no
category
- immunology
- allergy
- immunodeficiency

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Logbook template (XLS)

Requirements

Requirement

1 x Logbook to be completed each core clinical rotation

Deadline

Due at the end of each core clinical rotation.

Submit your logbook along with your Supervisor's Report (DOC) to immunologyallergy@racp.edu.au

Resources

Immunology and Allergy Logbook template (XLS)
Immunology and Allergy Supervisor's Report (DOC)

Supervisor's Report

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Overview

A Supervisor's Report provides a comprehensive overview of your progress and achievement during the training year. It provides you with structured feedback on your performance from your supervisor and will inform the decision on the certification of your training.

How to complete your Supervisor’s Report

Your nominated supervisor(s) are listed in your online Supervisor’s Report and must complete their section of the report.

Using a laptop or desktop PC, open a new Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser.

Open the report for your current training period.

Complete the active fields in each report tab. Some fields are for supervisors only and will appear inactive to trainees.

After your supervisor(s) have completed their assessment, you should meet with them to discuss their assessment of your performance.

Following your discussion, your supervisor submits the report.

You and your supervisor(s) can add comments and complete declarations in the ‘Submit report’ tab.

Your report is complete only after you and your supervisor(s) have completed the declarations.

Late submission

The Training Committee may not certify training if your Supervisor’s Report is submitted after the specified deadline.

Late reports will not be accepted unless you’ve been granted an extension through an Application for Special Consideration^* (DOC).

Special Consideration must be applied for prior to the Supervisor’s Report deadline. You can also submit a letter of explanation to support your application.

Applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy (PDF).

^* As outlined in the Progression Through Training Policy (PDF), section 4.6.9:
‘Training will not be certified where the trainee has not satisfactorily completed all training requirements for the prospectively approved training period by the relevant deadline(s), or during an extension period if granted by the committee.’

Resources

Online Supervisor's Report
Multi-factor authentication
Education policies

Requirements

Requirement

12-month position (full-time and part-time trainees)

1 x Supervisor’s Report for the first 6 months of the training year due by 15 July
1 x Supervisor’s Report for the last 6 months of the training year due by 31 January in the following year

6-month position or less (separate supervisors or separate sites)

1 x Supervisor’s Report completed for each rotation:
- Due 15 July for rotations in the first half of the year
- Due 31 January for rotations in the second half of the year

In your final clinical training year, we recommend submitting your last Supervisor's Report before the 31 January deadline to avoid delaying certification of the training period.

If your supervisor hasn’t directly supervised you throughout the whole rotation, your supervisor should obtain individual reports from those who have and submit a composite report.

You are to ensure all supervisors receive a copy of the Supervisor’s Report. Previous copies of Supervisor’s Reports must be provided to your next supervisor.

Resources

Joint Immunology and Allergy online Supervisor's Report (RACP login required)
Online Supervisor's Report FAQs
Supervisor Details Amendment Form (DOC)

Examinations

The RCPA provides comprehensive information regarding each examination requirement of your RACP/RCPA Joint Training Program.

RCPA Basic Pathological Sciences Examination
For trainees who commence in 2020 onwards.

RCPA Part I Immunology Examination

RCPA Part II Immunology Examination

More information

Education policies
RACP Online Learning resources
Trainee support

Forms and resources

Curricula

Clinical Immunology and Allergy Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF)
Professional Qualities Curriculum (PDF)

RCPA

Curriculum and Training Handbooks
Examinations

Advanced Training Portal

Forms and reports

Specialty Societies

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy is the peak professional body representing clinical immunology and allergy physicians and paediatricians in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

RACP resources

Trainee support is available through the Training Support Pathway, assisting you in navigating the progression through training process and reporting on your progress to your training committee.

RACP Online learning resources is home to all online learning opportunities for trainees, with its range of online learning courses, resources and interactive learning content. It also hosts:

College Learning Series is an interactive online resource specifically targeted to the needs of Basic Trainees.
Curated collections are learning resource guides based on the contributions and peer review of RACP Fellows and other experts.

Pomegranate Health podcast is a monthly medical podcast created by physicians, for physicians.

Evolve is a physician-led initiative to ensure the highest quality patient care through the identification and reduction of low-value practices and interventions.

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Joint Immunology and Allergy

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Program overview

Advanced Training in Joint Immunology and Allergy is a joint program between the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Program updates

Entry requirements

Joint Training Program requirements

Duration

Fellowship