Share your experience

This is an opportunity for new Fellows and those completing additional RACP training programs to share their experiences of moving to unsupervised practice. Your feedback helps us support members and improve training in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Eligibility

You're invited to take the survey if you completed an RACP Advanced, Faculty, or Chapter training program between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024.

Evidence-based improvements

Insights from the survey responses help us identify tailored resources to support a smooth transition to Fellowship and inform training initiatives across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Your direct feedback helps us to:

• understand challenges encountered in the transition from trainee to unsupervised professional practice
• identify areas for training improvement
• provide tailored support and resources on topics our members want to know more about
• better understand our members’ positions and the barriers they face in acquiring specialist roles

Note: responses are confidential and used only for quality improvement. Any identifying details are removed, and only aggregated results are published.

How are we responding?

First introduced in 2021 and conducted again in 2023 and 2024, the survey has led to significant improvements and ongoing initiatives including:

Educational resources

• new RACP online courses and resources, such as a Health Policy Systems and Advocacy course (released 2024) and a physician self-care and wellbeing resource online course
• exploring a transition to professional practice program to help address commonly encountered challenges
• improving the accessibility of existing resources to assist new Fellows with their transition to unsupervised practice

Changes to training and supervision requirements

• mandating the Supervisor Professional Development Program (SPDP) for all supervisors of trainees
• revising the RACP Flexible Training Policy (PDF) to support improved gender equity, wellbeing and inclusion during training
• revising of the Advanced Training Research Project requirements to provide greater flexibility (including a new exemption process, extension of deadlines to submit recognition of prior learning applications and the broadening of accepted project types)

Improvements in RACP Services

• establishing a new Member Support Centre to assist members in navigating the College, improving enquiry responses, and enhancing resolution times to better support your needs
• developing a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) strategy
• creating a new strategy for regional, rural, and remote physicians

2024 New Fellow Survey insights

Preparedness for unsupervised practice

In 2024, the majority of new Fellows felt that their training adequately prepared them for working independently – especially in communication, medical expertise, judgement and decision-making. They felt least prepared in research, health policy systems and advocacy.

In 2024, fewer Fellows felt prepared for teaching, learning and research than in 2023.

Challenges in leadership and decision-making 

New Fellows experienced challenges with feeling confident in their leadership abilities and independent decision-making, such as:

• finding consistent employment
• navigating administrative tasks such as private practice billing

Further College support needed

• just over 1/5 of new Fellows indicated that the transition to unsupervised professional practice was difficult
• more than half said they would find further support from the College helpful during the shift from trainee to consultant/specialist
• many also said they would benefit from career coaching or a dedicated transition program for new Fellow

Work/life balance

Many trainees struggled with work/life balance and felt they didn’t get enough support from the College when they needed it. Key reasons included:

• high workloads
• inflexible nature of training (limited part-time and leave options)
• pressure to complete training requirements, including rural placements and research projects

Completing the Advanced Training Research Project

Completing the Advanced Training Research Project requirement was a particularly challenging component of training, especially finding sufficient time to devote to the research required.

Only 1/4 of new Fellows indicated they had applied the research knowledge and/or skills they developed from undertaking their research project.

The College needs to be more responsive to new Fellows' requests 

There's a recognised need for the College to be more responsive to requests for information and support.

Read more in the 2024 New Fellow Summary Report (PDF)

Contact us if you have any questions about the survey.