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Rheumatology

COVID-19 interim changes to program requirements

In 2023, you're expected to satisfactorily complete all training program requirements. If you’re unable to complete training requirements due to COVID-19, see interim changes to requirements and education and training principles, and advise your training committee as soon as possible.

You're viewing the 2023 – 2024 handbook

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

Program overview

In Advanced Training in Rheumatology, you'll explore in-depth specialty training in the diagnosis and holistic management of people with diseases that affect joints, muscles, bones and systematic autoimmune conditions. You will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant. The program builds your skills through work-based learning and assessment tools.

Program updates

The Advanced Training in Rheumatology Program is evaluated biennially by the Advanced Training Committee (ATC) in Rheumatology and Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Rheumatology 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.

Duration

Advanced Training in Rheumatology requires 3 years (36 months) of full-time equivalent (FTE) training.

Fellowship

Once you've completed all requirements of your training and the ATC/ATS in Rheumatology has recommended you for admission, the College will invite you to apply for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

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 Rheumatology@racp.edu.au

Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand trainees must email an application form (DOC) to Rheumatology@racp.org.nz

Application deadlines

Australia

15 February | first half or whole of the current year

31 August | second half of the current year

Aotearoa New Zealand

15 December | first half or whole of the following year

30 April | May to August rotations

30 June | 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 Advanced Training Committee (ATC) in Rheumatology and the Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Rheumatology. 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 ATC/ATS reviews your progress according to the training requirements. If you have satisfactorily completed all training requirements, the ATC/ATS 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 Rheumatology, you’ll have completed 36 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 training
(24 months minimum)

Supervision

2 x supervisors per rotation, who are Fellows of the RACP and practising rheumatologists

Teaching and learning

2 x Learning Needs Analysis per training year

2 x Logbooks of cases managed per training year

1 x Logbook of procedures performed per training year

Assessments

2 x Case-based Discussions per training year

4 x Direct Observation of Procedural Skills

4 x Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises per training year

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

1 x Trainee’s Report per rotation

Non-core training
(12 months maximum)

Supervision

1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP (it's recommended they're a practising rheumatologist)

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

Teaching and learning

2 x Learning Needs Analysis per training year

Assessments

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

1 x Trainee’s Report per rotation

Overseas training supervision requirements

1 x Australian-based supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP and a practising rheumatologist

1x supervisor per rotation, who can be a Fellow of the RACP and a practising rheumatologist

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

Advanced Training summary

After 36 months of certified training time, you will have completed:

24 months of core training
12 months of non-core training
1 x Advanced Training Research Project (trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards)
1 x Rheumatology Research Project (trainees who commenced before 2017)
- 1 major or 2 minor projects (Australian trainees)
- 1 project and 1 audit (Aotearoa New Zealand trainees)
Adult General Rheumatology Clinic (all Australian Paediatrics & Child Health trainees and Aotearoa New Zealand Paediatrics & Child Health trainees who commenced in 2018 onwards)
Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course (trainees who commenced 2023 onwards)
Developmental and Psychosocial Training (Paediatrics & Child Health trainees only)
Meeting and training activity attendance

2023-24 program updates

In your 2023 and 2024 training year, these requirement changes apply.

Supervision

Non-core training
2022	2023-24
1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP 1 x supervisor per rotation, who can be a Fellow of the RACP	1 x supervisor per rotation, who is a Fellow of the RACP (it's recommended they're a practising rheumatologist) 1 x supervisor per rotation, who can be a Fellow of the RACP

Time-based requirements

Training rotations
Non-core training
2022	2023-24
N/A	Trainees commencing 2023 onwards Attendance at 1 general rheumatology clinic per week is mandatory for trainees undertaking a higher research degree during non-core training.

Work-based learning and assessment requirements

Cultural Safety
2022	2023-24
N/A	Trainees commencing 2023 onwards Complete the Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course before the end of your Advanced Training^* ^* If not already completed during Basic Training.

Time-based requirements

The Advanced Training Program in Rheumatology allows adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during your 3-year total training period (36 months FTE).

You must complete your Advanced Training at 2 settings.

Core training

A minimum of 24 months (FTE) of core training in accredited clinical training position must be completed at separate sites and precede your non-core training.

Non-core training

A maximum of 12 months (FTE) of non-core training can be undertaken in other clinical training disciplines or in research. Your non-core training year can take on a number of forms.

It’s expected that your non-core training follows on from your core training. Trainees who wish to apply for and complete non-core training prior to commencing core training in rheumatology need to apply for consideration to the Advanced Training Committee (ATC) or Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Rheumatology. Each application for non-core training will be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by the entire ATC/ATS.

If you're considering entering Advanced Training in Rheumatology and want to have a training period prior to entering recognised as non-core training, it's suggested that you have had at least 1 supervising rheumatologist during that training period.

Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced trainees: The ATS will prospectively approve those rotations which are closely related to rheumatology only, on a case-by-case basis.

Clinical year

A rheumatology clinical year in an accredited site for core rheumatology training or non-core rheumatology clinical training.

Advance notice to the ATC in Rheumatology isn’t required if your non-core year is to be a clinical year in an accredited training site.

Research

Clinical research: A clinical research year where you’re involved in a major clinical research project, either your own development or as a contributor to an ongoing research project. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal will be an expected outcome.

You’re required to attend a minimum of 1 general rheumatology clinic per week in addition to your clinical research work.

Higher research degree: You can also spend a research year relevant to rheumatology studying in a higher research degree program such as a PhD, MD Research or a Masters of Public Health. You must study full-time.

Trainees who commenced in 2023 onwards are required to attend 1 general rheumatology clinic per week.

Trainees who commenced before 2023 are encouraged to attend 1 general rheumatology clinic per week.

Other specialties

Gain experience in other specialties or disciplines related to rheumatology, such as general medicine, general paediatrics or ultrasonography.

Dual trainees: Those applying for non-core training before core training will have their non-core training prospectively approved, provided it meets the guidelines. Certification will be deferred until a minimum of 12 months of your core training has been certified.

For rotations in research and other specialties, a detailed letter should be submitted to the ATC/ATS by 31 August. The letter should outline:

your experience to date
your aims for the non-core year
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.

Training time

At least 12 months of core Advanced Training in Rheumatology 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

Australia

January — March

31 January | Previous year’s Supervisor’s Report and all PREP learning and assessment tools due (trainees not applying for Fellowship in December)
31 January | Logbooks (second cases managed and procedures) due (core training only)
15 February | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for first half or whole of the current year due
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis

April — June

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

July — September

15 July | Supervisor’s Report due
15 July | Trainee’s Report due
15 July | Logbook (first cases managed) due (core training only)
31 August | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the year due
31 August | Non-core training (next year) letter of intention due
15 September | Advanced Training Research Project due (trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards)
15 September | Rheumatology Research Project due (Australian trainees who commenced before 2017)
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

October — December

15 October | Supervisor’s Report, Trainee’s Report and all PREP learning and assessment tools due (trainees eligible for Fellowship in December)
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (first- and second-year trainees only)
Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

Aotearoa New Zealand

December — February

15 December | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the first half of the year or whole of the following year due
15 December | Advanced Training Research Project due
15 December | Logbooks (second cases managed and procedures) due (core training only)
15 December | Rheumatology Research Project and Audit Project due (trainees who commenced before 2017)
15 December | Supervisor’s Report and all PREP learning and assessment tools due
15 December | Trainee’s Report for the second half of the year/whole year due
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

March — May

30 April | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for May to August rotations due
Case-based Discussion
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

June — August

30 June | Applications for Approval of Advanced Training for the second half of the current year due
30 June | Supervisor’s Report due
30 June | Trainee’s Report for first half of the year due
30 June | Logbooks (first cases managed) due (core training only)
30 June | Rheumatology Research Project and Audit Project due (trainees who commenced before 2017)
31 August | Non-core training (next year) letter of intention due
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills
Learning Needs Analysis
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

September — November

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

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.

Adult General Rheumatology Clinic

Requirement for all Australian Paediatrics & Child Health trainees and Aotearoa New Zealand Paediatrics & Child Health trainees who commenced in 2018 onwards.

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Overview

For Paediatrics & Child Health trainees, this requirement enables you to:

experience the progression of paediatric into adult disease
gain a broader understanding of end-stage inflammatory disease
have greater exposure to procedural skills, in particular joint injections

It should also help you develop awareness of the need for appropriate transition programs for patients, rather than simply transfer them on to adult services.

Once a week (minimum) for a 6-month period, you should establish a formal arrangement with an adult rheumatology training program, preferably during one of your core training years.

Resources

Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)

Requirements

Requirement

6 x months experience in an adult general rheumatology clinic setting, during one of your core training years

Certification

Completion of this requirement is to be noted in your Supervisor’s Report at the end of the rotation.

Resources

Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)

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 are not 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 are 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You can apply for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) exemption from the ATRP requirement if you can demonstrate that you’ve successfully completed an approved exemption. This can include:

research doctoral degree, like MD or PhD
Masters by research
major project completed through a Masters by coursework

An ATRP completed through Masters by coursework must meet project type requirements and be submitted for marking according to the marking process.

Recognition of all project exemptions completed prior to entry into training are considered in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Exemptions completed during your Advanced Training Program will be assessed for suitability against the ATRP guidelines and marking criteria.

Applying

You must apply for RPL within 3 months of commencing your first rotation in your Advanced Training Program.

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

In the case where your PhD is in progress or incomplete, you can:

submit your PhD upon completion for RPL consideration, or
partially submit your PhD for RPL consideration if it meets one of the acceptable research project types, such as systematic review

Again, in this instance you need to apply within 3 months of commencing your rotation.

All RPL applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Exemption is granted only when the evidence presented fulfils the relevant ATRP requirements, separate to whether your research or coursework is relevant to your current specialty.

All supporting documentation relevant to your RPL application must be reviewed by project markers to allow project exemptions.

Requirements

Requirement

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

Deadlines

Australia: 15 September.

Aotearoa New Zealand: 15 December.

Submit your research project at least 8 months prior to your anticipated final submission of training requirements, which will certify your completion of Advanced Training.

It's recommended that you submit your research project by the annual submission date in your penultimate year to allow time for marking and/or resubmission if your project is initially marked as 'resubmit'.

Resources

Advanced Training Research Project cover sheet (DOC)

Accepted project formats

Three research project types are accepted:

research in:
- human subjects, populations and communities and laboratory research
- epidemiology
- field research
- medical education
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, field research and medical education research.

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 are 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. Note: you will incur a fee for any additional marking.

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

2 x Case-based Discussions (CbD) to be completed each core training year, 1 per 6-month period

Deadlines

Australia: 31 January in the following year, complete mid-rotation.

Aotearoa New Zealand: Due at the end of each training rotation.

In your final year, all CbDs must be submitted by 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'll immediately receive your certificate on RACP Online Learning when you complete the course. Certification will appear in your Advanced Training Portal in July the year 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

Open all

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

Open all

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

Open all

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 | Australia

4 x Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) (1 per 3-month period) every core training year

Requirement | Aotearoa New Zealand

4 x DOPS (1 per 3-month period) every core training year

Deadlines

Australia: 31 January in the following year.

Aotearoa New Zealand: Due at the end of each training rotation.

In your final year, your DOPS are due 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

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

Learning Needs Analysis

Open all

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.

Resources

Video tutorial

Requirements

Requirement

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

Deadlines

Australia: 31 January in the following year.

Aotearoa New Zealand: Due at the end of each rotation.

In your final year, your LNAs are due 15 October.

Submit your LNA via the Advanced Training Portal.

Logbooks

Open all

Overview

Your logbooks are to demonstrate that you’ve received adequate clinical exposure and training in appropriate procedures as outline in the Advanced Training Curriculum.

The information recorded in both logbooks must be de-identified and analysed by the hospital, not by you.

The Advanced Training Committee (ATC) in Rheumatology and the Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Rheumatology will review your logbooks, along with your Supervisor’s Report(s) as part of the training certification process.

Record accuracy

The accuracy and currency of the logbooks is of the utmost importance. Logbooks must be submitted in the prescribed templates and be readily available for review upon request. Patient details, such as their name and address, shouldn’t be included in the logbook.

You must complete a Log Summary Sheet (Adult or Paediatrics) included in the template and submit this along with the completed logbooks.

Supervisors must confirm in the Supervisor’s Report that your logbooks are a true and accurate record of your experience and that you’ve fulfilled all training requirements.

We recommend that you keep a separate logbook of all patients seen for a 12-month period for the purpose of its educational value. This logbook is for your personal records only and not for submission to the College.

Resources

Rheumatology Cases Managed Logbook template (XLS)
Rheumatology Procedures Logbook template (XLS)

Requirements

Requirement

2 x Cases managed logbook each core training year

1 x Procedures performed logbook each core training year

Deadlines

Australia

Cases managed:

First logbook — 15 July
Second logbook — 31 January in the following year

Procedures performed: 31 January in the following year

Aotearoa New Zealand

Cases managed:

First logbook — 30 June
Second logbook — 15 December

Procedures performed: 15 December

Resources

Rheumatology Cases Managed Logbook template (XLS)
Rheumatology Procedures Logbook template (XLS)

Submission guidelines

Cases Managed logbook

Your Cases Managed logbook records the patient cases you’ve seen over a 2-month period, twice during the year. The logbook includes:

diagnosis
patient status (new/follow-up)
encounter type (in-patient/consult/outpatient)
whether a consultant was present
the name of the consultant present.

For inpatients and ward consultations, though you may see these patients several times during an admission, only document the case once in your logbook.

You’re also required to submit the Log Summary Sheet (Adult or Paediatrics) for each 2-month period. The summary section is to be approved by your supervisor prior to submission to the College.

Submission

Submit your logbook and summary sheet to rheumatology@racp.edu.au (Australia) and rheumatology@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa NZ), with your supervisor copied in.

Resources

Rheumatology Cases Managed Logbook template (XLS)

Procedures logbook

Record all procedures you perform and the joints or soft tissues aspirations/injections over your entire training period.

Note: An aspiration and injection of a joint at the same time is counted as one procedure.

You’re also required to submit the Log Summary Sheet (Adult or Paediatrics) for the entire training period. The summary section is to be approved by your supervisor prior to submission to the College.

Ultrasound

The ATC and ATS in Rheumatology are interested in the number of Advanced Trainees who are learning and using ultrasound for diagnosis or to guide a procedure. It’s not a mandatory training requirement but if you perform a procedure with ultrasound guidance, you’re to indicate this in the dedicated Ultrasound table in the logbook template (XLS).

Note: There is a separate table for recording the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic procedure or for joint or soft tissue examination.

Submission

Submit your logbook and summary sheet to rheumatology@racp.edu.au (Australia) and rheumatology@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa NZ), with your supervisor copied in.

Resources

Rheumatology Procedures Logbook template (XLS)

Meeting attendance

Open all

Overview

Attendance at meetings and training activities ensures valuable participation and interaction time with other rheumatology trainees and experts in a formal education setting throughout your training.

Recommended activities and meetings

Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) Annual Scientific Meeting (priority attendance for Australian trainees)
New Zealand Rheumatology Association (NZRA) Annual Scientific Meeting (priority attendance for Aotearoa New Zealand trainees)
Department/hospital training activities as directed by your supervisor
Local/regional Australian Rheumatology Association/New Zealand Rheumatology Association meetings
Trainee teaching/journal clubs
Advanced Trainee preceptorship
Presenting at hospital grand rounds
Presenting at an ARA and/or NZRA monthly meetings (with literature review)
Other local/regional weekend/scientific meetings (if available)
Overseas rheumatology conferences

Requirements

Requirement | Australia

80% attendance required (minimum) at training activities and meetings organised by the Australian Rheumatology Association (state or national)

Requirement | Aotearoa New Zealand

80% attendance required (minimum) at training activities and meetings organised by the New Zealand Rheumatology Association

Certification

Confirmation of your meeting and training activities is to be noted by your Supervisor in the Supervisor’s Report.

Resources

Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

Open all

Overview

The Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) is a formative assessment for trainees to receive timely, structured feedback on their performance in real clinical situations.

A Mini-CEX aims to:

evaluate your clinical performance in a real-life setting
guide your learning and improve clinical performance through structured feedback from an assessor
identify ways for you to improve your practice in areas such as communication, history taking, physical examination and professional practice

Areas of assessment

You must complete encounters on a range of cases, each focusing on specific parts of the clinical encounter:

History taking
Medical interviewing skills
Physical examination skills
Professional qualities
Counselling skills
Clinical judgement
Organisation and efficiency

Step-by-step: Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

You need to complete a specified number of Mini-CEXs each year to meet the program requirements. Refer to the Mini-CEX requirements for the specified number per training year.

Arrange a Mini-CEX with your assessor – discuss and agree on curriculum areas that require focus and your assessor will then choose an appropriate consultation.

Provide your assessor a Mini-CEX rating form:
Basic Training (PDF) | Advanced Training (PDF) | AFOEM (PDF)

Undertake a patient consultation while being observed by your assessor – allow for 15 to 20 minutes.

Your assessor will complete the Mini-CEX rating form and provide you with feedback – allow for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you have received feedback, both you and your assessor sign the rating form.

Enter data from your completed Mini-CEX rating form into the online Mini-CEX tool in your training portal.
Basic Training Portal
Advanced Training Portal
AFOEM Portal
AFPHM Portal
AFRM Portal

Submit a copy of your completed form to your assessor using the online Mini-CEX tool.

Requirements

Requirement

4 x Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Mini-CEX) to be completed each core training year

Deadlines

Australia: 31 January in the following year.

Aotearoa New Zealand: Due at the end of each training rotation.

In your final year, you Mini-CEXs are due 15 October.

Submit your Mini-CEX via the Advanced Training Portal.

Resources

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise rating form (PDF)

Rheumatology Research Project

Requirement for trainees who commenced before 2017

Open all

Overview

A Rheumatology Research Project enables you to gain a broad range of knowledge as outlined in the Rheumatology Advanced Training Curricula.

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

Resources

Education policies
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Project supervision

Trainees are advised to choose a supervisor for their projects carefully. You should consider a project supervisor who is not your clinical supervisor to fulfill this role.

Your project supervisor needs to be someone who is able to guide you with your choice of project and its methodology, statistical analysis, interpretation and quality of presentation.

Look to a mentor or your Head of Department for advice on making this decision.

Resources

RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Australia

Requirements

Requirement

1 x Major Rheumatology Research Project

2 x Minor Rheumatology Research Projects

You should commence the Rheumatology Research Project in your first year.

Deadline

Due 15 September.

Minor Research Projects should be completed within 1 year, whereas the Major Research Project option can take up to 2 years to complete.

Your research project must be marked ‘satisfactory’ to fulfill the requirement and have your Advanced Training certified.

Submitting the project in your second year of training will allow time for marking and resubmission of research projects, if needed.

Submission guidelines

The aim of the research project is to introduce rheumatology trainees to the principles and practice of medical research.

A more significant or ‘major’ piece of work is recommended over 2 ‘minor’ projects. You’ll need to discuss with your first-year supervisor whether you aim to complete a major project or the minor projects during Advanced Training.

The Advanced Training Committee (ATC) in Rheumatology recognises potential difficulties can arise in completing projects in different sites over a 2-year period. Therefore, there is the option to undertake 2 smaller 1-year projects if necessary.

Major project

It’s acknowledged that it wouldn’t be possible to complete a major project in a year.

When you've met with your supervisor in your second year of training and your placement is known, make a start on your project.

Accepted project formats

Clinical or laboratory research presented in a format suitable for (or already submitted for) publication to a peer-reviewed journal using Vancouver referencing.

Substantial research, including:

background
rationale
hypothesis
methodology
feasibility
ethics issues and approval
parent information sheet
budget

The results should be of a standard that can be presented at either a national or international rheumatology meeting. Presentations made at state meetings are not accepted.

Report and commentary on a substantial piece of original work that is complete, for example a Doctorate thesis or other higher degree.

Your piece of work must be relevant to rheumatology and have been undertaken post-medical school. The ATC will need to see a transcript of your academic record certifying completion.

You cannot submit work previously submitted for another training program.

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, for example the Cochrane collaboration process.

Completion of a relevant Masters degree, for example Masters of Public Health or Masters of Clinical Epidemiology.

Minor projects

Minor projects generally consist of a smaller body of work completed within 1 year.

Your projects can take the form of a:

case series illustrating a novel clinical finding or problem
departmental audit
narrative review
cross-sectional study relevant to rheumatology

Submission

Submit your major project or minor projects to Rheumatology@racp.edu.au

Resources

Education policies
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

Aotearoa New Zealand

Requirements

Requirement

Over the course of your Advanced Training:

1 x Research project
1 x Audit project

You should commence the Rheumatology Research Project in your first year.

Deadlines

Due 30 June or 15 December.

Your research project must be marked ‘satisfactory’ to fulfill the requirement and have your Advanced Training certified. Allow time for marking and resubmission of research projects if necessary.

Submission guidelines

The aim of the research project is to introduce rheumatology trainees to the principles and practice of medical research.

Research project

Your research project results are to be of a suitable standard that can be presented at either a national or international rheumatology meeting. Presentations at state meetings are not accepted.

Your project should contain these elements:

background
rationale
hypothesis
methodology
feasibility
ethics issues and approval
parent information sheet
budget

Audit project

Your audit project is to be an evaluation of a service or clinical program, accompanied by a literature review.

Submission

Submit your research and audit projects to Rheumatology@racp.org.nz

Resources

Education policies
RACP Online Learning Resources: Research Projects
Research Project Checklist and Planner (XLS)

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.

Online Supervisor’s Report pilot

We have been looking at ways to improve reporting by offering online Advanced Training Supervisor’s Reports. We are extending our pilot, which commenced last year.

We ask that trainees and supervisors give the online report a go, save time by completing it online and share your feedback with us.

Learn more about the online Supervisor's Report pilot.

Note: Paper reports will continue to be available during the pilot.

Step-by-step: Online 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.

Step-by-step: Paper Supervisor’s Report

All your nominated supervisors must complete the Supervisor’s Report. You can view your nominated supervisors by logging in to your training portal.
Advanced Training | AFRM

Arrange a meeting to discuss and complete the Supervisor's Report with your supervisor(s).

Check that you have completed all relevant sections of the report prior to submission as incomplete reports will be returned to you.

Submit your report(s) in PDF (preferred) or Word format via email to your specialty, copying in:

all supervisors
your other specialty, if you’re actively dual training.

Save a copy of your report(s) for your own records.

If you have more than 2 nominated supervisors, additional supervisors must complete either a Supplementary Supervisor Comments Report (DOC) or a separate Supervisor’s Report.

Dual trainees: Complete a Supervisor’s Report for the specialty most relevant to that training period. Separate reports for the same training period aren’t required for dual training.

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 7.8.1:
‘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

Australia

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.

Aotearoa New Zealand

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 30 June
1 x Supervisor’s Report for the whole 12 months of the training year due by 15 December

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

1 x Supervisor’s Report completed for each rotation:
- Due 30 June for rotations in the first half of the year
- Due 15 December for rotations in the second half of the year

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're 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

Rheumatology online Supervisor's Report (RACP login required)
Online Supervisor's Report FAQs
Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)
Supplementary Supervisor Comments Report (DOC)
Supervisor Details Amendment Form (DOC)

Trainee's Report

Open all

Overview

A Trainee’s Report provides an account of your training experience at the end of each rotation to the Advanced Training Committee (ATC) in Rheumatology or the Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) in Rheumatology for their consideration.

Your Trainee’s Report along with your Supervisor’s Report provides the principle basis for determining certification of that training period.

Format

The Trainee’s Report should outline the work undertaken during the training rotation, under the following headings:

Clinical responsibilities
Teaching
Education program
Research, publications, formal presentations
Diagnostic techniques
Other relevant information

Note: Your report should be a reflection on your learning experience, not a list of training activities you completed.

Remember to refer to training requirements in the current handbook and ensure that your report includes sufficient detail for the ATC or ATS to ascertain if your training experience has been sufficient.

Length: 1000 words (2 pages) approximately.

Resources

Rheumatology Trainee's Report cover sheet (DOC)
Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)

Requirements

Requirement | Australia

12-month position

1 x Trainee’s Report for the whole 12 months, due 31 January in the following year

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

1 x Trainee'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 Trainee's Report before the 31 January deadline to avoid delaying certification of the training period.

Requirement | Aotearoa New Zealand

12-month position

1 x Trainee’s Report for the whole 12 months of the training year, due by 15 December

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

1 x Trainee's Report completed for each rotation
- Due 30 June for rotations in the first half of the year
- Due 15 December for rotations in the second half of the year

Certification

Prior to submission, your supervisor must read and sign off your Trainee’s Report.

Your Trainee’s Report is then submitted with your Supervisor’s Report for certification by the ATC or ATS in Rheumatology.

Submit your Trainee’s Report, along with a Trainee's Report cover sheet (DOC) and your Supervisor’s Report to Rheumatology@racp.edu.au (Australia) or Rheumatology@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa NZ).

Resources

Rheumatology Trainee's Report cover sheet (DOC)
Rheumatology Supervisor's Report (DOC)

More information

Education policies
RACP Online Learning resources
Trainee support

Forms and resources

Curricula

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

Advanced Training Portal

Forms and reports

Specialty societies

Australian Rheumatology Association

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

New Zealand Rheumatology Association

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