The NSW Training Experience – Information for Trainees

Paediatric Physician Training is a period of clinical training for a career as a paediatric physician. In NSW, Junior/Medical Officers can apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Fellowship Program, and if successful, commence training to become a Paediatric Physician. Information about the Fellowship training program, including prerequisites, selection criteria and requirements, can be found on the RACP website.

In NSW, vocational training completed as part of the Fellowship program is conducted in Training Networks. Trainees may apply to join a Paediatric Training Network during their second postgraduate training year (PGY2), to commence vocational training at the start of PGY3.

Benefits and strengths of the NSW Basic Physician Training Program

A coordinated, networked approach to training underpins the NSW Paediatric Physician Training Program. RACP accredited hospitals work together to provide a diversity of training opportunities to Paediatric Physician trainees who are members of the RACP or completing Fellowship training with an associated medical college (e.g. RACGP, ACEM). The training Networks support best-quality training at each networked site while promoting equitable distribution of trainees across the network. Networks are comprised of metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals that trainees rotate through during their training.

There are three Paediatric Physician Training Networks in NSW, each of which includes metropolitan, regional and rural training sites that have been accredited by the RACP.

• Greater Eastern Paediatric Training Network
• Northern Paediatric Physician Training Network
• Western Paediatric Physician Training Network

Information about each Paediatric Physician Training Network, including teaching supports and the education program can be accessed on their websites or by contacting the Network Director of Physician Education (NDPE).

How training NSW Networks function to benefit trainees and services

The Networked approach to Paediatric Physician Training in NSW involves collaboration between the NSW Ministry of Health, the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), the RACP and Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks to achieve the best outcomes for trainees and the people of NSW.

Networks offer trainees the opportunity to access a range of training areas, while benefiting from supervised learning in the workplace.

For Trainees, the Network System offers:

• Opportunity for equitable access to education initiatives
• A co-ordinated approach to facilitate access to training facilities across sites
• Formalised access to professional development opportunities
• Increased opportunities for collaboration amongst trainees, clinicians and health service managers
• Established appeals and escalation systems if concerns with education and training are identified
• Exposure to a variety of training opportunities (provided at different sites) that support fulfillment of College requirements
• Access to protected teaching time.

Progression to and information about Advanced Training

Following successful completion of Basic Training, Advanced Training is the final component of a minimum six-year training program to become a Paediatrician and a Fellow of the RACP. Detailed information about the Advanced Training program and its requirements can be found on the RACP website.

How to Join a Paediatric Physician Training Network in NSW

In NSW, trainees can join a Training Network during the Annual Medical Recruitment  campaign (July-October) for a length of training contract. Recruitment into Paediatric Physician Training is a collaborative venture of NSW Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks and the Paediatric Training Networks.

Further information on the Annual Medical Recruitment campaign can be found on the NSW Ministry of Health website.

Vacancies in training networks may occasionally exist outside of the annual recruitment campaign (July-October). These are managed on a Network by Network basis through the NSW Health and NSW Government recruitment websites. Information regarding the opportunities and training available within each Network can be obtained from the Network Director of Physician Education, the Education Support Officer or during group information sessions held by each Network in the lead up to annual recruitment.

For any initial queries regarding recruitment for Paediatric Physician Training, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document.

Recruitment Information Sessions

Joining the RACP

A requirement of joining a Paediatric Physician Training Network is selection into the RACP Fellowship training program. Further information on this program, including entry prerequisites and training requirements, can be found on the RACP website.