Training

Becoming a General Physician

See also: What is a General Physician?

Introduction

The process of training as a general physician begins during the undergraduate years and aims to develop the essential skills and attitudes required for a worthwhile and satisfying professional life. While clinical skills are critical, additional skills are required for the teaching, administrative and research roles that consultant general physicians ultimately fulfill.

Communication and data-evaluation skills clearly underlie all of the above functions as does an appreciation of medical ethics. Programmes are flexible enough to cope with trainees’ diverse and changing professiona needs.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) regulates the training of internal medicine physicians in Australia and New Zealand. Trainees are required to complete a specified program of training and assessment to be eligible for admission to Fellowship of the RACP. The training program is a minimum of 6 years in length, divided into 2 periods basic training and advanced training each lasting at least 3 years, with an examination at the end of basic training. Specialty or vocational training is undertaken as an Advanced Trainee. For more information see 'Overview of Physician Training' on the RACP Requirements for Physician Training website.

Advanced Trainees in General Medicine are eligible to join IMSANZ as associate members.

Next: RACP Requirements for Advanced Physician Training »

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Awards & Scholarhips

There are currently four IMSANZ awards/scholarships open to Advanced Trainees. See Resources > Awards & Scholarships.