Trainee Handbook. Durham Hall 207 Albion St Surry Hills NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA

Transcription

1 Trainee Handbook Durham Hall 207 Albion St Surry Hills NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA Telephone: +61 (02) Facsimile: +61 (02) Website: October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 4 About the College... 4 Summary of Training and Examinations... 6 Registration and Training Requirements Examination Requirements Fellowship Requirements...22 Faculty of Oral Pathology Continuing Professional Development College Policies Recognition of Overseas Trained Specialists Forms and Submissions...27 Training and Examination Fees TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS The Overall Aim of the Training Program The Pathology Curriculum Basic Pathological Sciences Examination Anatomical Pathology Chemical Pathology Clinical Pathology Forensic Pathology General Pathology Genetics Haematology Immunology Microbiology October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 2

3 Diploma in Cytopathology Diploma in Forensic Pathology Diploma in Molecular Pathology Diploma in Forensic Medicine [UNDER REVIEW] Faculty of Oral Pathology APPENDICES Appendix 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors in Relation to Training Appendix 2: Accreditation of Laboratory for Training Appendix 3: Supervisor s Role and Responsibilities October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 3

4 INTRODUCTION Each year the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) runs pathology examinations as part of its Fellowship program. Success in these, and the required pre-examination training, qualifies the medical graduate to become a Fellow of the College on the approval of the College Council. Graduates in Medicine or Dentistry may also undertake training and examinations for Fellowship of the Faculty of Oral Pathology. Training is accredited and examinations are conducted by the College s Board of Censors. Admission to Fellowship certifies the medical graduate as trained and qualified to work as a specialist in the practice of pathology. To ensure adequate training the Board offers advice, subject and sub-discipline outlines, mentoring and training accreditation to help graduates and their supervisors cover the large amount of work needed to prepare for examinations and acceptance as a Fellow. This booklet provides medical or dental graduates, and current pathology Trainees and supervisors, with information on pathology training, examination and qualification requirements. ABOUT THE COLLEGE The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) was formed in 1956 and was originally known as the College of Pathologists of Australia. It has undergone two title changes since then, with Royal added in 1971 following permission from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Australasia in 1980 to recognise its New Zealand and South-east Asian component. The College s primary focus is educational. It is involved in the examination and certification of pathologists, as well as their ongoing professional development. It also provides professional leadership, including the setting of professional practice standards, and is heavily involved in government relations and negotiations concerned with maintaining the role of pathology in clinical practice. The College is a not-for-profit organisation established under the NSW Companies Act, with a Council as its Board of Directors. In understanding the role of the College and its place in Australian and New Zealand medical training and qualification systems, the following excerpt from its Memorandum of Association explains: The objects of the College are: To promote the study of the science and practice of pathology in relation to medicine; to encourage research in pathology and ancillary sciences; to bring together pathologists for their common benefit and for scientific discussion and demonstration; and to disseminate knowledge of the principles and practice of pathology in relation to medicine by such means as may be thought fit. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 4

5 To consider and advise as to any course of study and technical training and to diffuse any information calculated to promote and ensure the fitness of persons desirous of qualifying for Fellowship of the College. To achieve the objectives, there is an annual Pathology Update meeting of the College and local scientific meetings arranged from time to time; the publication of the journal Pathology and the Manual of Use and Interpretation of Pathology Tests; the arrangement of workshops, seminars and various other educational activities; quality assurance programs; the establishment of a Continuing Professional Development Program; the approval, monitoring and investigation of training programs proposed by Trainees and their supervisors; and the conduct of appropriate written, practical and oral examinations for admission to Fellowship and for obtaining postgraduate diplomas. TERMS IN USE The following terms are referred to throughout the document. For ease of reference they are outlined below: RCPA The College Fellows Trainees Council Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Qualified pathologists and official RCPA Members Medical or dental graduates training as pathologists RCPA Council: the governing body for the College. Consists of the Executive, elected Fellows from each Australian State and New Zealand, and the Chairmen of major committees. State or Regional Councillor Each Australian state has a Fellow elected to the RCPA Council. These are known as State Councillors. In addition, there are Regional Councillors elected to Council for Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. To represent New Zealand, a Vice President is elected to Council, although training matters are overseen by the Board of Censors Representative for NZ. Councillors Board of Censors Registrar State or Regional Councillors, also Chairmen of State or Regional Committees. The Chairmen of the Board of Censors and other major committees are also members of Council. RCPA Board of Censors: the RCPA board set up to oversee training, examinations and applications for Fellowship. The Registrar of the Board of Censors: a Fellow of the College responsible for ensuring that policies of the College and the Board of Censors are met with regard to training, assessment and application for Fellowship. The Registrar is the point of contact with the College for Trainees and the person to whom all enquiries about training and assessment should be addressed. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 5

6 Board of Education An RCPA board set up to provide advice on education issues, promote research in pathology and raise public awareness of pathology. The Board coordinates continuing education activities and the development and publication of educational materials. State Education Committee An RCPA committee that oversees educational issues relating to Fellows and Trainees within a particular state. The State Committee monitors and acts on issues arising in and exclusive to that State, which affect the interests of Fellows and Trainees. FRACP JSAC NATA/RCPA IANZ Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Joint Specialist Advisory Committee: a joint committee between the RCPA and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which oversees joint training programs (currently in Endocrinology/ Chemical Pathology, Infectious Diseases/Microbiology, Haematology and Immunology). Collaboration between the National Association of Testing Authorities and the College to audit standards and accredit Australian pathology laboratories. International Accreditation New Zealand, the body which accredits NZ laboratories. Overseas Trained Specialist A medical practitioner qualified as a pathologist in another country, seeking recognition as a specialist in Australia through the Australian Medical Council process, or in New Zealand through the Medical Council of New Zealand process. SUMMARY OF TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS Training, examination and Fellowship applications are controlled by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia s Board of Censors. The Board is made up of Fellows appointed by Council to the position for two year terms, up to a maximum of six years. The College allows training and Fellowship examination in the following pathology disciplines: Anatomical Pathology Chemical Pathology Clinical Pathology Forensic Pathology General Pathology Genetics Haematology Immunology Microbiology Oral Pathology (for Fellowship of the Faculty of Oral Pathology). October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 6

7 In addition the College offers post-fellowship diplomas in: Cytopathology Molecular Pathology Forensic Pathology And a special Diploma in Forensic Medicine for non-fellows October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 7

8 Fellowship of the RCPA is awarded to those applicants who have: a recognised medical degree (or dental degree for Fellowship of the Faculty of Oral Pathology) applied to the RCPA Board of Censors to determine training and examination requirements five years of supervised accredited training success in examinations carried out by the Board and been accepted by the RCPA Council. All applicants must undergo formal examination before being offered Fellowship. The Board of Censors determines which RCPA examinations are to be undertaken, based on the applicant s previous training, experience and qualifications. CONTACTS Prospective Trainees should seek initial information from the College website at Go to Careers/Training with Us/A career in Pathology For further information on the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia s training, examinations and admission to Fellowship contact: The Registrar, Board of Censors Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 207 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 (02) Fax: +61 (02) boc@rcpa.edu.au October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 8

9 KEY DATES 31 January Closing date for annual registration of Trainees and submission of Supervisor s Reports 7 days prior to the Closing date for Application for Part I and Part II Examinations last working day in February 28 February Submission of Oral Pathology logbooks Mid March Admission to Fellowship Ceremony for candidates completing requirements in the previous year (held at the RCPA Pathology Update meeting) 28 March Anatomical Pathology Casebook due - Part II & diplomas Oral Pathology Casebook due - Part II Final date for payment of annual registration fees 25 April Forensic Pathology Part II Casebooks due 30 April Trainees not re-registered removed from mailing list May/June Written and practical examinations held Chemical Pathology Case Commentaries and critical literature review due at written exam - Part II 27 June Haematology Dissertations due Part II 30 June Closing date for applications for Pathological Sciences examination 1 July Genetics Case Reports due Part I 20 July Supervisors Reports due for Part I and Part II examination candidates 30 July Microbiology Projects due - Part II Late August September/October Practical and oral examinations held General Pathology practical assessments held 15 October Supervisor s Reports due for JSAC Trainees October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 9

10 31 October Resubmission of Anatomical Pathology Casebooks due (if requested by Chief Examiners) Late October Early November Late November Pathological Sciences examination Repeat Part II written examinations Repeat examinations for Part II candidates 31 December Supervisors Reports due for all other Trainees may be submitted with annual registration form. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 10

11 REGISTRATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ENQUIRIES Prospective pathology Trainees are strongly advised to consult the relevant State or Regional Councillor before applying to train. State or Regional Councillors are located in each Australian State, and in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Training enquiries for New Zealand should be directed to the NZ Representative of the Board of Censors and for Saudi Arabia to the Corresponding Fellow. Contact can be made through the College. Councillors provide information and advice on pathology as a career, and will be a continual contact throughout the training period. See Appendix 1 for the Role and Responsibilities of Councillors. MEDICAL OR DENTAL REGISTRATION Before being accepted for training, Trainees must provide evidence that they are registered medical (or dental for the Faculty of Oral Pathology) practitioners in Australia or New Zealand, or entitled to practise medicine in their country of domicile. Medical Registration implies that a Trainee has completed not less than 12 months in general clinical work as an intern. A list of medical boards and councils is available on the College website. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY Any personal information provided by Trainees is strictly confidential to the College staff, members of relevant College committees, examiners and supervisors. Trainees are therefore asked on registration forms for their consent to the RCPA providing relevant and necessary information as above. The College will manage personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy. If you wish to access any information we hold on you or obtain a copy of the College s Privacy Policy please contact the Privacy Officer on REGISTRATION FOR TRAINING Before applying for training with the College, the prospective Trainee must be employed in a training position in a laboratory accredited by the College for training. Trainees will not be accredited with training undertaken whilst in an unpaid position, or in an observer position. A list of accredited laboratories is available on the RCPA website at The Trainee must nominate a supervisor in the laboratory, who will work with the Trainee to design and monitor the training program. Once employment and supervision have been secured, the prospective Trainee can apply at any time during the year for initial registration. Certified copies of original certificates of medical qualifications and registration are to be submitted with the application form. To finalise initial October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 11

12 registration, the Trainee must provide a Prospective Training Program and must pay the required initial registration fee and the pro rata annual training fee. Thereafter, Trainees must reapply for annual registration and provide a Prospective Training Program every year. Trainees who have not re-registered by 30 April will be considered incomplete Trainees and will be removed from the mailing list and web access. A fee will be incurred for reinstatement. Once registered, a Member ID No. will be allocated, which will continue through to Fellowship and beyond. This number must be quoted on all correspondence with the College and will be used as the candidate number in examinations. Trainees receive the College newsletter, Pathology Today, the journal Pathology, notice of scientific meetings and other information. Access is also provided to the password protected area of the RCPA website, which holds past examination papers, course notes, discussion forums etc. Any change of address or proposed changes in training, including extended leave, must be notified to the Registrar of the Board of Censors in writing, by mail fax or . See the Forms and Submissions section for: Application Forms Prospective Training Program Fee Schedule Closing dates REGISTRATION FOR JSAC TRAINING Those applying for training programs supervised by a Joint Specialist Advisory Committee (JSAC) in Endocrinology/ Chemical Pathology, Infectious Diseases/Microbiology, Haematology or Immunology with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) are advised to consult the Requirements for Physician Training Adult Internal Medicine (the Mango Book ) available on the RACP website at New applicants need to obtain a JSAC application form from the RACP, in addition to the RCPA Initial Registration form. Copies of the JSAC application form must be sent to both the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. For subsequent annual registrations, only the JSAC form needs to be completed, with a copy to the RCPA. Please note that there are separate JSACs and different forms for the RACP in Australia and NZ. In both instances a copy of the form must be sent to the RCPA. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS All pathology training, be it full or part-time, must be approved by the College s Board of Censors early in the first and each subsequent year of training. To gain approval, applicants must send a Prospective Training Program with their initial and annual training registration forms. Pathology training and experience is normally full-time. A minimum of five full-time equivalent years of certified training in laboratories accredited by the Board of Censors, must be completed October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 12

13 before admission to Fellowship. For joint training with the RACP, one year is retrospectively accredited for physician training. (Refer to Training Limitation, following.) Part-time training may be acceptable in certain instances, but must average at least 8 hours per week, again in an accredited training program. All part-time Training must be prospectively approved the Board of Censors The number of years of training required in this case will be set by the Board on an individual basis. Time spent in research or project work is encouraged and up to one year in relevant work is readily approved. More extensive research projects will be considered on an individual basis and Trainees should submit details to the Board. Please check under each discipline chapter in this Handbook for more detailed training requirements. Applications for accreditation of time should be prospectively approved. To specialise in a single discipline, four of the five years of approved laboratory training must be in that discipline. Trainees are strongly encouraged to spend at least one aggregate year of their training in one or more branches of pathology other than their chosen discipline. TRAINING LIMITATION Training limitation is enforced to ensure that Trainees are exposed to more than one style and philosophy of pathology practice. Several states/regions have coordinated training programs with rotations between institutions. Candidates for RCPA qualifications will not be accredited with more than 4 years training in any one laboratory. Where the same members of a pathology service/practice supervise geographically separate laboratories this may be viewed as training undertaken in a single laboratory and may not fulfil the requirements for a laboratory rotation unless significant differences in practice and supervision can be demonstrated. Training undertaken in a different discipline within that service/practice may be acceptable. RCPA Trainees who are also registered with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in a joint specialist training program may not complete both their clinical and laboratory training entirely within one service of an institution. Rotation may occur either in the laboratory or the clinical component of JSAC training. Change of supervisor to another member of an integrated clinical/laboratory service will not qualify as rotation; nor will change to a different geographical site of an integrated service. Any short term rotation undertaken must be for a minimum of 2 months. This does not include secondment to another institution for training in a specific technique or method. Under exceptional circumstances, and then only at the discretion of the Board of Censors, special dispensation from the 4 year rule may be granted. However, this should never be assumed; it must always be applied for at the start of training. RETROSPECTIVE ACCREDITATION OF TRAINING Some training may be approved retrospectively. Retrospective accreditation must be sought from the Board of Censors on initial registration as a Trainee. Applications should include full supporting documentation such as training and examination results, laboratory and supervisor information, projects and work history. The training details are to be accompanied by a statement from the supervisor for each period, verifying the claim. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 13

14 Retrospective accreditation is considered on an individual basis; however training undertaken in an undergraduate program would not generally be recognised. If retrospective training is approved, the Trainee may be required to pay a fee equivalent to or part of the Annual Training Fee normally paid for the period of that training. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 14

15 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TRAINING If you intend to take extended leave or suspend your training for any reason, please notify the Registrar in writing, providing details of the anticipated duration of leave or suspension. Since 6 weeks leave per annum, including recreational and personal leave is standard, the College will permit a maximum of 30 weeks leave to be included within the 5 year training program. If leave of greater than 30 weeks is taken over that period, the Trainee will be required to undertake additional training time up to the period of additional leave. If you wish to continue to receive College communications, including the journal and access to the members section of the website, a mailings fee will be payable instead of the annual training fee. If you do not pay this fee you will need to contact the College to receive an Annual Registration Form (and Examination Application form if necessary) when you wish to resume training. TRAINING PORTFOLIO All Trainees are provided with a Training Portfolio folder. Trainees are expected to maintain comprehensive records of their training and examinations, including copies of application forms, supervisors reports, examination results and correspondence with the College. The Record of Training within this Portfolio must be submitted to the College on request. ACCREDITED LABORATORIES Training must be undertaken in a laboratory accredited for training by the Board of Censors. A current list of laboratories accredited for training is available on the RCPA website. Laboratory accreditation is based on the range and quantity of work performed, space, equipment, hospital affiliations, level of staffing, library facilities, laboratory equipment, experience available, and the adequacy of supervision. Accreditation may be granted to provide a maximum of 4 years of training for an individual candidate. Laboratories which offer limited or very specialised experience may only be accredited to provide a shorter duration of training. Training in other laboratories such as overseas or research laboratories is considered on its merits. If approval is required for a period in an overseas laboratory, full details of the laboratory and supervisor must be sent to the Board of Censors with the initial or annual registration form prior to commencement of the training period. A maximum of 2 years training may be accredited in a laboratory outside the College s sphere of activity. As part of the laboratory accreditation process, site visits of laboratories will be undertaken periodically by representatives of the Board of Censors. The visit will include consultation with Trainees, and a review of training facilities and adequacy of supervision. See Appendix 2 for details of Accreditation of Laboratory for Training. SUPERVISORS All training must be supervised. Trainees may nominate their own supervisor and are required to submit his/her name on the initial and annual registration forms. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 15

16 The supervisor of laboratory training will normally be a Fellow of the College; however another supervisor may be accepted if there is no Fellow available to offer appropriate supervision. Non- Fellows must have their role approved by the Board of Censors. Normally, only one supervisor is nominated. If the Trainee spends significant periods working in an area where the supervisor has no personal involvement, the supervisor must certify that suitable supervision is being provided. The supervisor must also ensure that adequate supervision is arranged in their absence. Supervision should not be delegated largely to a nonpathologist. In some circumstances shared supervision may be necessary, but there must be a nominated primary supervisor. For Trainees working towards higher academic degrees (e.g. PhD), the research project supervisor may not be suitable for nomination as an RCPA supervisor. Supervisors are asked to provide: a prospective training (or research) program, on initial registration and annually an annual supervisor s report or, for rotations within a year, reports which cover the period of training confirmation on the examination application form of the Trainee s experience and readiness. See Forms and Submissions for further details of these requirements. Supervisors are expected to assist Trainees to develop their individual training objectives and to provide structured feedback of performance on a regular basis. For this reason, the College recommends that any one supervisor be responsible for no more than two Trainees. See Appendix 3 for the Role of the Supervisor. Supervisors duties are also listed in the Guide for Supervisors available on the RCPA website. EDUCATION PROGRAMS The Pathology Update meeting and the Pathological Sciences Seminar are organised annually under the auspices of the Board of Education. Details of Board of Education programs are notified in Pathology Today, on the RCPA website and in regular mailings, which are sent to all registered Trainees. Other educational programs may be organised by the State and New Zealand Education Committees or by training institutions. For further details, Trainees are advised to contact their State or Regional Councillor or visit the College s website. The discipline representatives of the local Committees are available for advice on all aspects of training and are responsible for organising education programs to meet local needs. Pathology Update Pathology Update is held in Sydney each year in March. The Update program, which includes components covering each discipline, is designed for Trainees, so you are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. Each year there are sessions in which the Chief Examiners in each discipline discuss their approaches to the examination process and explain where students have made errors in previous exams. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 16

17 Trainees are also invited to submit an abstract for the DS Nelson, Board of Education Poster or the RCPA QAP Trainee Prizes. Details of these awards will be in the registration brochure and on the Pathology Update website. Basic Pathological Sciences Seminar The Pathological Sciences Seminar is held annually and provides an overview of the topics listed under Examination Content for the Basic Pathological Sciences examination (page 52). Medical Students, Trainees and Junior Medical Officers may attend the seminar. Please note that the Seminar is not designed to be a preparatory course for the Basic Pathological Sciences Examination held in October each year. RCPA education programs are heavily subsidised by Fellows for the benefit of Trainees. TRAINEE GRANTS AND AWARDS A number of grants and awards are available for registered Trainees, including the RCPA Research Award, Travel and Research Grants, the DS Nelson Trainee Prize and the RCPA QAP Pty Ltd Prize. Please refer to the College website for further details. COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS Trainee Handbook: The current Trainee Handbook is to be used as a guide for training requirements, but any printed version may be out of date. When changes are made, due to ongoing policy development, the most recent version will be available on the College website. Trainees will always be advised at least 12 months in advance of significant changes in the training program. Pathology Today: The College communicates with Trainees through the fortnightly College newsletter, Pathology Today. Please be aware that from time to time there may be changes in College policy or in the structure and content of training requirements. Such changes will always be advised through Pathology Today, and to individual Trainees. You should be familiar with the RCPA website. The Document Library is where you will find information on exams, educational activities, publications and policies, plus the website has discussion and employment forums. College address: The College will keep Trainees informed by , especially when we need to contact you at short notice. In order to avoid the ongoing problems of full Hotmail boxes, or out of date work addresses, the College offers a free, personal address to Trainees. Details will be circulated regularly, or contact the office on boc@rcpa.edu.au. CHANGES IN REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING AND EXAMINATION From time to time, in consultation with Fellows and Examiners, the Board of Censors may change the requirements for training and the form and structure of examinations. All care is October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 17

18 taken to notify significant changes at least a year in advance, and to avoid disadvantaging Trainees who entered training under different rules. INFORMATION AND SUPPORT Your supervisor, the relevant State or Regional Councillor, or in New Zealand the Board of Censors representative, is available for advice to Trainees of the College. For specific requests regarding training accreditation and examinations, you should contact the Registrar of the Board of Censors on boc@rcpa.edu.au. Trainees are asked not to contact Chief Examiners directly all correspondence must come through the College. If you need general information or clarification of any procedures outlined above, please contact the Administrator for the Board of Censors, on at boc@rcpa.edu.au, or phone EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Trainees may sit examinations in a single pathology discipline, i.e. Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Genetics, Haematology, Immunology, or Microbiology, or take General Pathology examinations covering the major subdisciplines. The single discipline examinations are designed for those who wish to specialise in one branch of pathology, while General Pathology training is for Trainees wanting all-round experience, or for those choosing to work in two or more disciplines. There are three parts to the examination process: 1. Basic Pathological Sciences Examination: The examination may be taken before commencement of training. The examination is open to any intern, medical or dental student in their final year as well as registered trainees. A pass in Basic Pathological Sciences is not a prerequisite for Part I or General Pathology examinations, but a pass or exemption must be achieved before proceeding to sit the Part II examination in any discipline. 2. Discipline specialty Part I: This is usually taken in the third year of training. 3. Discipline specialty Part II: This is usually taken in the fifth or final year of training. Part I and Part II examinations require Trainees to have sufficient knowledge of the work of other branches of pathology to be able to use and interpret their basic services intelligently. The Part I and Part II examinations have written, practical and oral components. For General Pathology, examinations are taken in Pathological Sciences, Clinical Pathology and Morphological Pathology. The Clinical and Morphological examinations are generally taken in years 4 and 5. There are also practical assessments in each discipline. See REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT for details of the training and examination requirements for each discipline. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 18

19 EXAMINATION EXEMPTIONS Admission to Fellowship is always by examination, although the Board of Censors may grant exemptions from some components of the examination. Candidates with Australasian qualifications in disciplines other than pathology may be eligible for some exemptions from the 5 year training period. Application for exemption can be made on the Application for Examination form, which must be submitted by seven days before the last working day of February in the year of intended examination. Trainees seeking an exemption need to submit full details with supporting evidence. They must also pay the usual examination fee for any examination from which they are seeking exemption. Because the form and content of examinations varies from time to time, exemption from a total examination (e.g. Part I) is valid for five years. Exemption from a single component of an examination is only granted for the following examination cycle. In subsequent years, the exemption must be requested at the time of application for examination. There are no absolute indications for exemption and any application will be treated on its merits, with relevant postgraduate qualifications, research, publications and experience taken into account. EXAMINATION APPLICATIONS To sit for examinations, apart from Pathological Sciences, Trainees must be registered with the RCPA training program and employed in a laboratory accredited for training. Examination forms are available for downloading from the College website. Reminders of the due date are advertised in Pathology Today towards the end of the preceding year. An application form must be completed for each year s examinations. Application for exemption must also be completed on the Application for Examination form. The appropriate fee and all relevant documentation must accompany the form. Applications for all Part I and Part II examinations close at 1700 hours Sydney daylight saving time, 7 days before the last working day of February each year. Applications for the Pathological Sciences examination close on June 30 each year. The closing date is observed strictly. LATE APPLICATIONS There will be a period of grace for late applications received up to 1700 hours Sydney daylight saving time on the last working day of February. However a substantial late fee will be incurred ($275 in 2008). Absolutely no applications will be accepted after this period for Part I, Part II or General Pathology examinations. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 19

20 EXAMINATION TIMETABLES The written and slide examinations for all subjects are held once a year, usually in June, followed by the practical and oral examinations, usually at the end of August. The Pathological Sciences examination is usually held in late October. Repeat examinations in some disciplines, for Part II candidates only, are held late November. Examination timetables will be published on the RCPA website. EXAMINATION VENUES The June written and practical examinations and the Pathological Sciences examination are held in Australian state capitals, appropriate centres in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and some other major overseas centres if suitable arrangements for invigilation can be made. Any Trainees wishing to take an examination at a venue other than a designated examination centre must make the request when they lodge their examination application, nominating a suitable invigilator, who should be a Fellow of the College. Where special arrangements are made for one, or a small number of candidates, the candidate(s) may be charged for the total costs incurred. Please refer to College Policy: Candidates Sitting in Countries without College Representation, available on the RCPA website or on request from the College. The August and November practical and oral examinations are generally held in Sydney, but may be undertaken in some other venues at the discretion of the relevant Chief Examiner. WITHDRAWAL FROM EXAMINATION AND FAILURE TO ATTEND A Trainee who wishes to withdraw from an examination must provide written notice to the Registrar. The following fees and conditions apply: Withdrawal more than eight (8) weeks prior to the date of the examination: A cancellation fee of 10% of the examination fee plus GST will be charged. Withdrawal less than eight (8) weeks but more than four (4) weeks prior to the examination: A cancellation fee of 50% of the examination fee plus GST will be charged. Withdrawal less than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the examination: There will be no refund of any fees. Where candidates fail to attend a set of examinations without prior notice of withdrawal, there will be no refund of any fees. A result of Failed to Attend will be recorded. Where candidates fail to attend one component of a set of examinations, a result of Failed to Attend will be recorded for that component. There will be no refund of any fees. These penalties may be waived where there are extenuating circumstances. Please refer to College Policy: Examination of Candidates Suffering from Illness, Accident or Disability, available on the RCPA website or on request from the College. REFUSAL OF EXAMINATION October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 20

21 The Board of Censors may refuse to accept examination applications which do not meet the stated requirements. The Board may also refuse to proceed with examination of a Trainee who infringes regulations or whose behaviour is considered to prejudice the proper management and conduct of the examination, or for any other sufficient reason. Such Trainees may also be refused permission to take future examinations. EXAMINATION RESULTS Results will be available RCPA website (by Member ID number only) approximately 6 weeks after completion of the June examinations and within a week of the August examinations. Wherever possible, Trainees will be notified at the time of examination of a date for the release of results. Each Trainee will receive written notification of examination results. In some disciplines, progression from the initial (June) written and practical examinations to further (August) practical and oral examinations is dependent upon the Trainee s results. Trainees will be notified on the website and by mail whether or not they will proceed. Details of arrangements for the examinations will also be provided at this time. All enquiries regarding unsuccessful examination results must be directed to the Registrar or the relevant State or Regional Councillor. Trainees must not directly contact the Chief Examiner. REPEAT EXAMINATIONS A repeat examination will be offered to Part II candidates who have failed the June/August examinations in the same year and who have met a specified minimum standard. At the discretion of the Board, this exam may be available to those who have withdrawn with extenuating circumstances. For those disciplines with written examinations at Part II, candidates will only be invited to the repeat viva if they have passed the repeat written component. Applications for repeat examination will close 15 working days after the release of August exam results. The fee for the repeat examination will be the same as the usual examination fee. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CANDIDATES AND CHIEF EXAMINERS In the interests of fairness and integrity of the examination process, Trainees are not to contact Chief Examiners directly during the examination cycle, that is between the June and August examinations, or during the course of the November examinations. Where special circumstances concerning a Trainee s performance, such as illness, are known to exist, they should be communicated as soon as possible. This could be by a telephone call in cases of emergency, or a letter to a State/Regional Councillor or to the Registrar of the Board of Censors. Correspondence must not be sent directly to the Chief Examiner. Lobbying, whether by Trainees, supervisors or other persons, to try to influence examination outcomes may result in disqualification of the Trainee. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 21

22 EXAMINERS COMMENTS Comments on the performance of Trainees who have failed will be sent to the candidate s nominated supervisor (if the Trainee has given written permission for this to occur) following completion of the examination cycle. Feedback will also be provided directly to Trainees. Reports for Part II candidates will generally be provided following the August examinations. Those for Part I candidates may not be available until after the November examinations. Trainees are strongly advised to discuss these comments with their supervisors, with a view to remediation of any deficiencies, and to seek further advice where necessary from their State or Regional Councillor. General comments on examinations are also published in Pathology Today. LENGTH OF TIME EXAMINATION PASSES REMAIN VALID The College does not restrict the number of attempts a candidate may have to pass examinations. However, if the Part II examination is not completed within 5 years of passing or being granted exemption from Part I, the candidate will need to either pass Part I again or gain exemption from it. In General Pathology, a pass in or exemption from a Practical Assessment is valid for 5 years. If the relevant examination (Clinical or Morphology) is not completed within 5 years of passing a Practical Assessment, it will be necessary to either again pass, or obtain exemption from that Assessment. A pass or exemption in Pathological Sciences stands indefinitely. CHANGES IN EXAMINATIONS The examination and assessment system is under constant review. Ample notice of any proposed changes will be published in the College newsletters, on the website, circulated to Councillors and mailed and ed to Trainees. In all cases there will be a realistic transition period to allow those already in training to complete their examinations under pre-existing rules or to accept the change. FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS Following successful completion of the required training and examinations, Trainees may apply for Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Under the College s Articles of Association a person is eligible for admission as a Fellow if: Category A College Trainees he/she is a graduate in medicine of a university situated in Australia or New Zealand or a graduate in medicine whose qualifications are approved by the College s Board of Censors; and he/she is entitled to be registered as a medical practitioner in a State or Territory of Australia or in New Zealand, or is entitled to practise medicine in the country of domicile; and October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 22

23 he/she has worked for a total of five years in posts approved by the Board of Censors for training in pathology; and his/her application for examination for Fellowship has been approved by the Board of Censors; and he/she has passed such examinations as the Board of Censors or the Council has determined; and the Council considers that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted as a Fellow of the College. Category B Overseas-Trained Pathologists he/she is a graduate in medicine approved by the Board of Censors; and he/she has been engaged in full-time medical practice related to pathology for five years fulltime or part-time for periods aggregating five years; or he/she has engaged in a form of medical practice related to pathology for eight years or periods aggregating eight years; and his/her application for examination for Fellowship has been approved by the Board of Censors; and he/she has passed such examinations as the Board of Censors or the Council has determined; and the Council considers that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted as a Fellow of the College. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO FELLOWSHIP Trainees sitting Part II examinations will be sent an Application for Admission to Fellowship form with the acknowledgment of their Application for Examination. All applications must include a statement that the Trainee agrees to the College s Memorandum and Articles of Association and by-laws, which are published on the College website at Trainees must also provide personal references and evidence to support their application. This includes examination results, medical registration and relevant training information, including any rotations between pathology laboratories. The Board of Censors will then make an assessment of the applicant s training experience and examination results. If satisfied that they have met training requirements and achieved an acceptable examination result, the Board will recommend to the College Council that the Trainee be admitted to Fellowship. The College Council then considers the application. It may admit the Trainee as a Fellow, reject his/her application, or suspend a final decision for a period it thinks fit or for further qualification evidence. The Council will truly and independently determine if each applicant is considered to be a fit and proper person for admission and if deemed so approve the candidate s Admission to Fellowship. October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 23

24 In making the decision, Council must ensure that the reason for declining the granting of rights and privileges offered by the College is based upon legitimate grounds of genuinely unsatisfactory qualification or safety. The Chairman of the Board of Censors will not take part in the decision making process with respect to a candidate s admission to Fellowship. In addition, in circumstances where there is a recommendation not to admit an applicant to Fellowship, only Councillors not practising in the discipline of pathology in which the applicant is trained will be able to discuss and vote on this issue of that candidate s admission to Fellowship. Council should at all times ensure that the principles of natural justice shall apply in its decisionmaking. There is a mechanism for Review of Decision of Council in relation to Admission for Fellowship. See Regulations Governing Review of Council Decisions on Admission to Fellowship and Termination of Membership of a Fellow Under Article 49B on the College website. ADMISSION TO FELLOWSHIP AND ETHICS Once Trainees are accepted and have paid their entrance fee and annual subscription, they receive an official Certificate of Fellowship. As College Fellows they are expected to observe the following ethical principles in Australia, or the code of ethics of the country of practice. 1. The fundamental objective of the practice of Pathology is to promote the welfare of patients in terms of maintenance or restoration of health. 2. Fellows engaged in the practice of Pathology should be guided by the same ethical considerations as are practitioners in other areas of medicine. For these purposes the College follows the Australian Medical Association Code of Ethics (Revised November 1995). SPECIALIST REGISTRATION Requirements for specialist registration following attainment of Fellowship of the RCPA (FRCPA) vary between states and regions. For example: Australia: FRCPA provides automatic vocational registration with the Health Insurance Commission. New Zealand: FRCPA provides automatic vocational registration as a specialist pathologist with the Medical Council of New Zealand Hong Kong: FRCPA does not entitle the Fellow to inclusion on the Specialist Register of the Medical Council of Hong Kong. FACULTY OF ORAL PATHOLOGY The College also offers a Fellowship of the Faculty of Oral Pathology (FFOP) for dental graduates fulfilling similar criteria, but applicable to dental practice, as those applicable to medical graduates. This is also offered to medical graduates and to Trainees and Fellows wishing to either gain recognition as an Oral Pathologist or to cross over into a career in Oral October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 24

25 Pathology. It should be noted that to be recognised as a specialist by Dental Boards in Australia or New Zealand, dental practitioners must also hold an approved Master s degree in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia offers a Continuing Professional Development Program (CPDP) to its Fellows, Affiliates and Trainees. Participation in CPDP, or an equivalent program, is mandatory for Fellows. Proof of participation is a requirement for registration by some medical boards. COLLEGE POLICIES Trainees are advised to familiarise themselves with the College s by-laws, policies, and roles and responsibilities. Specific documents that should be reviewed include: Policies Complaints in Relation to Examinations Discrimination and Harassment Complaints Handling By-Laws Regulations Governing Review of Council Decisions on Admission to Fellowship and Termination of Membership of a Fellow Under Article 49B Regulations Governing Review Process for Review of Decisions of Committees of the College Council Under Article 49A Roles and Responsibilities Ombudsman for Trainees These and other documentation relevant to trainees can be found on the College website at Go to Publications and forms/document library, search category Training with RCPA. COLLEGE OMBUDSMAN An ombudsman is defined as someone who resolves disputes from a neutral, independent viewpoint. College ombudsmen are appointed for Australia and New Zealand. The ombudsman is to be consulted only when a reasonable effort has been made to resolve the problem through normal processes and it still is not resolved. The ombudsman will not have the authority to reverse decisions but may recommend that a decision be reconsidered or that a course of action be taken to bring about changes that will help prevent future problems. Trainees wishing to contact the ombudsman may do so through the State Councillor or College office on boc@rcpa.edu.au or phone +61 (02) October 2008 The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia 25