Rheumatology

Interim changes to program requirements

Interim requirements for all trainees are now listed under Program requirements. This follows a review by the Advanced Training Committee in Rheumatology and Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee in Rheumatology.

Trainees are expected to satisfactorily complete the 2020 training program requirements where possible.

The interim changes made are to provide flexibility and support to trainees who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Program overview

ProgCov-Rheumatology-handbook-2017-18 In Advanced Training in Rheumatology you will explore a new depth of specialty training in the diagnosis and holistic management of people with diseases that affect joints, muscles and bones. You will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant. The program builds on your skills through work-based assessments and learning tools

Program updates

See announced interim changes to program requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 guidelines during your training. You can find the latest updates in the 2019-20 program updates

Entry requirements

Prospective trainees must:

havecompleted the RACP Basic Training (including written and clinical exams),
hold a current medical registration and
have appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training Position.

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

Duration

The Advanced Training in Rheumatology requires three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) training at an accredited training site

Qualification

Successful trainees will be admitted to the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP). Eligibility is depended on the completion of all requirements of training. Once the overseeing committee has recommended you for admission, the College will invite you to apply for Fellowship.

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 online registration.

Apply Online

Alternatively, email an application form to Rheumatology@racp.edu.au

New Zealand

New Zealand trainees can email their application form to Rheumatology@racp.org.nz

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 option 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.

Key dates

Closing dates for applications in Australia:

15 February - Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the current year.
31 August - Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year.

Closing dates for applications in New Zealand:

31 March - Closing date for applications for prospective approval of April to August rotations.
31 May - Closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year.
31 October - Closing date for applications for prospective approval of rotations in the first half or whole of the following year

Trainees must organize the timely submission of all necessary documentation and keep a copy of the application for future reference. See also important dates for trainees and supervisors.

Late applications

Late applications may be considered up to one month after the deadline. 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. Late applications incur a late fee.

Fees

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

Program requirements

By the end of Advanced Training, you must have completed 36 months of certified training time including several work-based learning and assessment tools. These PREP (Physician Ready for Expert Practice) 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

Go to Additional resources for this program's curricula

Core training
(minimum 24 months)

Supervision

Per rotation

2 supervisors with FRACP (or equivalent) who are practicing rheumatologists

Teaching and learning requirements

Per year:

2 Learning Needs Analysis (or minimum of 2 per year)
1 Logbook documenting all procedures performed over a 12-month period
2 Logbooks documenting all procedures performed over a two-month period

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report (minimum 2 per year)
1 Trainee’s Report

Per year:

2 Case-based Discussions
4 Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises
4 Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

Non-core training
(maximum 12 months)

Supervision

Per rotation

1 supervisor with FRACP (or equivalent)
1 supervisor who may or may not have FRACP

Teaching and learning requirements

Per year:

2 Learning Needs Analysis

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Supervisor’s Report (2 for 12-month rotation)
1 Trainee’s Report

By the end of Advanced Training

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

24 months of core training
12 months of non-core training
Research project requirement:
- 1 Research Project (for all trainees commencing training in 2017 onwards)
- 1 or 2 Research Projects (for Australian trainees who commenced training before 2017)
- 2 Research Projects including 1 audit project (for New Zealand trainees who commenced training before 2017)
Attendance at training activities and meetings
Developmental and Psychosocial Training (Paediatric & Child Health trainees only)
Adult General Rheumatology Clinics (All Australian Paediatric & Child Health trainees. Introduced for New Zealand Paediatric & Child Health trainees commencing training in 2018 onwards)

Time-based requirements

This program ensures adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during the total training time of three years (36 months FTE).

Training rotations

Advanced Training time in Rheumatology consists of:

24 months of core training
12 months of non-core training.

Core training

A minimum of 24 months (FTE) must be spent in accredited clinical training positions. The two years of core training must be completed at separate sites and should precede non-core training (see note below).

Non-core training

A maximum of 12 months of non-core training may be undertaken in clinical training in other disciplines, or in research. The following guidelines have been developed to help trainees formulate their non-core training year. The non-core year can take a number of forms:

A rheumatology clinical year, in either a site accredited for core rheumatology training or non-core rheumatology clinical training.
Advance notice to the overseeing committee is not required if the non-core year is to be a clinical year in a site with current accreditation for core or non-core rheumatology training.
A clinical research year in which the trainee is involved in a major clinical research project, either of their own development or as a contributor to an ongoing research project. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal is expected. The trainee will be expected to participate in a minimum of one general rheumatology clinic per week in addition to the research clinical work.
A research year relevant to the specialty of rheumatology, with enrolment in a senior degree program such as, but not exclusive to, PhD, MD (research) or an MPH. This must be full-time, and attendance to one general rheumatology clinic per week is encouraged.
Other training in a field related to rheumatology. This may include, but is not limited to, such disciplines as general medicine, general paediatrics, ultrasonography, etc.

For options 3, 4 or 5, a detailed letter should be submitted to the relevant overseeing committee by 31 August. The letter should outline the trainee’s experience to date, their aims for the non-core year, and how this may contribute to a continuing career in rheumatology. Depending on whether the year is clinical or in research, details such as numbers and types of clinics per week, evidence of course acceptance, program hours, and subjects in a course may be relevant.

Note: Dual trainees applying for non-core training before core training will have their non-core training prospectively approved (provided it meets the guidelines above) but certification will be deferred until a minimum of 12 months of core training has been certified.

For all other trainees it is expected that the non-core year will follow core training. Application to (and approval by) the relevant overseeing committee outlining exceptional circumstances is required before the commencement of a non-core year out of the required sequence.

The NZ ATS will prospectively approve, on a case-by-case basis, only those rotations which are closely related to rheumatology.

Training time

At least 12 months of Core Advanced Training in Rheumatology must be undertaken in Australia and/or New Zealand. This is to ensure that trainees receive adequate exposure to local practices and health services.

Supervision Requirements

Provides you with appropriate support and guidance to complete the training program.

Core training

2 supervisors with FRACP (or equivalent) who are practising rheumatologists

Non-core training

1 supervisor with FRACP (or equivalent)
1 supervisor who may or may not have FRACP

Overseas training

1 Australian-based supervisor with FRACP (or equivalent) who is a practising rheumatologist
1 supervisor who may or may not have FRACP who is a practising rheumatologist

Overseas-based trainees are encouraged to have an additional Australasian-based supervisor who is a practising rheumatologist.

Dual training

Dual trainees undertaking non-core Rheumatology training are encouraged to have an additional supervisor who is a practising rheumatologist.

More information

COVID-19 interim changes

Interim requirement changes apply from the start of the 2020 clinical year. Training Committees will review requirements again in late 2020.

Australia

Entry requirements

Application for Entry
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Completion of RACP Basic Training, including the Written and Clinical Examinations	You must have completed all Basic Training requirements, passed the Divisional Written Examination and plan to sit the rescheduled 2020 DCE in late 2020/early 2021
Current medical registration	No change
Appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training position	No change
Eligibility
Trainees who are entering the training program in mid-2020 or at the beginning of the 2021 clinical year. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in future years.
How to apply
See Provisional Advanced Training.

Time-based requirements

Training rotations
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
36 months of certified training, including: 24 months core training 12 months non-core training Non-core training cannot precede core training except when undertaking dual training or a higher degree.	A maximum of 3 months redeployment away from an approved rotation or reduction in rheumatology-specific clinical duties due to COVID-19 will be accepted as approved training.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.
How to apply
Submit an Advanced Training Rotation Amendment Form (DOC). Indicate in your Supervisor’s Report how you have been impacted. The Advanced Training Committee (ATC) will take into account these documents when considering your certification of training.

Training sites
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Core training must be completed at separate training sites.	Trainees will not be penalised for undertaking core training at less than 2 training sites but must apply to ATC for the requirement to be waivered. Trainees must sufficiently demonstrate exceptional circumstances through the special consideration process.
Eligibility
Second- and third-year trainees in 2020.
How to apply
Apply for Special Consideration (DOC). Submit an Advanced Training Rotation Amendment Form (DOC). Indicate in your Supervisor’s Report how you have been impacted. The ATC will take into account these documents when considering your certification of training.

Work-based learning and assessment requirements

Advanced Training Research Project (trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards)
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Advanced Training Research Project over the course of training	Your Advanced Training Research Project should still be completed where possible. If you’re unable to complete your project, apply to the ATC for a waiver that allows you to progress to Fellowship without completing the requirement.
Eligibility
Final year trainees in 2020 impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in their remaining years of training.
How to apply
Provide a written request to the ATC outlining the reasons why you’re unable to complete the Advanced Training Research Project requirement. Your request must be endorsed by your project/research supervisor. Submit the request to Rheumatology@racp.edu.au In its review, the ATC will also consider your overall progress, including supervisor sign-off for 2020. Note: An alternative assessment may be required to progress to Fellowship, such as the submission of a partially completed research project, narrative/literature reviews and/or presentation.

Logbook of cases managed
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
2 x Logbooks per core training year, due with the Supervisor’s Report	Logbooks should still be maintained but may be submitted up to 6 months after the end of a 2020 rotation. Documented logbook cases must still be from the relevant training rotation.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Logbook of procedures performed
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Logbook per core training year, due with the Supervisor’s Report	Logbooks should still be maintained but may be submitted up to 6 months after the end of a 2020 rotation. Documented logbook cases must still be from the relevant training rotation.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Rheumatology Research Project (trainees who commenced before 2017)
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Over the course of training, complete: 1 x Major research project OR 2 x Minor research projects	Trainees should still be complete the research project requirement where possible. Submission of partially completed projects may be accepted if the trainee can sufficiently demonstrate exceptional circumstances. If you’re unable to complete your project, apply to the ATC for a waiver that allows you to progress to Fellowship without completing the requirement.
Eligibility
Final year trainees in 2020. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in their remaining years of training.
How to apply
Provide a written request to the ATC outlining the reasons why you’re unable to complete the Rheumatology Research Project requirement. Your request must be endorsed by your project/research supervisor. Submit the request to Rheumatology@racp.edu.au In its review, the ATC will also consider your overall progress, including supervisor sign-off for 2020. Note: An alternative assessment may be required to progress to Fellowship, such as the submission of a partially completed research project, narrative/literature reviews and/or presentation.

Supervisor's Report
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotations)	No change. New submission deadline for mid-year report: 31 August 2020. For more information, see changes to requirements.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Trainee's Report
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Trainee’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotations)	No change. New submission deadline for mid-year report: 31 August 2020. For more information, see changes to requirements.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Leave allowances

In 2020, up to 14 days of leave related to COVID-19 for quarantine or sickness can be taken.

If you exceed your 14-day COVID-19 leave allowance, and it impacts your progression, you can apply to the ATC for special consideration.

Requests for special consideration are considered by the Committee COVID-19 Lead on a case-by-case basis.

How to apply

Submit an application for special consideration (DOC) with supporting evidence from your employer, GP and/or other relevant medical practitioners.

Your ATC will take into account this documentation when considering your certification of training.

Aotearoa New Zealand

Entry requirements

Application for Entry
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Completion of RACP Basic Training, including the Written and Clinical Examinations	You must have completed all Basic Training requirements, passed the Divisional Written Examination and plan to sit the rescheduled 2020 DCE in late 2020/early 2021
Current medical registration	No change
Appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training position	No change
Eligibility
Trainees who are entering the training program in mid-2020 or at the beginning of the 2021 clinical year. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in future years.
How to apply
See Provisional Advanced Training.

Work-based learning and assessment requirements

Advanced Training Research Project (trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards)
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Advanced Training Research Project over the course of training	Your Advanced Training Research Project should still be completed where possible. If you’re unable to complete your project, apply to the Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) for a waiver that allows you to progress to Fellowship without completing the requirement.
Eligibility
Final year trainees in 2020 impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in their remaining years of training.
How to apply
Provide a written request to the ATS outlining the reasons why you’re unable to complete the Advanced Training Research Project requirement. Your request must be endorsed by your project/research supervisor. Submit the request to Rheumatology@racp.org.nz In its review, the ATS will also consider your overall progress, including supervisor sign-off for 2020. Note: An alternative assessment may be required to progress to Fellowship, such as the submission of a partially completed research project, narrative/literature reviews and/or presentation.

Meeting attendance
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Minimum 80% attendance at training activities and meetings organised by the New Zealand Rheumatology Association.	The requirement is waived in 2020.
Eligibility
Final year trainees in 2020.

Rheumatology Research Project (trainees who commenced before 2017)
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
Over the course of training, complete: 1 x Research project 1 x Audit project	Trainees should still be complete the research project requirement where possible. Submission of partially completed projects may be accepted if the trainee can sufficiently demonstrate exceptional circumstances. If you’re unable to complete your project, apply to the ATS for a waiver that allows you to progress to Fellowship without completing the requirement.
Eligibility
Final year trainees in 2020. It’s expected all other trainees will be able to meet the requirement in their remaining years of training.
How to apply
Provide a written request to the ATS outlining the reasons why you’re unable to complete the Rheumatology Research Project requirement. Your request must be endorsed by your project/research supervisor. Submit the request to Rheumatology@racp.org.nz In its review, the ATS will also consider your overall progress, including supervisor sign-off for 2020. Note: An alternative assessment may be required to progress to Fellowship, such as the submission of a partially completed research project, narrative/literature reviews and/or presentation.

Supervisor's Report
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotations)	No change. New submission deadline for mid-year report: 31 August 2020. For more information, see changes to requirements.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Trainee's Report
Current requirement	Interim change requirement
1 x Trainee’s Report per rotation (2 per 12-month rotations)	No change. New submission deadline for mid-year report: 31 August 2020. For more information, see changes to requirements.
Eligibility
All trainees in 2020.

Leave allowances

In 2020, up to 14 days of leave related to COVID-19 for quarantine or sickness can be taken.

If you exceed your 14-day COVID-19 leave allowance, and it impacts your progression, you can apply to the ATS for special consideration.

Requests for special consideration are considered by the Committee COVID-19 Lead on a case-by-case basis.

How to apply

Submit an application for special consideration (DOC) with supporting evidence from your employer, GP and/or other relevant medical practitioners.

Your ATS will take into account this documentation when considering your certification of training.

Work-based learning and assessment tools

Open All

Case-based Discussions (CbD)

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

Requirement

Australia: Two per core training year (one per six-month period, mid-rotation) due by 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Two per core training year (later in the rotation) due by the end of the rotation.

More information

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

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)

This formative assessment is used to guide your learning and achievement of competency in procedural skills, through direct observation and the provision of structured feedback by an experienced assessor.

Requirement

Australia: Four per core year (one per three-month period) due by 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Four per core training year due by the end of each training rotation.

Acceptable procedures

Adult Medicine

Joint aspiration or injection:

Glenohumeral
Acromioclavicular
Sternoclavicular
Costochondral
Humeroradial
Radiocarpal
Metatarsophalangeal
Proximal interphalangeal
Distal interphalangeal
Femorotibial
Talocrural
Subtalar
Metacarpophalangeal.

Soft tissue injections:

Sub-acromial bursa
Tendon sheath
De Quervain’s
Trigger finger
Greater trochanter
Carpal tunnel
Plantar fascia
Suprascapular nerve block.

Paediatrics and Child Health

Joint aspiration or injection:

Femorotibial
Talocrural
Subtalar (with and without imaging guidance)
Acetabulofemoral (hip) (with guidance)
Radiocarpal
Humeroradial
Glenohumeral
Metacarpophalangeal
Metatarsophalangeal
Interphalangeal (recommended only)
Temporomandibular (recommended only)
Tendon sheath

More information

Complete and submit the DOPS via the Advanced Training Portal
See DOPS for information sheets, workflow, rating forms and other resources

Learning Needs Analysis (LNA)

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

Requirement

Australia: Two per year, early in the year (core and non-core) due by 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Two per year, early in the year (core and non-core) due by the end of the training rotation.

More information

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

Logbooks

The logbook requirement is here to ensure you have had adequate exposure in appropriate procedures by the end of your training.

Requirement

One Logbook of Procedures is to be submitted per core training year; two over the course of training, due by 31 January of the following year. Your logbook should record all the procedures performed during each year of core training.
Two Logbooks of Cases Managed are to be submitted per core training year; four over the course of training due with the relevant Supervisor’s Report in each core year. Your logbook should record all the cases you managed over a two-month period, in each of your rotations, resulting in one logbook for a two-month period in the first 6 months of training and one for the last. These logbooks will include diagnosis, patient status (new/follow-up), encounter type (inpatient/consult/outpatient), whether a consultant was present and the name of the consultant.

Completion and submission

The accuracy and currency of the logbooks is of the utmost importance. Logbooks must be submitted in the prescribed spreadsheet forms provided and must be available at all times for review. Patient details (e.g. name, address) should not be included in the logbook. Trainees should complete a Log Summary Sheet (found as a separate sheet on each prescribed spreadsheet) and submit this with the completed logbooks. Supervisors are required to confirm in their reports that the logbooks are a true and accurate record of the trainee’s experience, and that all training requirements have been fulfilled. It is recommended that trainees keep a separate logbook of all patients seen for a 12-month period, for the purposes of individual educational value. This logbook is to be kept for personal records only and not to be submitted to the College.

More Information

See Additional Resources for the Logbook Submission Forms

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

Four mini-CEXs are to be completed per year (core and non-core).

Australia: Due by 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Due by the end of the training rotation.

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

Research Requirements

The College Education Committee has approved a set of streamlined research project requirements to enable you to gain experience in:

research methods
interpretation of research literature
participation in research at some stage of your career and
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 for trainees commencing training in 2017 onwards

One Research Project is to be completed over the course of training, due in the penultimate year of training.

Australia: Due by 15 September.
New Zealand: Due by 31 October.

The research project must be marked as satisfactory prior to admission to Fellowship. Submitting the project in the penultimate year of training will allow time for marking and resubmission of research projects initially marked ‘Resubmit’.

Requirement for trainees who commenced training before 2017

One major or two minor projects for Australian trainees and one research and one audit project for New Zealand trainees.

Evidence of completion of the relevant requirement is needed prior to certification of completion of Advanced Training in Rheumatology.

Australia

One ’major’ or two ‘minor’ projects to be submitted over the course of training, due by 15 September. Projects should be commenced during the first year of training and must be completed prior to exiting the training period.

As a guide, a minor project should be completed in the year it is commenced; a major project may take two years to complete.

The aim of the research project is to introduce rheumatology trainees to the principles and practice of medical research. As such, a more significant (‘major’) piece of work is encouraged in preference to two ‘minor’ projects. The overseeing committee recognises the potential difficulties in completing projects in different sites over a two-year period however, and therefore will allow a trainee to undertake two smaller one-year projects if necessary.

Major projects

These may take several forms, including:

Clinical or laboratory research presented in a form suitable for, or already submitted for, publication to a peer-reviewed journal (Vancouver guidelines).
Substantial research, including background, rationale, hypothesis, methodology, feasibility, ethics issues and approval, parent information sheet, and budget. The results should be of a suitable standard which can be presented at either a national or international rheumatology meeting. Presentations at state meetings are not accepted.
Report and commentary on a substantial piece of original work which is complete, e.g. a thesis for a Doctorate or other higher degree. This piece of work must be relevant to rheumatology and have been undertaken post-medical school. The reviewing committee will need to view the transcript of the academic record certifying completion. Note: College guidelines indicate that a single project can be counted towards Basic Training or Advanced Training, but not both.
A substantial quality audit, action research, or an audit/evaluation of a service or clinical program, accompanied by a literature review.
Systematic review of literature, e.g. the Cochrane collaboration process.
Completion of a relevant Masters degree, e.g. Masters of Public Health, Masters of Clinical Epidemiology.

It is expected that it will not be possible to complete a major project in one year. Thus, it is suggested that the trainee meet with the supervisor of the second year of training once the placement is known and start on the project, e.g. literature review, ethics application, etc.

Trainees will need to discuss with their first-year supervisor whether they are aiming to complete one major project or two minor projects during Advanced Training.

Minor projects

Minor projects will generally consist of a smaller body of work completed within one year.

These may take several forms, including:

Case series illustrating a novel clinical finding or problem
Departmental audit
Narrative review
A cross-sectional study relevant to rheumatology.

New Zealand

One research project and one audit project to be submitted over the course of training (two in total) due by 31 May/31 October. Projects should be commenced during the first year of core training.

Research project results should be of a suitable standard which can be presented at either a national or international rheumatology meeting. Presentations at state meetings are not accepted. It should include:
- background
- rationale
- hypothesis
- methodology
- feasibility
- ethics issues and approval
- parent information sheet
- budget.
Audit project: such as an audit/evaluation of a service or clinical program, accompanied by a literature review.

Project supervision

Trainees are advised to choose their supervisors for projects carefully. The supervisor of the project needs to be able to guide trainees with respect to choice of project, methodology, statistical analysis, interpretation, and quality of presentation.

Trainees are advised to consider choosing a separate project supervisor rather than expect their clinical supervisor to fill both roles. Advice may be sought from a mentor or Department Head.

More Information

See Additional resources for learning and assessment tools
Research Projects
Research Projects eLearning@RACP module
Education policies

Supervisor’s Reports

To evaluate and provide feedback on the trainee’s progress, which informs the certification of training decision. This is a summative assessment.

Requirement

One Supervisor’s Report is due per rotation, two for 12-month rotations (core and non-core).

Australia

For Advanced Trainees in 12-month positions:

One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 15 July for the first six months of the calendar year.
One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 31 January of the following year covering the final six months of the calendar year.

For Advanced Trainees in positions of six months or less with separate supervisors, or at separate sites:

One Supervisor’s Report should be completed for each rotation and submitted to the College by 15 July (for first half of the year) and 31 January the following year (for the second half of the year).

Advanced Trainees approaching the end of their training should submit a report that covers the whole second half of the year by 15 October.

New Zealand

For Advanced Trainees in 12-month positions:

One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 31 May for the first six months of the rotation.
One Supervisor’s Report is to be submitted by 31 October covering the full 12 months.

For Advanced Trainees in three, four, or six-month positions:

One Supervisor’s Report must be completed for each rotation and submitted by 31 May (for rotations in the first half of the year) and 31 October (for rotations in the second half of the year) or by the end of the rotation.

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.

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.

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.

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).

More Information

Advanced Training Progress Reports
Progression through Training Policy
See Additional Resources for Supervisor’s Report Templates and more

Trainee's Report

This report provides feedback to the College for use in future training program evaluations and to encourage you to reflect on your training rotations and embed reflection and review into your practice.

Requirement

One per rotation (core and non-core) submitted with the Supervisor’s Report at the end of each rotation and due by 31 May/31 October.

Australia

For Advanced Trainees in 12-month positions:

One Trainee’s Report is to be submitted by 31 January of the following year covering the full 12-months.

For Advanced Trainees in positions of six months or less with separate supervisors, or at separate sites:

One Trainee’s Report should be completed for each rotation and submitted to the College by 15 July (for first half of the year) and 31 January the following year (for the second half of the year). Advanced Trainees approaching the end of your training should submit your report by 15 October.
One per rotation submitted with the Supervisor’s Report at the end of each rotation and due 31 May and 31 October.

New Zealand

For Advanced Trainees in 12-month positions:

One Trainee’s Report is to be submitted by 31 October covering the full 12-months.

For Advanced Trainees in three, four, or six-month positions:

One Supervisor’s Report must be completed for each rotation and submitted by 31 May (for rotations in the first half of the year) and 31 October (for rotations in the second half of the year).

More information

Trainee’s Reports
Learning and assessment tool forms

Other Requirements

Adult General Rheumatology Clinic

To enable trainees to experience the progression of paediatric into adult disease, gain a broader understanding of end stage inflammatory disease and greater exposure to procedural skills, in particular joint injections. It should also help trainees to develop awareness of the need for appropriate transition programs for patients rather than merely transfer to adult services.

Requirement

This is a requirement for all Australian Paediatrics & Child Health trainees Introduced for New Zealand Paediatrics & Child Health trainees commencing training from 2018 onwards.

Once over the course of training, with completion noted in the Supervisor’s Report at the end of the rotation.

Trainees should establish formal links with an adult rheumatology training program for a minimum of once per week for a period of SIX months in, preferably, either of their two core years of training.

Attendance at training activities and meetings

To ensure participation and interaction with other rheumatology trainees and rheumatology experts in a formal education setting throughout training.

Requirement

Australia

Minimum 80% attendance at training activities and meetings organised by the Federal or State Australian Rheumatology Association.

New Zealand

Minimum 80% attendance at training activities and meetings organised by the Rheumatology Association.

Training activities and meetings

Department/hospital training activities as directed by the supervisor  State/regional monthly ARA/NZRA meetings*
Trainee teaching/journal clubs
Australian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting (attendance strongly recommended for Australian trainees)
New Zealand Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting (attendance strongly recommended for New Zealand trainees)
Advanced Trainee preceptorship
Other state/regional weekend/scientific meetings (if held)*
Overseas conferences

Developmental and Psychosocial Training

This is a requirement for Paediatrics & Child Health trainees only.

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

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.

Completion of the six months of core community/developmental training component will satisfy the Developmental and Psychosocial Training requirement.

More information

Developmental & Psychosocial Training

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

Australia

January - March

31 January:
- Previous year’s Supervisor’s Report, Trainee’s Report and all PREP tools due for trainees not applying for Fellowship in December
- Cases Managed and Procedures Logbooks due (core training only)
15 February: Applications for Approval of Advanced Training due.
Learning Needs Analysis
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise.

April - June

Learning Needs Analysis self evaluation
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

July - September

15 July:
- Supervisor’s Report due for trainees who have completed six (or less) or 12-month rotations
- Trainee’s Reports due for trainees who have completed a six-month (or less) rotation(s)
- Cases Managed Logbook due (core training only).
31 August:
- Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the year due.
- Detailed letter outlining non-core training intentions for following year to be submitted.
15 September: Project requirement submission date
Learning Needs Analysis
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise.

October - December

15 October:
- Supervisor’s Report, Trainee’s Report and all PREP tools due for trainees eligible for December Fellowship
- Cases Managed and Procedures Logbooks due for trainees who are eligible for December Fellowship (core training only)
Learning Needs Analysis self evaluation
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (first and second year trainees)

January

31 January: Previous year’s Supervisor’s Report, Cases Managed and Procedures Logbooks, and all PREP tools due for trainees not applying for Fellowship in December.

New Zealand

December - February

Learning Needs Analysis
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

March - May

31 March: Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for April–August rotations due.
31 May:
- Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the current year due.
- Supervisor’s and Trainee's Reports due for all trainees.
- Logbooks due (core training only).
Learning Needs Analysis self -evaluation
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

June - August

31 August: Detailed letter outlining non-core training intentions to be submitted
Learning Needs Analysis
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills.

September - November

31 October:
- Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the first half or whole of the following year due.
- Supervisor’s Report and all PREP tools due for all trainees.
- Trainee’s Report for the second half of the year, or the whole year, due.
- Logbooks due (core training only).
Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (first year trainees)

More information

Forms and resources

Curricula / handbooks

Program and Professional Curriculum

Rheumatology (Adult) Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF)
Rheumatology (Paediatrics) Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF)
Professional Qualities Curriculum (PDF)

Program Handbook

Rheumatology 2017-18 Handbook (PDF)
Rheumatology 2019-20 Handbook (PDF)
Note: this is a PDF version of this online handbook.

Forms and reports

Rotation amendment

Advanced Training Rotation Amendment Form (DOC)

Supervisor's Report

Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)
Supervisor details amendment form (DOC)

Trainee's Report

Trainees Report cover sheet (DOC)
Trainee's Report guidelines (DOC)

Logbook

Logbook Guidelines (PDF)
Cases Managed Logbook template (XLS)
Procedures Logbook template (XLS)

Research Project

Research Project cover sheet (Post-2017) (DOC)
Research Project cover sheet (Pre-2017) (DOC)
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

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 Rheumatology Association

The Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) is the peak professional body representing rheumatology physicians/paediatricians in Australia.

New Zealand Rheumatology Association

The New Zealand Rheumatology Association (NZRA) is the peak professional body representing rheumatology physicians/paediatricians in New Zealand.

Rheumatology

Interim changes to program requirements

Program overview

Program updates

Entry requirements

Duration

Qualification

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