Education and Training

HomeEducation and Training

The first two postgraduate years are a time to consolidate basic skills and to acquire attitudes and habits that will support a lifetime of ethical, safe and compassionate practice and ongoing medical learning.

The Postgraduate Medical Council supports practical experience, under appropriate supervision, as the emphasis of prevocational education and training.

BY THE END OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF POSTGRADUATE TRAINING, THE PREVOCATIONAL DOCTOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE:

  • honesty, integrity and reliability in dealings with patients and colleagues alike;
  • adequate knowledge of basic and clinical sciences, and application of this knowledge to the care of patients with a broad range of common and important medical and surgical conditions;
  • appropriate clinical skills, including history taking and physical examination, to permit sufficient definition of the patient’s problems in order to make a provisional diagnosis and formulate an appropriate plan of investigation and the ability to interpret commonly used investigations and tests;
  • the ability to organise, synthesise and act on information gained from the patient and other sources so as to exhibit sound clinical judgement and decision-making;
  • the ability to use information technology to access key information, clinical practice guidelines and evidence based medicine;
  • the ability to act effectively in emergency situations;
  • an understanding of preventive care and the importance of modification of risk factors and lifestyle in plans of management for patients and their families;
  • the ability to perform simple procedures competently, understanding the indications for, and risks of the procedures undertaken;
  • the ability to work effectively within a team of health care personnel, including other doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and undergraduate students;
  • effective time management;
  • a commitment to self assessment and continuing medical education and an ability to locate and critically appraise biomedical literature relevant to everyday clinical practice;
  • a willingness to be involved in teaching of others, including undergraduate medical students, nurses and allied health professionals.
Australian Curriculum Framework for Junior Doctors

The curriculum framework outlines the knowledge, skills, behaviours and competencies that are required of prevocational doctors in order to work safely in Australian hospitals and other healthcare settings. Further information about the curriculum framework can be found here. To view or download a PDF version click here.