Time-based requirements
The Advanced Training Program in Medical Oncology 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).
Trainees who commenced in 2022 onwards
You must train at a minimum of 2 settings over the course of your Advanced Training.
A maximum of 24 months is allowed at a single setting. See accredited settings.
Trainees who commenced before 2022
If you exceed 24 months of training at a single setting, you must have a minimum of 6 months training (core or non-core) at a second accredited setting in Australasia, or overseas setting equivalent, before the Advanced Training Committee (ATC) or Aotearoa New Zealand Advanced Training Subcommittee (ATS) can refer you for Fellowship.
| Rotation |
Time requirement |
Core training
Must be spent in accredited core medical oncology clinical training positions |
24 months minimum |
Non-core training
Can be undertaken in research, laboratory-based training, overseas training relevant and specific to cancer medicine or an additional year of clinical training (medical oncology, cancer genetics, palliative medicine, radiation oncology or malignant haematology) |
12 months maximum |
Training rotations
Core training
A minimum of 24 months core training must be spent in accredited core medical oncology clinical training positions under the supervision of 2 RACP Fellows, one of which must be a practicing medical oncologist.
Adult Medicine trainees: You're required to meet the below requirements during core training:
- Regular weekly outpatient clinics
- minimum of 3 outpatient clinics per week (averaged over 6 months)
- Sufficient number of new patients with a variety of common malignancies
- minimum of 3 new patients per week (outpatients or inpatient consults)
Non-core training
You can undertake a maximum of 12 months of non-core training in research, laboratory-based training or overseas training relevant and specific to cancer medicine.
You have the option to undertake an additional year of clinical training beyond the required 24-month core training period. This may include further medical oncology training or other cancer-related specialties, including cancer genetics, palliative medicine, radiation oncology or malignant haematology.
Training is to be supervised by 2 Fellows of the RACP or other college.
Aotearoa New Zealand trainees: The ATS won’t approve any non-core training unless 12 months of core training has been satisfactorily completed and certified first.
The ATS policy applies to new trainees and trainees transferring from another specialty or prospective dual trainees.
Training locations
You must complete at least 24 months of your Advanced Training in Medical Oncology Program in Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand, to ensure that you receive adequate exposure to local practices and health services.
If you’re considering training in overseas positions, you should seek guidance from the ATC/ATS prior to applying for prospective approval.