Specialist Training in Palliative Medicine

Specialist Training

Specialist training In Palliative Medicine can occur in two ways:

  • To become a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
  • To become a fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM)

Holders of either fellowship are recognised by the Australian Medical Council and Medicare Australia as Specialists in Palliative Medicine.

The training pathway for both fellowships is the same, but the entry requirements are different.

 

  • RACP Fellowship

A completion of basic physician training
  • Chapter Fellowship

A fellowship from another prescribed college such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

 

Three years of supervised specialist training is then required in accredited positions in the following areas

 

  • Compulsory training terms

 
  • 6 months inpatient training (placement in an inpatient unit /hospice)
  • 6 months consultative service
  • 6 months community palliative care service
  • 6 months oncology training
  • Elective training terms
  • 6 months elective term in community or consultative or inpatient service
  • 6 months elective term in research, pain medicine or another area of relevant interest

 

INFORMATION ON THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM IS AVAILABLE FROM THE RACP WEBSITE

Assessment

Assessment is based on supervisor reports from each training term and the completion of 2 projects during the 3 year training period.

Recognition of prior training

The RACP may, in certain circumstances, grant exemptions to the above training terms on the basis of previous training.  These decisions are made by the Palliative Medicine Education Committee of the RACP (not the Victorian Training Program).