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Training younger colleagues is an integral part of the Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G). Training in medical and surgical disciplines is essentially an apprenticeship where skills, knowledge and experience are imparted from one generation to the next.
A formal structure ensures that there is consistency and continuity in training and in turn ensures the continued delivery of a high standard of health care and an ethical practice of medicine.
The department's training program has been in place for many years but has only been formalized in recent years. The training program is accredited by the Division of Graduate Medical Studies (GSMS), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). As such there are limited training positions for both Basic Specialty Trainee (BST) and Advanced Specialty Trainee (AST).
Training is aimed at preparing young doctors to cope with the demands and expectations of a contemporary practice. Great emphasis is placed on technical expertise, evidence-based practice and up-to-date knowledge. In addition, medical ethics, medico-legal issues and contemporary social issues are also dealt with.
Specialist training may be divided into basic specialty training (BST), where trainees are prepared for the post-graduate examinations in the various colleges, and advanced specialty training, which targeted towards post-membership doctors who are preparing for specialist accreditation.
Graduates who have held medical qualifications for at least 2 years are eligible to enter the training program. Candidates may not appear for the examination until satisfactory completion of the appropriate sections of the training program.
A minimum of 3 years in approved training posts is required before the candidate may sit for the final section of examination. Before the candidate can appear for the examination, the Board will review the candidate's logbook and reports to access suitability of the training.
Candidates must have completed 3 years basic training and obtained the M.Med. or equivalent qualification to be eligible for admission into Advanced Specialist Training. The school may recognize relevant pre-traineeship postings up to a maximum of 6 months.
Training programs comprises both “supervised apprenticeship” (i.e. on the job training) as well as more structured training sessions. Each trainee, BST or AST is rotated through the various sub-specialty departments to ensure a rounded exposure. These rotations are flexible, however the rotation system is centrally coordinated within the Division and all efforts are made to ensure that each trainee completes the rotation cycle.
The relative lengths of these rotations does not reflect the degree of importance placed upon each subspecialty, but rather the balance between training and service available in each sub-specialty. Within each unit or department, each trainee will be attached to a training supervisor (mentor) to oversee the training and achievements of that trainee. In addition, a senior colleague will supervise each trainee when assigned to a service or training station
Structured training sessions form an integral part of the training program to ensure that an adequate depth of knowledge is covered. These include:
- CME sessions
- Consultant supervision
- CPC sessions
- Accreditation Programs
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