Medical Training Review Panel 19th Report

Trainee Selection

Employers place advertisements for positions in pain medicine training units accredited by the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM). Interview, selection and appointment processes are determined by the employing jurisdictions, with representation from the FPM.

Trainee Assessment

Quarterly in-training assessments require the trainee and the supervisor of training to carry out regular evaluation, with a recording of goals being met and areas identified for improvement. During each quarter a trainee undertakes a number of workplace-based assessments. These are designed to provide regular structured feedback and facilitate learning within the trainee’s normal work environment. A clinical case study needs to be completed in either of the two training stages.

Two long case assessments are undertaken during the course of training, one during each stage of training. During this assessment the trainee will have one hour with a patient, observed by two examiners, during which the trainee will take a targeted history and perform a pertinent physical examination.

Trainees also need to pass the fellowship examination which consists of written and viva voce (oral) sections. Competencies related to the knowledge, behaviours and clinical skills pertinent to a specialist medical practitioner in the discipline of pain medicine will be tested at the examination. Candidates must achieve a mark of at least 50% in each section of the examination to pass.

Admission to fellowship is available to candidates who are fellows of ANZCA, RACP, RACS, RANZCP, AFRM–RACP, RACGP, RNZCGP, RANZCOG, or who hold a specialist qualification acceptable to the Board, and who have successfully completed the training program requirements.