Palliative Medicine

Program
overview
Apply
or re-register
Program
requirements
Additional
resources

Program overview

ProgCov-palliative-medicine-advanced-handbook-2017-18 In Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine, you will explore a depth of specialty training in the management of patients with active, progressive and far-advanced disease, for whom the prognosis is limited and the focus of care is on their quality of life. You will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant. The program builds your skills through work-based assessments and learning tools

The Program Handbook

All our Advanced Training programs are evaluated biennially by overseeing committees to ensure they are in line with educational best practice. Changes in program requirements may occur and could impact your training plan. Please ensure you are following the correct handbook during your training. You can find the latest changes in the 2017-18 program updates

Entry requirements

Prospective trainees must:

have completed the RACP Basic Physician Training (including the RACP Written and Clinical Examinations) or hold a Fellowship from another prescribed medical college
hold a current medical registration
have an appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training position

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

Eligibility and entry requirements for RACP Advanced Training (Adult Medicine and Paediatrics)

New trainees can apply for Advanced Training after completing Basic Training through the relevant Division, including passing the Divisional Written and Clinical Examinations. They must have current medical registration and appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training position at a suitable training site.

Eligibility and entry requirements for AChPM Advanced Training (Adult Medicine only)

Trainees may apply to enter Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine after obtaining Fellowship of another College (e.g. Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners). Upon acceptance into the training program, trainees should seek appointment to an accredited Advanced Training position.

Trainees must be a Fellow of one of the following colleges/faculties:

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM)
Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (FAFRM)
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetics (FANZCA)
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)
College of Intensive Care Medicine (FCICM)
Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA)
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG)
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP)
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR)
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP)

Advanced Training positions

Core training needs to be undertaken at accredited training sites that have been accredited by the overseeing committee for Advanced Training in the relevant specialty. Please note that the College is not responsible for trainee recruitment and has no role in the recruitment process.

Approval and certification of training

Once trainees have secured a training position, they must prospectively apply for approval as per the Progression through Training Policy. Approval of training periods will be determined by the overseeing committee. To be approved, a trainee’s individual training program must be consistent with the training requirements and appropriate for the stage in training. Upon completion of each rotation or calendar year of training, the overseeing committee considers each trainee’s progress according to the program requirements. If all requirements of training have been satisfactorily completed, the overseeing committee will certify the period of training.

Note: that trainees entering Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine through this pathway will be granted Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine via the Adult Medicine Division of the College. Trainees wishing to specialise in Paediatric Palliative Medicine must enter the program via RACP Basic Training in Paediatrics and Child Health.

Duration

The Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine requires three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) training, undertaken at an accredited training site.

Qualification

Trainees entering the program through RACP Basic Training will be awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) and Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM). Trainees entering the program through Fellowship of another College will be awarded Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM).

New Fellows will receive formal notification from the College that they have been admitted to Fellowship and receive a letter confirming the completion of their training. All Fellows in Australia, New Zealand and overseas in active practice must meet the requirements of a Continuing Professional Development program.

Apply or re-register

Australia

When open, Australian trainees can use the Advanced Training portal.

Apply Online

Alternatively, download, complete and submit your Alternatively email an application form (DOC 86KB) to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au

New Zealand

New Zealand trainees can email their completed Alternatively email your application form (DOC 86KB) to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au

Trainees with Fellowship of another College

Trainees with Fellowship of another College must first complete the Application form for Entry into Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine (DOC 86KB) before submitting an application form to apply for Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine.

Advanced Training positions

Core training generally needs to be undertaken at accredited training sites

Approval and certification of training

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

Approval of training periods will be determined by the overseeing committee. To be approved, your individual training program must be consistent with the training requirements and appropriate for the stage in training.

Upon completion of each rotation or calendar year of training, the overseeing committee considers your progress according to the program requirements. If all requirements of training have been satisfactorily completed, the overseeing committee will certify the period of training.

Variations to your training

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 or withdrawing from training, exceptional circumstances and time limits.

Changes to rotation or supervision

If there will be a change to your rotation, re-submit a registration form (if the online registration is not open).
Change to supervision must be notified as soon as possible by submitting a Supervisor Detailed Amendment Form (DOC 1MB)

Key dates

Closing dates for applications:

31 October: Optional early closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the first half or whole of the following year and December-April rotations
15 February: Closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the current year
31 May: Optional early closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year
31 August: Closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year.

See also important dates for Australia and New Zealand trainees.

Late applications

Late applications may be considered up to one month after the deadline. Late applications incur a late fee. Applications received one month after the deadline will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated in line with the special considerations for assessment policy

Fees

The standard annual membership fees apply to the Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine program.

Program requirements

By the end of Advanced Training, you must have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of several work-based learning and assessment tools. These 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.

Requirements overview - Adult Medicine trainees commencing training from 2017 onwards

Core training
(minimum 24 months)

Supervision

Training terms 1, 2 and 3:

2 supervisors with FRACP or FAChPM who are actively practising in palliative medicine

Training term 4:

1 supervisor with FRACP (Medical Oncology) or FRACP/FRCPA (Clinical Haematology) or FANZCR (Radiation Oncology) as relevant to term
1 supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended)

Assessments

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

Non-core training
(maximum 12 months)

Supervision

Training term 5:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine
1 supervisor actively practising in relevant specialty with relevant Fellowship

Training term 6:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on-site supervisor who works closely with the trainee – this supervisor does not necessarily have to hold FRACP or FAChPM

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended)

Assessment

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

By the end of Advanced Training

You will have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of:

Adult Medicine

six months inpatient unit/hospice
six months community setting
six months teaching hospital/consultation
six months cancer care setting
six months palliative medicine variable or relevant specialty training
six months non-core/elective training

1 Case Study
1 Research Project
Online Learning Module: Pain Management
Communication Skills Workshop (recommended only)

Requirements overview - Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training before 2017

Go to Additional resources for this program's curricula

Core training
(minimum 30 months)

Supervision

Training terms 1, 2 and 3:

2 supervisors with FRACP or FAChPM who are actively practising in palliative medicine

Training term 4:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine
1 co-supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM

Training term 5:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine
1 supervisor who is actively practising in relevant specialty with relevant Fellowship

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended)

Assessments

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

Non-core training
(maximum 6 months)

Supervision

Training term 6:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on-site supervisor who works closely with the trainee – this supervisor does not necessarily have to hold FRACP or FAChPM

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended).

Assessment

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

By the end of Advanced Training

You will have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of:

Adult Medicine

six months inpatient unit/hospice
six months community setting
six months teaching hospital/consultation
six months palliative medicine variable
six months oncology
six months non-core/elective training

1 Case Study
1 Research Project
Online Learning Module: Pain Management
Communication Skills Workshop (recommended)

Requirements overview - Paediatrics & Child Health trainees

Go to Additional resources for this program's curricula

Core training
(minimum 30 months)

Supervision

Per core six month rotation:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in paediatric palliative medicine
1 co-supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM

Per relevant specialty six month rotation:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM, who is actively practicing in paediatric palliative medicine (can be remote supervision).
1 on-site supervisor who holds Fellowship of a relevant medical college and is working in the area of the specialty.

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended)

Assessments

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

Non-core training
(maximum 6 months)

Supervision

Per non-core six month rotation:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on site supervisor who works closely with the trainee – this supervisor does not necessarily have to hold FRACP or FAChPM.

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per six month rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis
1 Professional Qualities Reflection (recommended).

Assessment

Per six month rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report
3 Case-based Discussions
3 mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises

By the end of Advanced Training

You will have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of:

Paediatrics & Child Health

24 months core training
6 months in relevant specialty training
6 months in non-core training

1 Case Study
1 Research Project
Online Learning Module: Pain Management
Communication Skills Workshop (recommended)
Developmental and Psychosocial Training

Time-based requirements - Adult Medicine

These requirements ensure adequate time for trainees to gain necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations.

Training rotations

Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training from 2017 onwards

24 months core training
12 months non-core training

Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training before 2017

30 months core training
6 months non-core training

Training time

You must complete Training Terms 1, 2 and 3 in Australia and/or New Zealand. Training needs to be undertaken at accredited training sites that have been accredited by the overseeing committee.

Please note that the College is not responsible for trainee recruitment and has no role in the recruitment process.

Time-based requirements - Paediatrics & Child Health

These requirements ensure adequate time for trainees to gain necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations.

Training rotations

30 months core training
6 months non-core training

Training time

You must spend a minimum of 18 months (FTE) core training in Australia and/or New Zealand. Training needs to be undertaken at accredited training sites that have been accredited by the overseeing committee.

Please note that the College is not responsible for trainee recruitment and has no role in the recruitment process.

Supervision requirements

Supervision provide trainees with appropriate support and guidance to complete the training program.

Adult Medicine

Training terms 1, 2 and 3:

2 supervisors with FRACP or FAChPM who are actively practicing in palliative medicine

Training term 4 (for Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training from 2017 onwards):

1 supervisor with FRACP (Medical Oncology) or FRACP/FRCPA (Clinical Haematology) or FANZCR (Radiation Oncology) for terms in Medical Oncology, Clinical Haematology or Radiation Oncology respectively
1 supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine

Training term 4 (for Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training before 2017):

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine
1 co-supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM

Training term 5 (for Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training from 2017 onwards):

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine
1 supervisor actively practicing in relevant specialty with relevant Fellowship

Training term 5 (for Adult Medicine trainees who commenced training before 2017):

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine
1 supervisor who is actively practicing in a relevant specialty with relevant Fellowship

Training term 6:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on-site supervisor who works closely with the trainee – this supervisor does not necessarily have to hold FRACP or FAChPM

Paediatrics & Child Health

Per core training term:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practicing in paediatric palliative medicine
1 co-supervisor who holds FRACP or FAChPM

Per relevant specialty training term:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in paediatric palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on-site supervisor who holds Fellowship of a relevant medical college and is working in the area of the specialty

Per non-core training term:

1 supervisor with FRACP or FAChPM who is actively practising in palliative medicine (can be remote supervision)
1 on-site supervisor who works closely with the trainee – this supervisor does not necessarily have to hold FRACP or FAChPM

More information

Work-based learning and assessment tools

Open All

Case-based Discussion

This formative assessment will guide your learning through structured feedback and help the supervisor evaluate the expertise and judgement exercised in clinical cases.

Requirement

Three per six month rotation (core and non-core). Due by 15 July for first half year terms and 31 January of the following year for second half year terms

Optional early due dates: 15 May for first half year terms and 30 November for second half year terms

More information

Enter Case-based Discussion rating form data into the Advanced Training Portal
See Case-based Discussion for information sheets, workflow, ratings and other resources

Case Study

This summative assessment will help ground you in the culture of palliative medicine and interdisciplinary palliative care.

Requirement

You are required to submit one case study of a single patient you have managed over the course of training, due by the end of the first 12 months of core training.

Additional requirements

The case study will not solely focus on the clinical aspects of the individual patient’s disease, but will also consider the global issues of palliative care and the role of the doctor as a provider of palliative medicine to this patient. The trainee will explore the impact that caring for the particular patient and their family had on them personally.

The case study is limited to 3500 words, of which 500 words will explore the trainees’ own reactions to the experience in palliative medicine, and will include relevant references. The case study must include an introduction, case study, discussion (including the trainee’s own reflection on the case), conclusion and references. Even though the case would not normally be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for consideration for publication, the case study must still be of sufficient standard.

Submission & resubmission

A trainee has a maximum of three submissions for one case study. Two unsatisfactory resubmissions of the case study are accepted before the trainee is required to submit a new case study.

Case studies cannot be marked without a cover sheet, on which are the Educational Supervisor’s signature and comments. One electronic copy of the case study as a Word Document with the signed cover sheet as a PDF must be emailed to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au

If the case study is marked as unsatisfactory, the trainee is required to resubmit their case study addressing the issues raised by the two assessors, along with a signed Resubmitted Case Study Cover Sheet. Resubmissions cannot be marked without a cover sheet, on which are the Educational Supervisor’s signature and comments. Trainees are required to submit this electronically to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au with the signed coversheet as a PDF and the resubmitted case study as a Word Document. Please note that hardcopies and faxed copies will not be accepted.

More information

See Additional resources for Cover Sheets, Examples and more
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism policy

Communication Skills Workshop

The Communication Skills Workshop will help you develop and improve communication with patients, carers and health workers.

Requirement

It is recommended that you attend at least one workshop prior to completion of training. The workshop is a three-day course held once a year and is facilitated by the Chapter of Palliative Medicine.

After completing the workshop, you should be able to:

explain how good doctor–patient communication can benefit both patients and clinicians
use verbal and non-verbal skills to respond to cues and emotions that arise during a consultation
elicit and address patients’ information needs and preferences
elicit and address patients’ goals, wishes, fears and concerns
elicit and address both patient and clinician agendas
introduce palliative care in a way that is consistent with the needs of the patient
discuss potentially threatening information in an empathetic manner
address conflict and mismatched expectations between the patient and clinician
establish appropriate goals of care at the end of life
reflect on their own communication skills with reference to the frameworks and techniques discussed in the workshop.

Developmental and Psychosocial Training

This training assists you in developing 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.

Requirement

This is a requirement for Paediatrics & Child Health trainees only.
Australia: Once over entire training period (Basic Training and Advanced Training) for six months due by the end of Advanced Training.
New Zealand: Once over entire training period (Basic Training and Advanced Training) for three months due by the end of Advanced Training.

More information

Developmental & Psychosocial Training

Learning Needs Analysis

Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) assists you in identifying your learning needs, plan your learning objectives, and evaluate your progress in your practice.

Requirement

One per six month rotation, early in the training term (core and non-core). Due by 15 July for first half year terms and 31 January of the following year for second half year terms.

Optional early due dates: 15 May for first half year terms and 30 November for second half year terms

More information

Complete and submit the LNA via the Advanced Training Portal
See Learning needs analysis for information sheets and other resources

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX)

This formative assessment is used to evaluate your clinical performance in real life settings. The mini-CEX ensures you receive timely, structured feedback on how to improve your practice in areas such as communication, history taking, physical examination and professional practice.

Requirement

Three mini-CEXs are to be completed per six month rotation (core and non-core), due by 15 July for first half year terms and 31 January of the following year for second half year terms.

Optional early due dates: 15 May for first half year terms and 30 November for second half year terms

More information

Complete and submit the mini-CEX via the Advanced Training Portal
See mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises for information sheet, workflow, rating forms and other resources

Pain Management eLearning@RACP Modules

The eLearning Modules are designed to help you acquire a minimum level of knowledge and skills in an area of medicine in which there are variable levels of evidence to guide practice, and often divergent opinions on management. The Palliative Medicine Pain Management Modules have been specifically designed to be consistent with the RACP Advanced Training Curriculum for Palliative Medicine.

Requirement

All 10 Pain Management Modules must be completed over the course of training, due by the end of Advanced Training.

The course presents relevant scenarios in a series of three long cases and seven short cases:

The three long cases address in depth the management of patients in the community, hospital and inpatient palliative care settings.
The seven short cases address specific issues around pain management.

Through an interactive case-based approach, the trainee can answer a series of case-based questions and then view expert answers written by Palliative Medicine physicians. A list of additional readings is included at the end of each section for trainees who wish to further explore the topic.

Long cases

Palliative Care in the Community Setting
Palliative Care in the Tertiary Setting
Palliative Care in a Palliative Care Unit

Short cases

Opioids in Renal Failure
Intrathecal Analgesia
Mucositis
Prescribing Errors
Tenesmus
Pain Assessment in the Profoundly Disabled Child
Non-pharmacological Management of Pain

Submission

Once Online Pain Management Module is completed, you must email 10 certificates of completion (seven short cases and three long cases) to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au

More information

RACP eLearning platform – Pain Management

Professional Qualities Reflection (PQR)

This exercise helps you articulate and formalise ideas and insights about your professional development through the process of reflection.

Requirement

One per six month rotation (core and non-core), due any time during the year.

More information

Complete and submit the PQR via the Advanced Training Portal
See Professional Qualities Reflection for information sheets and workflows

Research requirements

Trainees commencing training in 2017 onwards

Research requirements enable trainees to gain experience:

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

Submission of a research project provides:

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

Requirement

One over the course of training due by the annual submission date of 15 September in any year before the end of Advanced Training. The research project must be marked as satisfactory prior to admission to Fellowship. It is recommended that trainees submit their research project by 15 September in their penultimate year of training to allow time for marking and resubmission of research projects initially marked ‘Resubmit’.

Trainees who commenced training before 2017

Research requirements assess the capabilities of Advanced Trainees in the collection and analysis of data, the critical review of published information, and the synthesis and expression of conclusions

Requirements

One Palliative Medicine project over the course of training to be submitted during the final year of training and due by the end of Advanced Training.

Submission and resubmission

This project must be a substantive scholarly work. Advanced Training will not be completed and trainees will not be eligible for Fellowship until the research project has been assessed as satisfactory.
A trainee has a maximum of three submissions for one project. Two unsatisfactory resubmissions of the project are accepted before the trainee is required to submit a new project.

Palliative Medicine Projects cannot be marked without a cover sheet, on which are the Educational Supervisor’s signature and comments. One electronic copy of the project as a Word Document with the project cover sheet as a signed PDF must be emailed to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au
Note: Hard copies of these documents are no longer accepted.

If the project is marked as unsatisfactory, the trainee is required to resubmit their project addressing the issues raised by the two assessors, along with a signed Resubmitted Project Cover Sheet. Resubmissions cannot be marked without a project, on which are the Educational Supervisor’s signature and comments. Trainees are required to submit this electronically to PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au with the signed coversheet as a PDF and the resubmitted project as a Word Document.
Note: Hard copies and faxed copies will not be accepted

Types of projects

The following types of projects are acceptable:

Research
These are projects that have researched a specific topic relevant to palliative medicine, and have created new information for the literature.
Audit
This is a project that examines current clinical practice. The findings are expected to either confirm current clinical practice or suggest changes.
Research submission
A research submission must be submitted in a format equivalent to that of the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) or the New Zealand Medical Research Council (NZMRC). The submission should include information about statistical calculations and a budget for the project. It should also include patient information sheets and consent forms. The research submission should be of a sufficient standard to be submitted to a Research Ethics Review Committee.
Systematic review or literature review
A systematic review or literature review should be submitted in a format similar to the instructions on the Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Group (PaPaS) website.
Other possibilities*
In consultation with their project supervisor, and with the prior approval of the TCPM, trainees may submit alternative proposals that complement their previous experience and enhance their skills. Articles written by the trainee and published in peer-reviewed journals may also be acceptable as research projects. Submissions will be considered by the TCPM to ensure that they satisfy the project requirements, and are of the required standard for both academic content and presentation.

The project must be overseen by a project supervisor selected by the trainee. Once the project topic and type has been chosen trainees should complete the relevant section of the Application for Approval of Training to inform the TCPM. Trainees are advised to start considering their project as early as possible.

Trainees are required to meet regularly (face to face or electronically) with their project supervisor to monitor their progress on the project. Trainees who are having difficulty identifying a project supervisor should contact the TCPM for help. Reports considered unsatisfactory by the TCPM will be rejected, even if a favourable comment has been made by the project supervisor.

The research projects are marked (pass/fail) by two members (or previous members) of the TCPM. A third marker will review the project if the assessment of the first two markers is not unanimous.

Any comments from the markers regarding the project will be forwarded to the trainee to use as feedback for future work. Reasons for rejection and advice regarding re-submission will be sent to the trainee.

More information

Research Projects
eLearning@RACP - Research Projects
Education policies
See Additional resources for Cover Sheets and Examples

Supervisor’s Reports

These formative and summative assessments provide you with structured feedback on your performance mid-year and with a comprehensive overview of your progress at the end of the training year.

Requirement

One Supervisor’s Report is due per term (core and non-core):

One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 15 July for terms in the first half of the year.
One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 31 January of the following year for terms in the second half of the year.

Optional early due dates: 15 May for first half of the year and 30 November for second half of the year.

Supervisor's responsibilities

The Supervisor’s Report must be completed by supervisors who have directly supervised the trainee.
If the supervisor has not directly supervised the trainee throughout the whole rotation, the supervisor should obtain individual reports from those who have directly supervised the trainee and provide a composite report.
Supervisors should discuss the report with the trainee prior to both parties signing the report, and trainees should be provided with a copy of each report.

Trainee's responsibilities

It is the trainee’s responsibility to ensure that all supervisors receive a copy of the Supervisor’s Report. Failure to do this may result in delays or non-certification of a period of training.
Trainees must provide copies of previous Supervisor's Report(s) to the next year's/rotation’s supervisor. The College may provide subsequent supervisors with copies of past reports (and any other documents deemed relevant to the trainee’s training).

Progression to the next year of training is dependent upon the College receiving satisfactory Supervisor’s Report(s) covering the full year/period of training completed.

More information

Advanced Training Progress Reports
Progression Through Training Policy
See Additional resources for the Supervisor's Report and Amendment Form

Course overview

About work-based learning and assessment tools

Formative assessments focus on learning through feedback and guidance. The College’s formative assessments aid the trainee and supervisor through a formal feedback discussion, prompting areas for discussion highlighted by the trainee’s performance. The College’s formative assessments are based on existing workplace-based assessment methods and best practice in medical education.

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

Important dates

October - December

31 October: Optional early applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the first half or whole of the following year due*

January–March

15 February: Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the current year due

April–June

31 May: Optional early applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the current year due*
31 May: Optional early submissions of Supervisor’s Reports and all PREP tools for the first half of the year due*

July–September

15 July: Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools for the first half of the year due
31 August: Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the year due
15 September: Research Project submission date

October–December

15 October: Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools for the second half of the year due for trainees eligible for December Fellowship
31 October: Optional early submissions of Supervisor’s Reports and all PREP tools for the second half of the year due*

January

31 January: Previous year’s Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools for the second half of the year due for trainees not applying for Fellowship in December

*New Zealand trainees are encouraged to submit applications, Supervisor’s Reports and PREP tools by the early optional round dates

More information

Curricula, docs and assessment tools

Curricula / handbooks

Program Curriculum

Palliative Medicine Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF 1MB)

Program Handbook

Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine Handbook 2017-18 (PDF 0.2MB)
Note: this is a PDF version of this online handbook.
Palliative Medicine Handbook 2019-20 (PDF 1MB)

Forms and reports

Supervisor's Reports

Case study

Project (for trainees who commenced training before 2017)

Project (for trainees who commenced training after 2017)

Advanced Training Research Project

Online Modules

Pain Management eLearning@RACP Module

Specialty Societies

Specialty societies are medical/scientific societies that bring together research and clinical scientists and physicians who are actively involved in a particular area of medical practice, e.g. cardiology, geriatric medicine. The specialty societies are independent organisations that contribute to physician education through their members’ involvement in College education committees and activities.

Australian and New Zealand Society for Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM)
The Australian and New Zealand Society for Palliative Medicine is the peak professional body representing Palliative Medicine physicians/paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand.

Palliative Medicine

Program overview

The Program Handbook

Entry requirements

Eligibility and entry requirements for RACP Advanced Training (Adult Medicine and Paediatrics)

Eligibility and entry requirements for AChPM Advanced Training (Adult Medicine only)

Advanced Training positions

Approval and certification of training

Duration

Qualification

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