title: franzcog training program handbook - for trainees … · 2020. 5. 22. · 2013. trainees who...

Title: FRANZCOG Training Program Handbook - for Trainees Commencing prior to 1 December 2013 Prepared by: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology 254-260 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia This work is subject to copyright under the laws of Australia and, through international treaties, other countries. Apart from any use as permitted by law, no part may be copied, adapted, reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or made available to the public by any means or process without written permission from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer, RANZCOG, 254-260 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. © RANZCOG 2019/2020

FRANZCOG Handbook Page 1 of 66 Post-Dec 2013 Trainees

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

LIST OF FIGURES 2

LIST OF TABLES 2

FRANZCOG TRAINING HANDBOOK 3

COLLEGE INFORMATION 4

Introduction 4

History 4

Vision and Mission 4

TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEES 5

Education & Assessment Committee (EAC) 5

Training Accreditation Committee (TAC) 5

RANZCOG Trainees’ Committee 5

State/Territory and New Zealand Training Accreditation Committees 6

Contact details 6

TRAINEE SUPPORT 7

Training Support Unit (TSU) 7

Support resources 7

Preparing & Implementing Learning Development Plans for Trainees in Difficulty (LDP) 7

Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) Formative Assessment for Basic & Advanced 8

Evidence-informed Facilitated Feedback 8

Assessment and Feedback of Communication Skills 8

POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND STATEMENTS 9

Trainee in Difficulty policy 9

A Guide to Supporting Trainees in Difficulty 9

Mentoring of Trainees Policy 9

Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace Policy 9

Conflict of Interest Policy 10

Exceptional Circumstances and Special Consideration 10

Reconsideration and Appeals 10

TRAINING ADMINISTRATION 12

Accredited Hospitals & Integrated Training Programs for Basic Training (Years 1-4) 12

THE TRAINING PROGRAM 13

First year of training 13

Continuation of training approval and registration 13

Training for Fellowship 13

Basic Training 14

Advanced Training 23

FRANZCOG Academic Stream 26

Fractional (Part-time) Training 26

Leave from training 28


Transferring between countries and/or regions 28

Deferral of Training 28

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 30

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTATION 31

The FRANZCOG Online Logbook 31

The Training Assessment Record (TAR) 31

Trainees’ Statement of Understanding 32

Three-monthly Formative Appraisal 32

Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report 33

Submission of Training Documents 35

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 36

In-Hospital Clinical Assessment (IHCA) 36

Assessment of Procedural & Surgical Skills (APSS) 37

Research Project/Study 38

Research Study 39

Research Project 40

Exemption from the Research Project/Study 43

FRANZCOG EAMINATIONS 45

FRANZCOG Written Examination 46

FRANZCOG Oral Examination 47

FELLOWSHIP ELEVATION 49

CURRICULUM 51

Attributes and Graduate Outcomes of the FRANZCOG Training Program 51

Scope of practice of a trainee on satisfactory completion of Basic training 54

Scope of practice of a trainee on satisfactory completion of Advanced training 54

Appendices 55

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Three-Monthly Formative Appraisal workflow ...................................................................................... 33

Figure 2 Six-Monthly Summative Assessment workflow ..................................................................................... 34

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Recommended minimum procedure numbers ...................................................................................... 16

Table 2 IHCA requirements per cohort ............................................................................................................... 37

Table 3 Research Study – activity points ............................................................................................................. 39

Table 4 Workflow and timeline for Fellowship applications ............................................................................... 49

Table 5 Attributes and competencies in Basic and advanced training ............................................................... 52

Table 6 Acronyms ................................................................................................................................................ 55

Table 7 Abbreviations used/accepted in FRANZCOG Examinations ................................................................... 56


FRANZCOG TRAINING HANDBOOK

This handbook is an information resource for all trainees who commenced the program AFTER 1 December

2013. Trainees who commenced the program BEFORE 1 December 2013 should refer to the pre-Dec-2013

Training Handbook.

This handbook details the training requirements and other relevant information pertinent to FRANZCOG training

and should be read in conjunction with the supplement FRANZCOG Training Handbook - Companion and the

RANZCOG Regulations.

Regulations For all RANZCOG Regulations including those governing the FRANZCOG Training Program refer to the RANZCOG

website https://ranzcog.edu.au/our-college/governance/constitution-regulations

RANZCOG training policies For all policies governing the FRANZCOG Training Program refer to

www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures

Updates Please note that every effort is made to ensure that the information and Regulations in this handbook is correct.

This handbook is regularly updated and trainees and Fellows are strongly advised to consult the website version

when checking information or regulations: www.ranzcog.edu.au/training

https://ranzcog.edu.au/our-college/governance/constitution-regulations

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/training


COLLEGE INFORMATION

Introduction This is an exciting and challenging time to be training in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

New medical developments and procedures, together with changed patient and community expectations, have

created an increasingly complex professional environment.

RANZCOG Curriculum guides the training and practice of obstetricians and gynaecologists. This curriculum

applies to all trainees; however, trainees who commenced the program prior to 1 December 2013 are governed

by a different set of Regulations.

The curriculum encompasses learning across the three domains: clinical expertise (including communication),

academic abilities and professional qualities required of a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist.

This handbook details the training requirements and other relevant information pertinent to your training. It

should be read in conjunction with the Regulations.

History The Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was formally established in 1978.

The new College replaced the former Australian Regional Council, which had been governed by the Royal

College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in the United Kingdom.

The prefix “Royal” was acquired in 1980 when it became the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and

Gynaecologists (RACOG).

In 1983, the RACOG moved to its current headquarters at 254 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria.

In October 1998, the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists amalgamated with the Royal

New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to form the Royal Australian and New Zealand College

of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

Vision and Mission

Vision Delivery of excellence and equity in women's health.

Mission To be the leader in education, training and advocacy in obstetrics and gynaecology.

RANZCOG will achieve its Vision by innovative training, accreditation and continuing education supported by

active assessment of the effectiveness of those programs.

The College will actively support and communicate with Fellows, members and trainees in order to ensure that

they are capable, physically, psychologically and professionally, of providing the highest standards of care.

The College will support research into women’s health and will act as an advocate for women’s health care,

forging productive relationships with individuals, the community and professional organisations both locally and

internationally.


TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEES Committees of Council formulate and review training and assessment requirements leading towards attainment

of the FRANZCOG and Subspecialty qualifications.

Council Committees usually meet in March, July and November. All Committee Chairs can be contacted via

College House.

Education & Assessment Committee (EAC) The EAC is responsible for ensuring, maintaining and enhancing the integrity, validity and reliability of the

individual and collective education and assessment components and associated processes pertaining to training

programs run and administered by RANZCOG.

Training Accreditation Committee (TAC) TAC is responsible for:

• formulating and review of the processes for accreditation and reaccreditation of the training programs

leading towards the attainment of Fellowship of RANZCOG.

• approval of hospitals and training posts suitable for FRANZCOG training and the development of training

programs

• consideration and assessment of individual trainee programs leading towards FRANZCOG

• consideration of applications for elevation to FRANZCOG

• coordination of the development and maintenance of the training requirements associated with FRANZCOG

• coordination of the Integrated Training Program (ITP) hospital accreditation and re-accreditation process,

including site visits to hospitals

RANZCOG Trainees’ Committee The RANZCOG Trainees’ Committee was formed in 1999 with the aim of communicating the views of trainees to

the College - both in relation to training issues and broader issues such as the future of obstetrics and

gynaecology. Since July 2009, this group has been a Committee of Council.

The Trainees’ Committee is responsible for representing the interests and concerns of RANZCOG trainees in the

FRANZCOG, Certificate of Women’s Health/DRANZCOG/DRANZCOG Advanced, Subspecialty training programs

and pre-Fellowship Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMG), as well as RANZCOG trainees undertaking

approved training in locations outside Australia and New Zealand.

The Committee comprises:

• a Chair, who is usually undertaking Advanced training or nearing completion of Basic training;

• trainee representatives from each state/region in Australia and New Zealand;

• a representative of overseas trainees in the FRANZCOG Training Program;

• a representative of subspecialty trainees;

• a representative of Certificate of Women’s Health/DRANZCOG/DRANZCOG Advanced trainees;

• a representative of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) undertaking in- hospital training as

part of their pathway to Fellowship;

• a representative of recent Fellows (i.e. of less than five years standing);

• a Fellow and Councillor representing the Training Accreditation Committee; and

• a Fellow and Councillor representing the Education & Assessment Committee.


Trainees’ Committee representatives also attend other Council committee meetings including TAC, EAC, ESC,

and Council.

Trainee representatives are also included on various committees and working groups, ensuring extensive

trainee involvement in decision-making.

For information on your local representative and updates on the Committee, refer to the Trainees’ Committee

page at https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/support-resources/trainees-committee

State/Territory and New Zealand Training Accreditation Committees These RANZCOG Committees are responsible for the oversight of Basic and Advanced training in the relevant

state or region.

The State/NZ TACs also review applications for prospective approval of training submitted by FRANZCOG

trainees in the relevant state or region. They are further responsible for reviewing trainees’ online Six-Monthly

Summative Assessment Reports assessed as Other Than Satisfactory and approving the appointments of

Program Coordinators and Training Supervisors.

The Chairs of these committees are also responsible for reviewing and approving Three-Monthly Formative

Appraisal and Six-monthly Summative Assessment reports of trainees in the relevant region.

Contact details RANZCOG office and committee contact details can be found in the FRANZCOG Training Handbook - Companion.

https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/support-resources/trainees-committee


TRAINEE SUPPORT

Training Support Unit (TSU) RANZCOG recognises that our trainees may experience periods of professional and personal difficulty. Coping

with the demands of a busy profession, developing skills, building knowledge as well as balancing family and

personal commitments can be challenging.

RANZCOG is committed to ensuring all trainees who may be experiencing difficulty in their training are

supported and has established the Training Support Unit (TSU). The TSU offers professional and impartial

support to all RANZCOG trainees and promotes trainee wellbeing. Trainees are encouraged to contact the TSU

in times of stress, anxiety or poor health. The TSU also manages trainee training complaints in a fair and

responsive manner.

To further support trainees in times of difficulty, RANZCOG has established a partnership with an external

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service - Converge International - as a confidential and objective third-party

support option. The following pages will provide you with further information on Converge, the TSU, and other

resources available for the wellbeing of all RANZCOG trainees.

Converge International is a confidential support service that is available to our trainees for any personal or

work-related matter, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Converge International offer the following trainees support:

• Support that is private and confidential

• Up to three sessions of Counselling, Family Assist and Crisis Counselling per calendar year (funded by

RANZCOG)

• Support that can be tailored to meet your needs (face to face, telephone or online)

• Services available across Australia and New Zealand (Vitae – NZ equivalent)

For more information on this and the TSU, refer to www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Training-Support-Unit) or

contact RANZCOG [email protected]

Support resources A range of resources is available for all RANZCOG trainees and those involved in their training, including Training

Supervisors, ITP Co-ordinators, State/NZ Training Accreditation Committee Chairs, Subspecialty Committee

Chairs, Mentors, consultants, senior registrars, other health professionals and hospital management.

Refer to www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Support-Resources

Preparing & Implementing Learning Development Plans for Trainees

in Difficulty (LDP) These guidelines cover all aspects of the Learning Development Plan process - from how to determine when a

trainee needs further development to implementing the LDP strategies agreed on between supervisor and

trainee.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Training-Support-Unit

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Support-Resources


Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) Formative Assessment for Basic &

Advanced The College has developed an online MSF process to provide Training Supervisors with an effective formative

assessment tool for gathering information about a trainee’s performance from the various people who work

with him/her. Use of this process is not compulsory, but it can be used by the Training Supervisor as part of a

remedial strategy to support the trainee in difficulty.

Evidence-informed Facilitated Feedback This document outlines how Training Supervisors and trainees can build rapport and relationships, provide and

receive constructive feedback, explore the trainee’s understanding of the content of feedback, and how the

trainee can be appropriately coached for performance change.

Assessment and Feedback of Communication Skills RANZCOG Assessment and Feedback of Communication Skills checklist is an assessment tool intended for use at

any level in the training program. Its use is not compulsory. The document is designed for the purposes of

making a more accurate appraisal of a registrar’s communication difficulties in situations where such difficulties

are suspected and is primarily intended as a tool to facilitate feedback to the trainee.


POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND STATEMENTS

Trainee in Difficulty policy RANZCOG is committed to providing a training support structure that is fair, consistent, transparent and robust.

The purpose of the Trainee in Difficulty policy is to provide guidance on the identification, support and

management of trainees who encounter difficulties during their training. This policy sets out what ‘in difficulty’

means in the context of RANZCOG training.

It defines the principles to be employed by the trainee, the supervisor and RANZCOG when a difficulty is

identified, and the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved. The policy applies to all RANZCOG trainees

and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) on the pathway to Fellowship.

Refer to: https://ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures

A Guide to Supporting Trainees in Difficulty This guide provides guidance on the identification, support and management of trainees who may be

experiencing difficulty in meeting the RANZCOG training requirements. Some challenges may include: clinical

performance - knowledge, skills and professional behaviour; exam performance; mental and physical health

issues; environmental/organisational issues - workplace culture, lack of support, lack of appropriate clinical

management or resources, trainee/supervisor difficulties.

Refer to: www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Support-Resources

Mentoring of Trainees Policy The Mentoring of Trainees in FRANZCOG Training Program Policy (C-Trg 06) relates to the mentoring of trainees

in the FRANZCOG Training Program, and other RANZCOG programs, who may request assistance from the

College in finding an appropriate mentor.

The purpose of the policy is to ensure appropriate processes are in place for the mentoring of trainees, in

accordance with RANZCOGs commitment to providing trainees with appropriate support in the workplace

throughout their training.

Refer to: https://ranzcog.edu.au/Statements-Guidelines/ (Training > General)

Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace Policy This policy outlines RANZCOGs position on bullying, harassment and discrimination as informed by the relevant

legislation and to describe the behaviour expected of all members, including Fellows, trainees, and staff.

RANZCOG is committed to ensuring fair and equitable workplace practices exist, where all members are treated

with dignity, courtesy and respect, and as such does not tolerate bullying, harassment or unlawful

discrimination in any workplace. All persons have a responsibility to contribute to achieving a workplace

environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination by avoiding actions which lead to, support or

condone such activities.


https://ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures


https://ranzcog.edu.au/Statements-Guidelines/



Conflict of Interest Policy RANZCOG is committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, and to providing a governance

structure that is consistent, transparent and robust.

This policy provides guidance in identifying and handling potential and actual conflicts of interest involving

RANZCOG and its activities, and to raise awareness of actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest issues to

all those who fulfil a representative role, conduct College business or hold a College appointment. The policy

applies to all members, including Fellows, trainees, staff and other representatives involved in any RANZCOG

entities, including the Board, Council, Committees, Subcommittees, Working Groups or other bodies authorised

to carry out activities or functions of the College.


Exceptional Circumstances and Special Consideration All trainees are subject to RANZCOG regulations and policies; trainees are, however, able to apply for variation

to the normal requirements on the grounds of exceptional circumstances that may justify special consideration.

Applications for special consideration, supported by relevant documentation, must be made on the appropriate

College form, and submitted before or within 72 hours of the relevant event and prior to the making of any

decision in relation to the College requirement in question. An application fee applies.

Full details, including what the College regards as valid exceptional circumstances that may lead to the granting

of some form of special consideration, are set out in the Exceptional Circumstances, Special Consideration &

Reconsideration Policy, available on the College website at: www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-

Procedures

Reconsideration and Appeals The College seeks to provide appropriate support to its trainees, while also affording trainees natural justice/

procedural fairness in circumstances where they are dissatisfied with a College decision. As such, there are a

range of mechanisms available to trainees seeking to address a decision with which they are dissatisfied.

Specifically:

• Request for reasons;

• Reconsideration;

• Review; and

• Formal pursuant to other College policies.

Further information, including the policies and forms, are available by searching Exceptional Circumstances,

Special Consideration & Reconsideration Policy on the College website at:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures

Request for reasons Requests for reasons must be made in writing to the Chair of the body responsible for the original decision,

within fourteen (14) days of the date of the decision in question. There is no fee payable when seeking reasons

for a College decision.

Reconsideration Where a trainee considers that College policy and/ or procedure was not followed in the making of the decision,

or that relevant facts were not known and/ or properly considered by the relevant decision- making body, they






may request reconsideration of the decision. Reconsideration will be undertaken by the body responsible for

the original decision or a subgroup of that body, as deemed appropriate by the Chair of the body in question,

in accordance with the processes set out in the Exceptional Circumstances, Special Consideration &

Reconsideration Policy

Applications for reconsideration, supported by relevant documentation, must be submitted in writing to the

relevant Chair within six (6) weeks of the date of the decision in question. An application fee is payable.

Review Where a trainee remains dissatisfied with a College decision they are able to seek a review of the decision in

accordance with the College’s Appeal Procedures. The review will be conducted by a separately constituted

Review Committee, which will consider material available to the College, including in relation to adherence to

College regulations, policies and procedures, as well as whether the principles of natural justice/procedural

fairness were followed.

Any request for review must be made in writing to the College Chief Executive Officer within three (3) months of

the date of the original decision.

Formal Appeal The final mechanism available to a trainee who is dissatisfied with a College decision is formal appeal.

The Appeals Committee is convened as required on a case-by-case basis and is the only College committee

whose voting membership consists of a majority of non-College members. Decisions of the Appeals Committee

are final, being notified to RANZCOG Board.

The Appeals Committee will decide each appeal on its merits and is not bound by the rules of evidence and,

subject to the rules of natural justice/ procedural fairness, may inform itself on any matter and in such a manner

as it thinks fit.

Pursuant to the College’s Appeals Procedures, formal appeals must be lodged in writing to the College Chief

Executive Officer within six (6) months of the date of the original decision. An appeal fee is payable.

Further information about the appeals process is available on the website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures/Appeals-Procedures

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Policies-Procedures/Appeals-Procedures


TRAINING ADMINISTRATION

Accredited Hospitals & Integrated Training Programs for Basic

Training (Years 1-4) An Integrated Training Program (ITP) is a group of hospitals that is accredited to provide Basic training. Each ITP

has a home/base hospital and a number of peripheral and rural hospitals through which trainees rotate in

different combinations.

For a detailed list of Accredited Hospitals please refer to the FRANZCOG Training Handbook - Companion.

Accreditation Standards for Hospitals in the FRANZCOG Training Program The accreditation standards for hospitals FRANZCOG training are defined in the Accreditation Standards and

Guidelines for Hospitals in the FRANZCOG Training Program, available at:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Hospitals

For further information on the accreditation process, please contact [email protected]

Criteria for Advanced Training Information on the RANZCOG criteria for Advanced Training posts can be found at

https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/training-requirements

Guidelines for Training in Resource Limited Settings The guidelines for undertaking training in resource limited settings overseas (e.g. Papua New Guinea, Fiji, India,

etc.) are outlined in FRANZCOG Training in Resource Limited Settings, available at:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Hospitals


https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/training-requirements

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements


THE TRAINING PROGRAM

First year of training 1. Registered medical practitioners in Australia and New Zealand who intend to commence training must first

apply for a training post in the FRANZCOG Training Program.

2. Following successful completion of the selection process and acceptance of a training position, the trainee

must apply for Prospective Approval of Training using the form available via the online portal

My.RANZCOG.

3. The completed online documentation is submitted to the relevant RANZCOG State/NZ /New Zealand office

for review and subsequent consideration of approval by the State/NZ Training Accreditation Committee

(TAC) Chair.

4. A trainee is not considered fully registered for the training year until the Prospective Approval form has

been approved and the annual training fee has been paid. (Trainees will be invoiced for the fee by

RANZCOG Finance Department).

Continuation of training approval and registration ALL trainees for each year of training must submit a Prospective Approval of Training or Prospective Approval of

Extended Leave form via My.RANZCOG prior to the start of each semester of training.

Training for Fellowship The FRANZCOG Training Program is a 276-week (six year) structured post-graduate program which leads to

certification as a Fellow of the College (FRANZCOG).

Fellowship of RANZCOG is the only post-graduate qualification which leads to recognition as a specialist

obstetrician/gynaecologist in Australia or New Zealand.

Fellowship is awarded by the RANZCOG Board after necessary training and assessment is completed, and all

requirements are met.

The FRANZCOG Training Program includes:

• a 184-week (four-year) Basic Training Program; and

• a 92-week (two-year) Advanced Training Program

Trainees’ in-hospital training is supplemented by the College’s eLearning program, CLIMATE (Curriculum Led

Internet Managed Accessible Training Environment). The online, self-directed modules/resources cover all areas

of the curriculum. Surgical Skill Companion Resources that align to the Assessment of Procedural and Surgical

Skills (APSS) are available on CLIMATE.


Basic Training

Introduction The 184-week (four-year) Basic Training Program consists of defined clinical and educational experience in

training hospitals.

The Basic Training Program includes:

• Rotation through a minimum of two different hospitals, with at least 46 weeks in a tertiary hospital* and 23

weeks in a rural hospital;

• Logged clinical work in obstetrics and gynaecology resulting in attainment of prescribed competency levels

in specified procedures;

• Utilising the resources of CLIMATE, the College’s eLearning program;

• Experience in gynaecological oncology sufficient to gain a working knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvic

sidewall, particularly in regard to the ureter and major blood vessels;

• Formative three-monthly and Summative six- monthly assessments of the trainee’s progress by their

Training Supervisor;

• Foundations of Surgery Workshop;

• Basic Obstetric Skills Workshop (for trainees commencing from December 2016);

• Formal in-hospital ultrasound training;

• An approved internal/external ultrasound course/workshop (for trainees commencing from December

2016);

• Completion of 3 ultrasound modules on CLIMATE (for trainees commencing from December 2016);

• Neonatal Resuscitation training;

• Fetal Surveillance Workshop;

• Communication Skills Workshop;

• Completion of cultural competency training (for trainees commencing after 1 December 2018);

• Completion of the CLIMATE Abortion Module (for trainees commencing from 1 December 2019);

• In-hospital Clinical Assessments (IHCA);

• FRANZCOG Written Examination;

• FRANZCOG Oral Examination; and

• Competency in Assessments of Procedural and Surgical Skills (APSSs).

*Note: Refer to Terminology section in the back of this handbook for the College’s definition of a tertiary

hospital.

Training Time All Basic training is calculated in weeks. A trainee cannot gain credit for more than 46 weeks in any training year.

Basic training must be completed within a maximum of six years’ time in training - dated from the

commencement of Basic training. ‘Time in training’ is the aggregate of all time in the training program. This

includes annual leave but not time taken as approved extended leave of absence or approved research leave as

part of the ‘Academic Stream’.

Approved fractional training time (i.e. between 0.5 and 1.0 full-time equivalent - FTE) will be considered pro

rata.


Basic Training essentials Basic training is provided through a series of rotations in a group of hospitals accredited by the College for this

purpose. Each group of hospitals is known as an Integrated Training Program (ITP).

The following are essential if an ITP is to be accredited by the College:

• A planned rotation over a four-year period, which includes at least 46 weeks’ experience in hospitals other

than the home hospital, at least 46 weeks in a tertiary hospital* and 23 weeks in a rural hospital;

• An ITP Coordinator with responsibility for co-ordinating the Basic training that takes place in the ITP;

• An in-hospital education program specifically designed for FRANZCOG trainees; and

• Levels of clinical experience which ensure that each trainee obtains the minimum levels of experience over

the four years of the program.

*Note: Refer to Terminology section in the back of this handbook for the College’s definition of a tertiary

hospital.

Recommended minimum levels of experience: A General Guide This list is an approximate guide, not a set of mandatory requirements. Trainees and training sites should aim

for these numbers but will not be penalised if unable to meet them. Figures for procedures refer to the number

of procedures performed, as primary operator including direct supervisor. To record a procedure as primary

operator, the trainee needs to perform at least 50% of the relevant procedure. It is not necessary to open and

close, or to be primary operator for an entire case. For cases with multiple procedures, there may be more than

one primary operator. For example, primary operator can be claimed when the trainee assists the supervisor on

one side and then performs the other side with the supervisor assisting. Direct Supervisor can be logged when a

more experienced trainee supervises a more junior trainee who is performing the procedure. Trainees who act

as direct supervisor must have been credentialed to perform the procedure or must have completed the

relevant APSS.

Refer over page.


Table 1 Recommended minimum procedure numbers

Procedures

Vaginal birth 20

Vaginal birth complex (e.g. Multiple birth, Vaginal birth with breech, face or compound presentation)

20

Instrumental vaginal birth- any combination vacuum/forceps 100

Instrumental vaginal birth - mid- cavity/rotational 20

Caesarean section 200

Basic 165

Fully dilated 20

Complex 15

Third & Fourth degree tears 20

Laparotomy - Basic 20

Laparotomy - Intermediate 20

Vaginal surgery - Simple 20

Vaginal surgery - Intermediate (Hysterectomy) 20

Continence surgery 5

Laparoscopic surgery - Level 1 + 2 20

Laparoscopic surgery - Level 3 20

Colposcopies 100

Gynaecological clinics 100 (clinics)

Obstetric clinics 100 (clinics)

Ultrasound 150 scans. Trainees are encouraged to aim for a minimum of 80 hours over the first two years of the program

Gynaecologic oncology Ideally, 3 months’ experience but not necessarily in a formally designated gynaecologic oncology unit (e.g. a hospital where there is no specific gynaecologic oncology service on-site but multiple gynaecologists are available). If a 3-month term is not feasible, trainees should have sufficient experience in this area to gain a working knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvic sidewall, particularly in regard to the ureter and major blood vessels.

Allocated Rotations and Training Time Requirements Where possible, trainees are advised at least 12 months in advance of their rotations throughout the four years

of Basic Training, including their rural rotation. It is expected that trainees follow their allocated rotations.

Should they miss training time at a particular allocated site (e.g. due to taking extended leave of absence), they

should make up that time on their return to the training program, preferably at the same site where possible

and if this would not impact adversely on other trainees.


Gaining Additional Experience Trainees may find that their experience in some areas is limited by hospital rostering and service needs. If this

occurs, trainees are strongly encouraged to gain additional experience during unrostered hours.

Rural Training All trainees entering Basic training must complete at least one prospectively approved and satisfactorily

assessed period of at least 23 weeks FTE in a rural location prior to completion of Basic training. When being

assigned to a rural rotation, trainees must verify that it is a designated rural rotation. Designated rural rotations

are marked with an asterisk (*) in the list of accredited hospitals of the FRANZCOG Training Handbook -

Companion.

The compulsory rural rotation provides all trainees with an understanding of the special issues facing a rural

patient and a rural specialist, such as:

• The strategies that are necessary when practising in the absence of proximity to subspecialists and tertiary

facilities;

• The importance to rural patients of geographical proximity to health services;

• The challenges of patient transfer issues when the need arises.

The rotation also provides opportunities for gynaecological surgical training that can be more available in a

provincial centre. Trainees based in a tertiary hospital may find that some gynaecological surgical procedures

are performed by subspecialist trainees and are not readily available to FRANZCOG trainees, other than during

the rural rotation. As such, the rural rotation provides:

• A greater volume and case-mix of gynaecological surgery (approximately 80% more than the average

tertiary rotation and 40% more than the average metropolitan hospital rotation);

• An opportunity to enhance confidence and competence in core operative skills and gain increasing

independence in those skills needed for Advanced training and ultimately specialist practice;

• The opportunity to be involved in outpatient and outreach clinics that may not normally be available in

metropolitan centres;

• Exposure to different models of patient care and follow-up care.

Trainees should be advised by the ITP Coordinator/ Training Supervisor of their planned rotation for the four-

year program, at the commencement of Year 1.

Approval for training in a rural rotation will be based on the particular merits of that training post. Flexibility

regarding the model for training supervision will be considered.

Integrated Training Program (ITP) Coordinators Each ITP is co-ordinated by an ITP Coordinator, appointed by the relevant State/NZ Training Accreditation

Committee (TAC) for a minimum two-year period. The ITP Coordinator is responsible for planning the local Basic

training program and coordinating the progress of trainees through the program. The role is similar to the

Senior Training Supervisor in major teaching hospitals which offer a program involving rotation to other

hospitals.

For more information on ITP Coordinators and Training Supervisors see:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Supervisors-Coordinators

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Supervisors-Coordinators


Training Supervisors The high standard of the FRANZCOG Training Program is dependent on the RANZCOG’s network of Training

Supervisors. The Training Supervisors are RANZCOG Fellows who supervise the training of individual trainees.

They are also required to maintain an effective level of liaison and goodwill between the College and the

administration and consultants in accredited hospitals.

All hospitals with training posts must have a RANZCOG Training Supervisor to coordinate training within that

hospital. This is a prerequisite for accreditation of the hospital as an approved training site by RANZCOG.

Large teaching hospitals with a number of trainees in the training program must have more than one Training

Supervisor.

The standard RANZCOG position description for Training Supervisors is available on the College website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Supervisors-Coordinators

CLIMATE eLearning Resources CLIMATE eLearning provides online learning support for all RANZCOG trainees and members. All resources can

be accessed by secure login at www.climate.edu.au. Most resources are readily accessible using mobile devices.

There are several CLIMATE modules which must be completed by trainees:

• Clinical imaging (Ultrasound) – required by trainees commencing from 1 December 2016

• Clinical Educator Training – required by trainees commencing from 1 December 2013

• Cultural competency – required by trainees commencing from 1 December 2018

• Abortion – required by trainees commencing from 1 December 2019

Additional resources available on CLIMATE include:

• Modules that map key texts, resources and learning activities to RANZCOG Curriculum;

• Training support modules such as operating with respect, mentoring, and feedback;

• Surgical Skills Companion Resources mapped against the APSS;

• Landmark Clinical Trials as recommended by RANZCOG Education and Assessment Committee;

• MCQs drawn from RANZCOG Examination Bank (answers not provided);

• Research modules to guide trainees through the completion of their Research Project;

• The Clinical Educator Training Program to support training supervisors and senior registrars;

• Webcast presentations from recent RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meetings.

Clinical Educator Training (CET) Modules These eight interactive online modules address key aspects of clinical education. Each module provides clear

learning outcomes, a dynamic online lesson, links to key papers and a short MCQ test.

Once you have completed this course, download your certificate of completion and submit this via your

Progress Summary (or Additional Requirements) page of My.RANZCOG. This requirement is due to be submitted

before the end of Advanced time in training and before applying for Fellowship.

Ultrasound Modules (A7 Clinical Imaging)

These modules are compulsory for trainees who commenced in the program from December 2016. This

module covers 1st Trimester, Biometry and 3rd Trimester Ultrasound and includes Power Point presentations

and MCQs. The link to this activity is available via ‘My Modules > FRANZCOG’ on the CLIMATE homepage.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Supervisors-Coordinators

http://www.climate.edu.au/


Once trainees have completed this course, download the certificate of completion and submit this via the

Progress Summary (or Additional Requirements) page of My.RANZCOG.

Abortion module For trainees commencing FRANZCOG training from 1 December 2019 it is mandatory to complete the RANZCOG

online abortion module on CLIMATE. The Abortion module has been developed to provide information relevant

to abortion methods.

Once trainees have completed this course, download the certificate of completion and submit this via the

Progress Summary (or Additional Requirements) page of My.RANZCOG

Recognition will be provided to trainees who complete the module within 24 months prior to entry into the

training program.

Cultural competency Trainees commencing from 1 December 2018 must complete cultural competency education in Basic training.

New Zealand

The NZ Training and Accreditation Committee (NZ TAC) has worked with the Māori/Indigenous Health Institute

(MIHI) at the University of Otago to develop a comprehensive post-graduate course. To fulfil this requirement

NZ trainees must complete Application of the Hui Process/Meihana Model to Clinical Practice.

Australia

To fulfil this requirement Australian trainees must complete the relevant CLIMATE modules; Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health, and Cultural Competency and Intercultural Competency.

Foundations of Surgery Workshop (formerly Basic Surgical Skills Workshop) All Year 1 Basic trainees in are required to complete a compulsory 2-3 day Foundations of Surgery Workshop.

The course is a practical, interactive one covering:

• principles of team surgery and theatre etiquette;

• instruments;

• sutures and knots;

• incision and closure;

• abdominal open and closure;

• episiotomy and tear repair;

• electrosurgery;

• laparoscopic stack;

• hysteroscopy;

• laparoscopy;

• surgical audit.

Courses are organised in each Australian region and New Zealand. All Year 1 trainees will be notified of the

dates and venues of the course in their state/region and will be sent registration information and copies of the

course manual.

Exemption from this requirement can be granted if an approved equivalent workshop or course has been

completed in the 24 months prior to entry to the training program.


Basic Obstetric Skills Workshop From 1 December 2016, all Year 1 Basic trainees are required to complete a compulsory course in basic

obstetric skills. The course is practical and involves a number of simulation skills stations. Skills/topics can

include:

• intrapartum vaginal examination;

• induction of labour;

• spontaneous vaginal birth- 1st and 2nd stage of labour;

• fetal scalp electrode;

• fetal blood sampling;

• pudendal block;

• performing and repairing an episiotomy;

• ventouse delivery in the occipito-anterior position;

• vaginal outlet forceps delivery in the occipito-anterior position;

• 3rd stage of labour including manual removal of the placenta;

• perineal examination and recognition of 3rd and 4th degree tears;

• managing PPH including bakri balloon.

This workshop may be delivered in a variety of models (e.g. by training site/ITP/region and as a stand-alone

workshop or in tandem with the Foundations of Surgery Workshop). Your training unit will inform you about

how the workshop will be delivered. The workshop manual is available online via CLIMATE

(www.climate.edu.au).



Ultrasound Training Program As from 1 December 2016, all Basic trainees will receive formal ultrasound training sessions to equip them with

the basic competencies in ultrasound by the end of Year 2.

The content of the College’s revised ultrasound program includes:

• the components of an ultrasound machine and their functions;

• probe orientation and manipulation to achieve image optimisation;

• systematic scanning technique for both transvaginal and transabdominal approaches to a first trimester

pregnancy;

• systematic transabdominal scanning technique for a second/third trimester pregnancy;

• determining gestational age.

A designated Ultrasound Coordinator (located at the home/base hospital in each ITP) has been appointed to

oversee this training. The hands-on training is provided by Ultrasound Educators located at appropriate sites

within the ITP. The Ultrasound Coordinator may be a Fellow or a Senior Trainee; an Educator may be a Fellow, a

Senior Trainee, a Sonographer or other appropriately qualified practitioner. The ultrasound training

requirements include satisfactory completion of the Ultrasound Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills

(1st Trimester and combined 2nd/3rd Trimester), completion of 3 ultrasound modules on CLIMATE by the end

of year 1, and attendance at an approved ultrasound course/workshop by the end of Year 2.

For full details of the revised ultrasound training program refer to:

https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements/Ultrasound-Training


https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements/Ultrasound-Training


Ultrasound Workshop As part of the revised ultrasound training program applicable to all trainees commencing as from December

2016, Basic trainees are required to complete a RANZCOG-approved internal or external ultrasound workshop

or course.

For a list of currently approved courses refer to Ultrasound Workshop at:

https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Workshops-Courses





Neonatal Resuscitation Training This training is conducted as part of Year 1 training at the trainee’s home or base hospital (i.e. there is no formal

RANZCOG training module or workshop). The training includes the following:

• Examine a newborn baby and recognise neonatal abnormalities requiring paediatric care (e.g. congenital

dislocation of hips, oesophageal atresia, cardiac murmurs).

• Resuscitate a newborn baby. This includes rapid clinical assessment of neonatal asphyxia, external cardiac

compression of neonate, use of bag and mask ventilation and use of endotracheal adrenaline.

• Investigate and provide initial treatment of neonatal jaundice.





Fetal Surveillance Workshop Completion of an approved Fetal Surveillance Education Program in Year 1 of training is mandatory for all

trainees.

For the list of RANZCOG approved programs refer to Fetal Surveillance Education at:




Any program costs are to be borne by the trainee or by the trainee’s employer if such arrangements exist.



Communication skills education Communication skills training is a compulsory component of the Basic training. Trainees are required complete

communication skills education by the end of 104 weeks (two years) Basic time in training.

There will be a change to communication skills education in 2020 following feedback from trainees about the

current workshop. From early 2020, a series of online resources relating to communication skills will be the




mandated requirements instead of attendance at a Communication Skills Workshop. These resources align to

the curriculum and introduce you to skills and concepts to help you in training.

For trainees who commenced training prior to 1 December 2019

Trainees who have attended the RANZCOG Communication Skills Workshop (CSW) prior to 1 December 2019

will be considered to have met the communications education requirement. Trainees are not required, but can

of course also complete, the online communication skills training.

If the CSW was not attended prior to 1 December 2019, Trainees are now required to complete the RANZCOG

communication skills module in CLIMATE in place of the CSW in order to complete the requirement.

For trainees who commence training after 1 December 2019

Trainees are required to complete the RANZCOG communication training module via CLIMATE. This will be

available early in 2020.



Training assessment and documentation for Basic training Credit for training is subject to satisfactory three- monthly formative appraisal and six-monthly summative

assessment reports.


Advanced Training

Introduction Advanced training is post-Basic training (i.e. undertaken in Years 5 and 6), and trainees are expected to develop

higher professional maturity and professionalism during these years.

Advanced training can be tailored to meet the needs and interests of the trainee and their aims will vary from

trainee to trainee. Trainees who commenced the program after 1 December 2013 must complete all Basic

training requirements in order to commence, and receive credit for, Advanced training.

Each trainee is required to submit a Learning Plan for prospective approval by the relevant State /New Zealand

Training Accreditation Committee. Prospective approval is only given after discussion with the trainee and

assessment of training up to that point.

The trainee’s Advanced training may focus on:

• extending expertise in general obstetrics and gynaecology;

• extending expertise in gynaecological surgery;

• developing expertise in provincial practice;

• developing research expertise;

• developing expertise in areas of special interest;

• developing expertise in practice in developing countries;

• commencing Subspecialty training.

Additionally, several professional objectives should be common to Advanced training programs. These include

the development of:

• confidence and competence in surgery;

• confidence and competence in patient management;

• career direction;

• leadership skills;

• teaching skills;

• financial management skills;

• people management skills.

Training time All Advanced training is calculated in weeks. A maximum of 46 weeks credit is available in any training year.

Advanced training must be completed within a maximum of three years’ time in training - dated from the

commencement of Advanced training. ‘Time in training’ is the aggregate of all time in the training program. This

includes annual leave but not time taken as approved extended leave of absence or approved research leave as

part of the ‘Academic Stream’.

Approved fractional training time (i.e. between 0.5 and 1.0 full-time equivalent - FTE) will be considered pro

rata.

General Advanced training Trainees who intend to complete general Advanced training (i.e. not a primarily research-based program) must

complete and submit the online Advanced (Clinical) Training Prospective Approval Form. The application form


must be submitted through My.RANZCOG at least eight weeks before starting training. This will then be

reviewed and sent to the relevant State/New Zealand TAC Chair for approval.

Documentation that needs to be included with the application includes:

• confirmation of the appointment to the hospital and the date of commencement of duty;

• confirmation of the name of the person who has agreed to be the Training Supervisor;

• signed statement from the nominated Training Supervisor (a pro forma document is included in the

application form);

• weekly timetable of the trainee’s activities; and

• information about the type of educational opportunities available to the trainee.

Incomplete applications will be returned with a request to provide any missing information.

Advanced training under minimal supervision Approval of Advanced training under conditions of minimal supervision should include access to consultants by

telephone, the time it takes for the consultant to be available on-site, and the availability of support from other

medical specialists.

Ideally, a FRANZCOG specialist, if not on site, should normally be available within one hour.

If this requirement cannot be achieved, each application will be considered on its individual merits.

Research-based Advanced training Trainees may be credited with up to 92 weeks (two years) of the 276 weeks (six years) of FRANZCOG training for

experience gained in approved research posts.

These research posts must be prospectively approved by the Chair of the relevant State /New Zealand TAC as

being suitable for a particular trainee.

Posts suitable for accreditation as research posts must offer a minimum 50% active clinical component.

Positions involving less than 50% will not be approved for training.

Trainees intending to undertake a period of research as a component of their Advanced training should submit

both an Advanced Training (Clinical) and an Advanced Training (Research) Prospective Approval form in

My.RANZCOG.

Documentation that needs to be included with your application for research-based Advanced training includes:

• a detailed research proposal, including project title, aims, hypothesis, name of principal Training Supervisor

and proposed timeline;

• signed statement from the principal supervisor confirming approval of the project and an understanding of

his/her supervisory responsibilities;

• signed statement from the trainee confirming his/her understanding of responsibilities as a research

trainee; and

• weekly timetable of clinical training activities.

Trainees must submit their application for prospective approval of training at least eight weeks prior to the

commencement of training.


Advanced Training Modules (ATMs) The College has introduced compulsory Advanced Training Modules (ATMs) for trainees to enhance the training

experience. Advanced training now includes a six-month training period (or equivalent FTE) in each of general

obstetrics and general gynaecology. By undertaking the Generalist Obstetrics and Generalist Gynaecology ATMs,

all trainees will have the same minimum procedural training requirements to undertake during Advanced

Training. This will assist in preparing trainees to commence a position as an O&G consultant.

The aim of the ATMs is to:

• Clarify expectations for trainees

• Clarify expectations for sites

• Promote consistency in preparation of trainees to commence a career as an O&G consultant

Trainees who commenced training on or after 1 Dec 2014 are required to complete the compulsory Generalist

Obstetrics Advanced Training Module (minimum 26 weeks) and Generalist Gynaecology Advanced Training

Module (minimum 26 weeks) except those trainees who are successful in being selected, or are already

undertaking, subspecialty training, and those in the academic stream. Trainees who undertake subspecialty

training and those in the academic stream are required to complete the Essential O&G Skills Advanced Training

Module.

The compulsory ATMs can be undertaken anytime, full time or part time during Advanced Training.

There are recommended procedure numbers that apply to each ATM. These are listed in the relevant ATM

documents. Sites will need to ensure that they can provide sufficient clinical experience for an ATM position.

Generalist Obstetrics and Generalist Gynaecology ATMs The Generalist ATMs in each of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provide a framework for trainees to consolidate and

enhance the knowledge, clinical skills and professional abilities required to provide high level services in an

urban or provincial setting across the Generalist Scope of Practice. The two Generalist ATMs include all

compulsory requirements of advanced training across the common scope of practice.

The two Generalist ATMs may be undertaken concurrently or separately. Hospitals may offer one or both of the

Generalist ATMs.

The curriculum within these ATMs is designed to:

• Enhance progress from Senior Registrar to FRANZCOG graduate across the Generalist Scope of Practice as

specified below.

• Position the Advanced Trainee to further increase their scope of practice following completion of the ATMs

through exposure to more complex conditions and undertaking procedures beyond core training.

• Provide the FRANZCOG graduate with the foundation for a continuum of learning and ongoing CPD based

on the FRANZCOG curriculum, allowing on-going skills development by the FRANZCOG graduate, as

required for future scope of practice.

Essential O&G Skills ATM The Essential O&G Skills ATM provides a framework to enable a trainee to consolidate and enhance the

knowledge, clinical skills and professional abilities required for the common scope of practice, to provide

essential O&G services in an urban or provincial setting.

The curriculum within this ATM is designed to:


• Provide for a continuum of further training from Core Trainee to FRANZCOG graduate across all domains of

the Common Scope of Practice as specified below.

• Ensure currency across the Common Scope of Practice at the time of elevation to FRANZCOG.

• Provide a foundation for on-going CPD relevant to the Common Scope of Practice for those who combine

practice in general O&G with either subspecialty or special interest practice.

Special Interest ATMs A suite of optional, Special Interest ATMs are also available and include:

• Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD-ATM) (PDF)

• Hysteroscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery (HL-ATM) (PDF)

• Contraception, Abortion and Sexual Health (SRH-ATM) (PDF)

• Colposcopy (C-ATM) (PDF)

Undertaking an ATMs must be prospectively approved via the Prospective Approval pathway on My.RANZCOG.

Completion forms are available on the RANZCOG website and must also be uploaded to the online portal in

order to be signed-off.

Further information on the ATMs is available on the website at https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-

training/training-requirements/advanced-training-modules

Training assessment and documentation for Advanced Training In the Advanced Training Program, as in the Basic Program, credit for training is subject to satisfactory three-

monthly formative appraisal reports and six- monthly summative assessment reports.

FRANZCOG Academic Stream The FRANZCOG Academic Stream is a pathway for trainees who wish to undertake a PhD. In the Academic

Stream, trainees are given three years (156 weeks) Research Leave (which will not count towards trainees’ time

in training). Upon completion of the PhD, the trainee will be granted 46 weeks (1 year) of Advanced training

credit.

Applications to enter the Academic Stream can be made to the chair of the relevant State/NZ Training

Accreditation Committee) at any time. Applications should include confirmation of enrolment, details of your

PhD and its relevance to women’s health.

Trainees accepted into the FRANZCOG Training Program (commencing after 1 December 2013) are eligible to

apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for a previously completed PhD, provided it was completed not more

than three years prior to commencement.

Further details are available under Regulation B1.17 of RANZCOG Regulations:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Constitution-Regulations

Fractional (Part-time) Training Year 1

The first year of Basic training must be continuous full-time except where special consideration has been

granted and the trainee is permitted to take prospectively approved extended leave.

Years 2 onwards

https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/training-requirements/advanced-training-modules

https://ranzcog.edu.au/training/specialist-training/training-requirements/advanced-training-modules

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/about/Governance/Constitution-Regulations


In subsequent years fractional training may be undertaken subject to approval from the employing hospital and

relevant State/New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee Chair.

Whether training is undertaken full-time or fractionally, the minimum requirement of 276 weeks (six years) FTE

training must be completed. For the purposes of credited training, RANZCOG defines fractional training as

training undertaken between 0.5FTE up to 1.0FTE at the relevant site for the relevant period of training.

Training less than 0.5FTE in a training period will not be credited.

To ensure that those choosing fractional training will not be disadvantaged AND RANZCOG standards will be

maintained, programs for such trainees should be planned to provide the same breadth of experience, teaching

and supervision as their full-time colleagues. The required standard of knowledge and competence is the same,

regardless of training mode, as is the supervision required by an approved RANZCOG Training Supervisor.

Applying for approval of fractional training Fractional training must be prospectively approved, like all RANZCOG training. If the trainee knows that they

want to train at less than 1.0FTE at the time they lodge their application for prospective approval of training,

they should record this on their form. If a trainee wishes to change from full-time to part-time training during a

training period, an amended application for prospective approval should be submitted to the State/NZ TAC

Chair via My.RANZCOG.

Both the relevant State/NZ TAC Chair and the employing hospital must approve the request for fractional

training.

Possible fractional training arrangements Provided the above requirements are met, fractional training may be arranged in a variety of ways. RANZCOG

recognises that trainee needs and hospital staffing requirements must be taken into consideration. There is no

preferred or recommended fractional training employment arrangement. The fractional training arrangement

will need to be discussed by the trainee, the Training Supervisors, and hospital administrators at the training

site.

Trainees are advised to be aware of local laws under which they will be employed.

Fractional training may involve clinical experience, research, or a combination of both.

The following examples of fractional training approaches may be considered:

• One person working half of one prospectively approved part-time training position for one calendar year.

• Two people completing equal halves of one prospectively approved full-time training position for one

calendar year. The arrangement may be that the trainees work equivalent weeks on and off the job during

the year or split the activities of the week for the year.

This is not a prescriptive list of fractional training arrangements. Trainees are encouraged to present any

fractional training proposal for consideration as long as the educational requirements are met.

Obligations of Training Supervisors supervising fractional training include:

• To recognise the vulnerability of the fractional trainee;

• To maintain regular communication to advise the trainees of the adequacy of their performance;

• To ensure the equality and equity of the position as to the content of training and educational

opportunities;

• To ensure adequate clinical and operative exposure;

• To ensure adequate communication between the training institution and the trainee;


• To ensure that the assessment of the progress is in line with the fractional nature of the training.

The Fractional/Part-time Training Guidelines can be found on the website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements

Leave from training

Extended leave Extended leave must be taken for any absence from the training program that would result in less than 10

weeks FTE training per six-month period.

This includes:

• Extended sick leave

• Unexpected leave

• Maternity/Paternity Leave

Trainees wishing to apply for extended leave from the program must submit a leave application via

My.RANZCOG. Trainees may take a maximum of 104 weeks cumulative extended leave, but only 52 weeks’ leave

of absence can be approved at any one time.

Additional extended leave can be applied for by application via the Special Consideration pathway and will be

assessed on an individual basis.

Study/Professional Development Leave (PDL) Trainees are entitled to two weeks (10 days) of study/professional development leave per year. This leave is

regarded as part of active clinical service and trainees receive credit for this time. PDL should be recorded in the

Additional Requirements section of My.RANZCOG.

Transferring between countries and/or regions All transfers must be prospectively approved prior to relocation.

Well in advance of any planned move (at least 8-10 weeks prior), a trainee must discuss with their Training

Supervisor and/or ITP Coordinator (if in Basic training) and then obtain written approval from the Chairs of the

two relevant State/New Zealand Training Accreditation Committees (TACs). This approval must be obtained by

using RANZCOG Transfer Application form, which is available under Leave & Transfers on the Specialist Training

Information page: www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Training-Requirements

If a trainee is planning to move from one country/region to another - irrespective of whether in Basic or

Advanced training – a trainee cannot decide to move and sort out training arrangements afterwards. Nor

arrange a training post in another country/region and decide to officially inform RANZCOG at the time of

submission of an application for prospective approval of training.

No transfer is valid if this form is not used. Training undertaken in another country/region without going

through this process will NOT be credited.

Deferral of Training Trainees who have been selected for the FRANZCOG Training Program, but have yet to commence training, may

be eligible for deferral. RANZCOG will consider the following grounds for deferral of commencement of training




which would significantly impact on a newly selected trainee’s ability to commence training at the designated

commencement date:

• Pregnancy;

• Temporary impairment or disability (e.g. treatment for serious illness);

• Family or carer responsibilities;

• Compassionate grounds not covered by the above points, such as the special needs of ageing parents, or

family crisis;

Maximum period of deferral Because of the adverse impact deferments of training may have on the planning and implementation of trainee

rotations over the four years of Basic training in the relevant state/region, the maximum amount of time a

trainee is permitted to defer is 12 months.

In exceptional circumstances, where a further period of deferment is required due to any of the reasons

specified above, the 12-month maximum may be extended upon a new application by the trainee. Such

applications must be lodged prior to the expiry of the original deferment period.

Possible consequences of deferral Newly selected trainees considering deferring training are advised that RANZCOG is not the employing body.

RANZCOG offers places in the training program but cannot guarantee any particular hospital training post. This

can also impact allocation to a specific Integrated Training Programs (ITP) and particular home/base hospitals

within those ITPs.

In the event of deferral, the College cannot guarantee the allocation of any particular ITP or hospital post within

an ITP. The College will endeavour to rank deferring candidates at approximately the same ranking as they had

at the time of deferral; however, any final decision on the allocation of hospital training posts is a matter for

employers and the relevant State/NZ TAC.

The post offered to the deferring trainee at the end of their deferred period will be in the same state/region as

per the original post offered in their original application i.e. they cannot request allocation to a post in another

state/region.

Application and approval process Newly selected trainees (i.e. candidates who have been formally offered and have accepted a place in the ITP)

must lodge an application for deferment in writing (either by letter or e-mail) immediately after they are aware

of the existence of grounds for such deferment.

This written application should be addressed to the Chair of the relevant State/New Zealand Training

Accreditation Committee care of the Executive Officer at the relevant RANZCOG State/NZ Office. The application

must be accompanied by appropriate supporting evidence and lodged prior to the trainee’s designated training

commencement date. A copy of the application must also be forwarded to the Manager, RANZCOG Training

Programs, at College House.

Decisions in relation to applications for deferment will be made jointly by the Chair of the relevant State/New

Zealand Training Accreditation Committee and the Chair of the College Training Accreditation Committee.

Please refer to the Policy on Deferral of Training for further details.

https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/RANZCOG_SITE/media/RANZCOG-MEDIA/Governance/Policies%20and%20Guidelines/RANZCOG-Deferral-of-Training-Policy-July-2018.pdf?ext=.pdf


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Trainees who have been selected for the FRANZCOG training program may be eligible for Recognition of Prior

Learning (RPL), if they have yet to commence training.

Only the following categories of training/previous experience are recognised for the purposes of RPL:

• Completion of at least one year of supervised and formally assessed specialist training in a structured O&G

training program offered by a recognised specialist medical college or similar body which is based on a

detailed curriculum and involves competitive entry. Non-accredited registrar employment/training is not

eligible.

• Completion of one or more years of supervised and formally assessed training in a structured training

program in a relevant specialty leading to the awarding of a formal recognised specialist qualification.

• Assessment by RANZCOG Specialist International Medical Graduate Assessment Committee as being not

partially or substantially comparable to an Australian trained specialist and therefore required to obtain the

Australian Medical Council (AMC) certificate and obtain entry to the FRANZCOG Training Program at Year 1.

For all above categories of applicants a period of up to four years’ RPL may be approved.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy can be accessed via the College website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Applying

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Applying


ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTATION Assessment documentation for Basic and Advanced trainees is accessible via My.RANZCOG:

https://my.ranzcog.edu.au/login

The FRANZCOG Online Logbook The Logbook is used by each trainee as a personal record of all required procedural and other training

experiences in every year of FRANZCOG training.

From the start of the 2016 training year, RANZCOG introduced an online logbook for all FRANZCOG trainees to

record procedures, clinics and scans. The Logbook is accessible via any web browser as both a desktop interface,

and a mobile friendly interface. Features of the logbook include predictive search for procedures, default

hospital settings, and automatic classification and tallying of entries.

Use of the online Logbook is mandatory for all trainees. The paper logbook should not be used from the start of

the 2016 hospital year; nor should any electronic version of the logbook which individual trainees may have

created for their convenience.

Logbook entries made during a semester will be accessible for supervisors to review online as part of the Six-

monthly Summative Assessment process.

The Logbook is an essential proof of training, which the trainee must submit to the College when applying for

Fellowship. Trainees should keep their Logbooks up to date to all times.

For more information about how to use your logbook, please visit the website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Logbook-TAR

The Training Assessment Record (TAR) The Training and Assessment Record (TAR) book is a record of a trainee’s completed assessments and training

history. Prior to the introduction of My.RANZCOG, all trainees were issued with a TAR at commencement of

training and expected to keep it updated at all times during the course of training.

Trainees commencing from December 2015 have not been issued with a TAR as My.RANZCOG makes this

redundant; however, ITP Coordinators and Training Supervisors can request to see the TAR of pre-December

2015 trainees (i.e. containing pre-December 2015 documentation) at any time, particularly when commencing a

new rotation.

The TAR contains the following:

• The trainee’s training history - his/her summary of completed training (updated each year);

• Annual leave and special leave details;

• The trainee’s average weekly timetable - to be entered on the TAR for each six-month training period;

• Workshops attended;

• Research Project Proposal;

• In-hospital Clinical Assessments;

• Rural rotation;

• FRANZCOG Written and Oral Examinations;

• Research Project;

• Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills (APSSs);

• Participation in other professional activities;

https://my.ranzcog.edu.au/login

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Logbook-TAR


The TAR also contains the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCT), which is signed by the

relevant State/ New Zealand TAC Chair AFTER application for Fellowship has been approved.

Trainees’ Statement of Understanding The Trainees’ Statement of Understanding is a compulsory document for all trainees in the FRANZCOG Training

Program. The document advises them of their rights and responsibilities as RANZCOG trainees. Trainees and

their Training Supervisor (or ITP Coordinator/TAC Chair) are expected to read through the statement, which

outlines the trainee’s rights and obligations, and sign it.

The statement is required to be submitted within six weeks of the date of commencement in the Training

Program. If the signed Statement is submitted after that time, no period of training undertaken prior to the late

submission and receipt of the document will be credited.

A copy of the Statement of Understanding is available on the website: www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-

Training/Training-Requirements

Three-monthly Formative Appraisal This is a compulsory three-monthly appraisal which all trainees are required to complete with their Training

Supervisor.

The main features of the online form are:

• Self-assessment of progress and performance by the trainee across three key domains;

• Training Supervisor comments on relevant domains of the assessment where they or the trainee have

identified improvement is needed;

• Training Supervisor and trainee both complete the declaration confirming that they have discussed the

Formative Appraisal.

Trainees are responsible for submitting the form for approval by the relevant State/New Zealand TA Chair.

There are instructions on the website detailing how to complete and submit the Formative Appraisal online:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Formative-Appraisal

It is the responsibility of the trainee to initiate and submit the online three-monthly form in order for the

Training Supervisor to be able to comment.



https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Formative-Appraisal


Three-monthly Formative Appraisal workflow

Figure 1 Three-Monthly Formative Appraisal workflow

Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report After each six-month period in the Training Program, a formal summative assessment is made by the Training

Supervisor of the trainee’s performance and progress.

The Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report is vital. It is both a means of giving feedback to the trainee and

an essential assessment tool for Training Supervisors and State/New Zealand Training Accreditation

Committees.

The Training Supervisor bases the report on ratings and comments collected from individual consultants who

have worked with the trainee. To do this, the Training Supervisor disseminates the online Consultant

Assessment of Trainee Form to the consultants. These forms should be distributed to the relevant consultants

two-three weeks before the end of the training period.

The Training Supervisor must discuss the report with the trainee in person before they complete the online

form. The trainee is then responsible for submitting the online form to the relevant State/New Zealand TAC

Chair for approval.

It is important that the trainee initiates and submits the online six-monthly form in order for the supervisor to

circulate consultant assessment forms.

Trainee initiates & submits assessment

(Awaiting Supervisor Submission)

Supervisor completes appraisal

Trainee & Supervisor discuss appraisal

Supervisor submits appraisal(Awaiting Trainee Submission)

Trainee reviews & submits appraisal

(Awaiting Regional Office Review)

State/NZ office review & escalates to State/NZ TAC chair

(Awaiting chair review)

State/NZ TAC chair reviews & approves accordingly

(Complete)


Six-Monthly Summative Assessment workflow

Figure 2 Six-Monthly Summative Assessment workflow

Procedure with a Satisfactory Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report Once the trainee and supervisor have completed the report, the trainee is responsible for submitting the online

report for review and approval by the relevant State/New Zealand TAC Chair.

Procedure when a Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report is referred for

review to Regional/NZ TA Committee A report must be referred for review to State/NZ TAC if two or more consultants rate a trainee as ‘BELOW

expectation for year level of training’ for two or more competencies, regardless of the domain(s) in which the

competencies are located.

If the report is referred for review, a Learning Development Plan (LDP) must be developed with the trainee. The

LDP Template is located at:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Support-Resources

If a report is to be referred for review, the Training Supervisor MUST refer the report, together with the

Learning Development Plan, to the relevant State/ New Zealand TAC for review.

The TAC should meet within approximately six weeks of the completion of the semester to discuss the report

and decide whether it should be assessed as satisfactory or not satisfactory. In making this decision, the

Committee will also take into consideration the trainee’s past performance and consult with the relevant

supervisor.

The local TAC Chair will inform the trainee and the supervisor, by letter, of the Committee’s decision and (where

applicable) make recommendations for improvements in performance and progress, including appropriate

supervision and mentoring. The Chair will indicate their decision on the online report.

Trainee initiates & submits assessment

(Awaiting Supervisor Submission)

Supervisor creates & distributes consultant feedback forms

Supervisor completes assessment

(including checking logbook & leave)

Trainee & Supervisor discuss assessment

Supervisor submits assessment

(Awaiting Trainee Submission)

Trainee reviews & submits assessment

(Awaiting Regional Review)

State/NZ office review & escalates to State/NZ TAC chair

(Awaiting chair review)

State/NZ TAC chair reviews & approves accordingly

(Complete)




Not Satisfactory grading - Six-monthly Assessment Report Forms & failure to

meet specified assessment requirements Under regulation B1.19, trainees who fail to meet an assessment requirement at the time mandated by

RANZCOG regulations, will have their six-monthly assessment for that period assessed as Not Satisfactory. This is

regardless of any other aspect of the trainee’s performance during that period.

The six-monthly assessment form includes two possible ratings:

• Satisfactory;

• Referred for review to State/NZ TA Committee. This may be due to a trainee failing to meet the

required assessment for their year level or for two or more competencies being rated as ‘Below

Expectation.’

The Six-monthly Trainee Feedback Questionnaire This is a compulsory confidential questionnaire (not for assessment purposes) which all trainees are required to

complete online at the end of each six-month period. Submission of this questionnaire is compulsory for all

trainees. It provides essential information that informs the continuing review and development of the

FRANZCOG training program.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess the quality of training at the relevant hospital rather than

individuals within hospitals, so that future training can be modified and improved.

The questionnaire asks trainees to rate and comment on various aspects of their training - from the standard of

supervision and appropriate clinical experience to research and teaching opportunities.

Trainees will be emailed the questionnaire (via an online survey), two weeks prior to the end of the relevant

training period. All feedback will be treated confidentially and will be de-identified. The collated feedback will be

provided to the relevant departments at College House and the relevant local TA Committee.

Submission of Training Documents For submission due dates for training documents are available in the FRANZCOG Training Handbook -

Companion or on the RANZCOG website.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Additional Requirements must be recorded in My.RANZCOG. These include mandatory requirements previously

recorded on the Master Sheet e.g. Assessment of Procedural & Surgical Skills (APSS), In-hospital Clinical

Assessments (IHCAs), compulsory workshops (Basic Surgical Skills, Communication Skills etc.), CLIMATE modules,

Research Proposals & Projects, and the Statement of Understanding.

Trainees can upload completed training requirements (including documentary evidence of workshop

attendance) and submit them to RANZCIG for review at any time.

Non–mandatory workshops, meetings, presentations, courses, etc. can also be recorded here.

In-Hospital Clinical Assessment (IHCA) All trainees are required to satisfactorily complete the prescribed In-hospital Clinical Assessments (IHCAs) by the

end of Basic training

There are two assessments:

• Diagnostic Ultrasound

• Colposcopy and the Treatment of Cervical Diseases

Both assessments must be assessed by an approved assessor. As with all workplace-based assessments, trainees

are encouraged to undertake them as formative assessments on at least three occasions before attempting a

formal summative assessment.

Date/Timing Trainees may elect to undertake these assessments at any time during Basic training but must pass both IHCAs

before commencing Advanced training. Trainees should attempt to complete the IHCAs before undertaking the

rural rotation, as facilities for assessment in these posts may be limited.

Assessment IHCA forms and lists of approved assessors are available on the College website

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/In-Hospital-Clinical-

Assessments

Assessors should be given at least one month’s notice that they are requested to perform an assessment.

An unsatisfactory assessment may be repeated as many times as is necessary, but not within four weeks of an

unsuccessful attempt.

In the event of a repeat or subsequent attempt, the candidate must be assessed by two assessors from the

official list of IHCA approved assessors. In the event of conflict or recurrent failure, the relevant State/ New

Zealand TAC Chair may assist the candidate in the selection of a mentor.

The trainee must upload a copy of the completed form for the summative assessment to My.RANZCOG and

retain the original for their records.

RANZCOG Fellows who are approved IHCA Assessors can claim 5 PD points per Assessment under the

Assessment Component of the Academic Abilities Domain of the CPD Online program.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/In-Hospital-Clinical-Assessments

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/In-Hospital-Clinical-Assessments


IHCA requirement per cohort In 2019 a new Assessment of Procedural Surgical Skills (APSS) was introduced for to cover ultrasound training;

APSS Ultrasound B – Parts 1 – 4 for trainees commencing training from December 2016. This new APSS replaces

the Ultrasound IHCA for trainees in the relevant cohorts. Requirements are as follows:

Table 2 IHCA requirements per cohort

Cohort APSS Ultrasound A APSS Ultrasound B Ultrasound IHCA

Trainees commencing from 1 December 2018

Required

Required Not accepted

Trainees commencing from 1 December 2016 to 30 November 2018

Required

Required if Ultrasound IHCA has not been completed

No new assessments accepted. If already completed, APSS B is not required

Trainees commencing prior to 1 December 2016

Not required Not required Required

The correct requirement is reflected on the trainees’ Progress Summary in My.RANZCOG.

Assessment of Procedural & Surgical Skills (APSS) As part of the training curriculum trainees are assessed on their competence to perform O&G surgical

procedures. The procedures assessed are listed in the FRANZCOG Curriculum

(https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Curriculum-Handbook). A list of the required APSS for

each trainee is also available on the Progress Summary page of My.RANZCOG.

The assessments may be updated from time to time and trainees should refer to the most current edition of the

Curriculum. The APSS focuses on key procedures which reflect the general skills - and related principles - which

RANZCOG expects of its trainees at the relevant year levels indicated. The APSS are in no way intended to

represent the full breadth of surgical exposure or ability expected of a trainee. At the same time, the College

does expect trainees to demonstrate competence in all the procedures listed by the time they are is elevated to

Fellowship.

Assessment Process A trainee’s competence in each of the required procedures will be assessed by an assessor who may be the

trainee’s Training Supervisor or an appropriate consultant. For assessments due at or before the end of two (2)

years of Basic time in training, Advanced trainees can also act as assessors. A senior midwife, or their nominee,

can assess trainee competence in performing spontaneous vaginal birth.

A separate assessment form must be used each time a trainee is assessed on any of the required procedures;

i.e. one assessment form is used each time a trainee is assessed for each procedure. Trainees should submit the

summative assessment through My.RANZCOG prior to the due date.

Like the In-Hospital Clinical Assessments, trainees may attempt an assessment formatively as many times as is

needed to obtain competency, with a minimum of three formative assessments suggested. Only the completed

summative assessment sheet indicating that the trainee has performed the procedure with minimal input needs

to be submitted to the College; however, ALL assessment sheets for assessments undertaken by trainees should

be retained for reference by the trainee.

https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Curriculum-Handbook


The assessment should be based on observing the trainee performing the relevant procedure ONCE, not several

times - generally when the trainee considers they possess the skills necessary to be able to perform the

procedure in question safely and competently.

Where a trainee is repeatedly being assessed as needing significant input in a specific procedure, the assessor

and/or the trainee’s supervisor is expected to develop a training plan to assist the trainee.

The APSS are a RANZCOG assessment requirement only and are not intended to act as a credentialing process

that bestows clinical privileges upon a trainee at a particular site. These assessments are independent from any

formal in- hospital credentialing processes.

Research Project/Study RANZCOG Regulations require satisfactory completion of a Research Study for all trainees undertaking the

FRANZCOG Training program, with the exception of those formally recognised as undertaking the Academic

Stream.

Research Study All trainees entering the FRANZCOG training program from 1 December 2017 are required to meet their

research requirements based on the new Points-based Research Study model and must accrue four research

points by the end of 52 weeks FTE of time in Advanced Training.

Research Project For trainees who commenced prior to 1 December 2017 and who wish to continue with the previous Research

Study requirements, refer to Regulation C9.

Trainees are required to submit a Research Project to the College for assessment.

A Research Project Proposal must be submitted to the College, and approved, before the Research Project can

be started. Research must be on a topic within the health sciences.

Trainees who wish to opt-in to the Research Study Points-model Trainees commencing before 1 December 2017 who choose to opt in must notify the Assessments Unit

([email protected]) of their intention to do so.

The Points-based Research Study Opt In Notification form must be completed, signed off by the Training

Supervisor, and uploaded to the Additional Requirements page of My.RANZCOG using the Research Proposal

option.

Research Assessment Subcommittee The Research Assessment Subcommittee, a subcommittee of RANZCOG Education & Assessment Committee

(EAC), oversees all research requirements.

The main functions of the Research Assessment Subcommittee are the approval of candidate research

proposals and activities, the assessment of research projects and studies, and the approval of exemptions from

undertaking further research.



Research Study Trainees must accrue a minimum of four research points by the end of 52 weeks FTE of time in training in the

Advanced Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program.

Research Activities Points are gained by completing research in any of the following list of RANZCOG approved research activities:

Table 3 Research Study – activity points

Activity Points

Attendance and contribution at a RANZCOG Research Skills Workshop or equivalent workshop or course e.g. Research Institute or University-based Research Skills course subject to approval by the Research Assessment Subcommittee.

1 point

First author of a poster presentation, during training, of an Obstetrics/Gynaecology Research Study at a RANZCOG RSM, or at a national/international medical conference. The Research Study presentation must be a final report of a prospectively planned study, including systematic literature reviews. Case presentations, narrative literature reviews and the presentation of planned studies are not included in this category. National or international medical conferences that are considered acceptable include those run by national and international medical societies.

2 points

First author of an oral presentation, during training, of an Obstetrics/Gynaecology Research Study at a RANZCOG RSM, or at a national/international medical conference. The Research Study presentation must be a final report of a prospectively planned study, including systematic literature reviews. Case presentations, narrative literature reviews and the presentation of planned studies are not included in this category. National or international medical conferences that are considered acceptable include those run by national and international medical societies.

2 points

Higher degree: Masters by research (any discipline) 2 points

Higher degree: PhD (any discipline) 3 points

First author of a publication, during training, of an Obstetrics/Gynaecology research paper in a peer-reviewed medical journal (PubMed) – (eg. journal article, Cochrane systematic review, systematic literature review)

3 points

Higher degree: PhD (in the field of Obstetrics or Gynaecology) 4 points

Research Activity Submissions All research must be submitted using the forms available from the following College website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Research-Project

Intended Research Activities Trainees are strongly encouraged to discuss with their Training Supervisor how they plan to carry out their

research activities during their time in training. The Planned Research Activity form can be used to facilitate this

discussion, it is suggested that trainees complete the discussion, and have the form signed off by their Training

Supervisor, by the end of 104 FTE weeks of time in training in the FRANZCOG Basic Training Program. A copy

should be uploaded to the “Additional Requirements” page of My.RANZCOG using the Research Proposal

option.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Online-portfolio-assessments/Research-Project


Submission of Research Completed research must be submitted using the Notification of Research Activity form and uploaded, along

with the required documentation in support of the research, to the Additional Requirements page of

My.RANZCOG using the Research Proposal option. Trainees should ensure that a copy of the research submitted

should be saved for reference.

If the activity meets requirements the submission will be marked as approved. Once the trainee has accrued

four or more points, RANZCOG staff will sign off that the trainee has met the training requirements.

A representative of the Research Assessment Subcommittee will assess submissions, if required, and trainees

will be notified of the outcome by email. The estimated time for the assessment of research submissions is

normally five weeks, however this timeframe may extend over the Christmas/New Year period.

Research Project

Research Proposal

Prospective Approval of the Research Proposal A research proposal in the health sciences must be submitted by trainees to the Research Assessment

Subcommittee for approval.

Where major amendments to a research proposal are required, these must also be submitted to the Research

Assessment Subcommittee for prospective approval.

Criteria for Prospective Approval of RANZCOG Research Study The following criteria are used by assessors to determine the suitability of the study:

Aims

• The aims of the study are described clearly;

• The hypothesis to be tested is clearly stated.

Literature Review

• The bibliography is comprehensive but appropriately selective;

• Key findings in the literature are identified;

• The literature is critically reviewed.

Methods

An appropriate study design is outlined:

• Systematic Literature Review;

• Clinical audit;

• Randomised Controlled Trial;

• Cross-sectional study;

• Prospective Cohort Study;

• Retrospective Cohort Study or;

• Case Report.

• Appropriate methods are outlined;

• Limitations of design and methods are recognised and stated;


• Appropriate methods of statistical analysis are outlined;

• Details of selection criteria for research participants are provided.

• Research content.

• The research provides reasonable training in primary research techniques.

Research Proposal Submission Applications for prospective approval of the research proposal must be submitted on the Research Proposal

form available from the College website:


The form and the Research Supervisor Endorsement form must be uploaded to the Additional Requirements

page of My.RANZCOG using the Research Proposal option.

Trainees are advised that a copy of the proposal should be saved for reference.

Research Proposal Assessment The research proposal will be assessed; trainees will be advised of the outcome and provided with appropriate

feedback. Research proposals may be assessed as:

• Approved

• Approved with minor revisions

• Rejected - major revisions required (resubmission required)

• Rejected

Trainees are advised to submit their proposals well before the required deadline as approval of any given

proposal cannot be assumed. The estimated time for the assessment of a proposal is normally five weeks;

however, this timeframe may extend over the Christmas/New Year period.

Completed Research Projects Trainees are required to present a research study that meets the requirements outlined in the RANZCOG

Regulations.

Trainees are required to present a research study that meets satisfactory completion criteria by no later than

230 weeks FTE of credited training. Please refer to Regulation C9 for further information.

Options for the presentation of the research study:

• Journal Article (trainee as an author, accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, or trainee as first

author in a College approved journal)

• Cochrane Systematic Review (trainee as first author, accepted for publication)

• Systematic Literature Review (trainee as first author, accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed or College

approved journal)

• Case Report supported by a comprehensive literature review (trainee as first author, accepted for

publication in a peer-reviewed or College approved journal)

• Oral Presentation at a meeting approved as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity or a

College approved meeting Eg. A national or international conference, Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) or

State/NZ ASM accompanied by a written report (trainee as first author)

• Poster Presentation at a meeting approved as a CPD activity or a College approved meeting accompanied

by a written report (trainee as first author)

• Research Report written in publishable form (trainee as first author)




• Research Report based on a question/hypothesis formulated by the trainee and answered through the

conduct of a local audit. The report must contain a clearly stated hypothesis, outline an appropriate study

design, use appropriate methods of statistical analysis and demonstrate that a relevant, critical literature

review has been undertaken

Research Project Submission The research study must be submitted on the Research Project form available from the RANZCOG website:


The form must be uploaded to the Additional Requirements page of My.RANZCOG using the Research Project

option along with the signed Research Supervisor’s Endorsement form.

Trainees are advised that a copy of the study should be saved for reference.

Research Project Assessment The research study will be assessed; trainees will be advised of the outcome and provided with appropriate

feedback. Research studies may be assessed as:

• Approved

• Rejected - resubmission required

Trainees are advised to submit their research study well before the required deadline as approval of any given

study cannot be assumed. The estimated time for the assessment is normally five weeks; however, this

timeframe may extend over holiday periods.

Guidelines for Research Projects Authorship

The criteria for authorship of the study are as follows:

The author must make a substantial contribution to one or more of:

• the collection of data; or

• analysis and interpretation of data.

• participate in the writing of the manuscript.

• approve the final version.

• acknowledge responsibility for integrity of the work.

Multi-author and second author submissions may be accepted provided they are accompanied by a first author

validation of the work undertaken by the trainee, or validation by the Research Supervisor is provided when a

Research Project, co-authored by two trainees, is submitted for consideration.

Written reports

Trainees are advised that the recommended length of a written report is 2,500 words, not including tables,

figures or references.

All reports should be submitted in a format suitable for publishing. Trainees should refer to the Australian and

New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology’s webpage for guidance:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Members/Publications/ANZJOG



http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Members/Publications/ANZJOG


Evidence of publication or oral/poster presentation

The following may be provided as evidence:

• Publication or acceptance of publication - a letter from the editor, peer-reviewed report, or the hyperlink to

the publication,

• Oral or poster presentation - conference communications confirming acceptance of presentation,

conference papers/brochure listing presentation, certificate of meeting attendance.

Exemption from the Research Project/Study

Trainee Exemption Trainees may be exempted from undertaking the component of training if they possess a formal higher research

degree qualification or have successfully completed an Honours (by research) year in biomedical sciences

(Regulation C9.4.1), or on the grounds of prior publication of research (Regulation C9.4.2).

Any prior, first author publication in English in a peer reviewed journal devoted to a branch of the biomedical

sciences may be submitted to RANZCOG. If judged to be of an equivalent standard to that expected of

RANZCOG Research Project/Study, the previously published research may be approved as meeting the

requirement of satisfactory completion of research requirement.

Research Project Exemption forms are available on the College website:


The form must be uploaded to the Additional Requirements page of My.RANZCOG using the Research Project

option. A representative of the Research Assessment Subcommittee will assess the application.

Online Research Modules It is highly recommended that trainees work through the research modules that can be found on CLIMATE at

www.climate.edu.au

There are eight modules which cover the process of developing a research study and writing a research paper:

• Examples of approved RANZCOG Research Studies;

• Introduction to Research;

• Literature Searches and Electronic databases;

• Develop a Hypothesis;

• Application and Ethics Approval;

• Data Collection and Analysis;

• Critical Appraisal and the Literature Review;

• The Research Paper.

Plagiarism Policy The College regards plagiarism as a serious act of academic misconduct. Plagiarism of another’s work is

considered unacceptable, as is the making available of one’s own work to another trainee for the purposes of

plagiarism.

Any work submitted for assessment must be the independent work of the trainee who is submitting the work. In

cases where collaboration is permitted, the work submitted for assessment must be the collaborative work of

the trainees who are submitting the work and must be clearly acknowledged as such.




It is expected that all work submitted for assessment be fully referenced. In all cases, any parts of the submitted

work that are copied or paraphrased from other sources must be acknowledged.

The Education & Assessment Committee (EAC) delegates the task of handling alleged plagiarism to whichever

subcommittee is responsible for overseeing the assessment task that is alleged to have been plagiarised.

For details of the College’s processes for handling allegations of plagiarism, see Regulation A8.


FRANZCOG EAMINATIONS

Applying for FRANZCOG Examinations Examination applications will open and close for each examination cycle according to the dates published on the

RANZCOG website and in the FRANZCOG Training Handbook – Companion.

Trainees must apply for examinations using the online examination application system. A link to the online

system is on the examination applications page on the College website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Examinations/Examination-applications

Payment of the examination fee is required at the time of submitting an online examination application. Once

the trainee has completed their application and paid the examination fee, they will be emailed a copy of the

invoice and an acknowledgment of payment.

After the closing date for applications, eligibility checks will be carried out. All applicants will be notified by email

regarding their eligibility for the examination and advising them of the process for scheduling their examination.

Closing Dates for FRANZCOG Examination Applications Closing dates for applications to sit the FRANZCOG Written and Oral Examinations to be published on the

RANZCOG website at

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/FRANZCOG-Examinations-(1) and in the FRANZCOG Training

Handbook – Companion

Trainees are reminded to carefully note the closing dates and times for examination applications as late

applications will not be accepted.

Examination Withdrawal Please refer to the Regulations B4.3 pertaining to examination withdrawals on the website


FRANZCOG Examination Resources FRANZCOG Examination Resources can be found on the college website

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/FRANZCOG-Examinations-(1)

Articles Drawn on for Examination Questions Trainees should be aware that research published less than three months prior to an examination will not be

required knowledge for the purpose of any RANZCOG examination. Landmark Clinical Trial may be accessed on

CLIMATE.

Examination Written Feedback All trainees who sit any RANZCOG examination will receive written feedback. This feedback details the

candidates’ performance for each question/station in relation to the Minimum Acceptable Passing Standard

(MAPS) for the examination.

Examination Verbal Feedback Verbal feedback is offered to examination candidates who have been unsuccessful in passing the FRANZCOG

Written or Oral Examination on two or more occasions. This counselling will attempt to identify and give advice

in relation to areas that may be affecting the ability of the candidates concerned to pass the examinations in

question.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Examinations/Examination-applications

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/FRANZCOG-Examinations-(1)





Special Consideration on the Grounds of Exceptional Circumstances Refer to Support Resources Section.

Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of Decisions Refer to Support Resources Section.

FRANZCOG Written Examination The FRANZCOG Written Examination is part of the assessment for the FRANZCOG qualification. This examination

is based on knowledge that underpins the educational objectives and outcomes listed in RANZCOG Curriculum.

Trainees are encouraged not to attempt the written examination until they are confident that they have

assimilated the necessary knowledge.

Eligibility for the Written Examination Registered and financial trainees will be eligible to apply to sit the FRANZCOG Written Examination when a

minimum of 46 weeks FTE of prospectively approved and satisfactory Basic Training has been credited at the

closing date for applications for that examination.

Please refer to the Regulation B5.3 pertaining to examination eligibility on the website.


Format of the Written Examination From 2018, the FRANZCOG Written Examination will consist of three two-hour examinations, all completed on

the same day.

The first two examinations (SAQ1 and SAQ2) will each comprise six Short Answer Questions (SAQs). The third

examination will comprise 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Candidates will be provided with a break of up to 30 minutes between the two SAQ examinations and a break of

up to 60 minutes between the SAQ2 and MCQ examinations.

RANZCOG Written Examinations will be held in major cities and some regional locations in Australia and New

Zealand. All candidates will sit the examinations in an electronic format.

FRANZCOG Written Examination Resources For Written Examination Resources, please log into your assessment portal:

assessment.ranzcog.edu.au/login/index.php

Pre-examination Workshops

FRANZCOG Written Examination Revision courses are organised by the State/NZ Offices. Trainees who are

interested in participating at these workshops are advised to contact their local State/NZ Office.

English in written examinations All RANZCOG written examinations must be answered by candidates in English.

Written examination attempts The maximum number of attempts at the FRANZCOG Written Examination is three (3). Trainees who are

unsuccessful on their third attempt at the FRANZCOG Written Examination will be recommended for removal

from the Training Program.


https://assessment.ranzcog.edu.au/login/index.php

https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Contact-Us


FRANZCOG Oral Examination The FRANZCOG Oral Examination is part of the assessment for the FRANZCOG qualification.

This examination is based on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes described by the educational objectives and

outcomes listed in RANZCOG Curriculum.

Eligibility for the Oral Examination The first attempt at the FRANZCOG Oral examination cannot be made until at least six (6) calendar months after

passing the FRANZCOG Written Examination.

Registered and financial trainees will be eligible to apply to sit the FRANZCOG Oral Examination when a

minimum of 66 weeks FTE of prospectively approved and satisfactory Basic Training has been credited at the

closing date for applications for that examination.

Please refer to the Regulations B6.3 pertaining to examination eligibility on the website:


Venue for the Oral Examinations All FRANZCOG Oral Examinations are held in Melbourne.

Format of the Oral Examination The examination follows an SOE (Structured Oral Examination) format:

• The examination comprises 10 stations developed from the fields of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• Each station is scored out of 20 marks; a total of 200 marks are available in the examination

• Stations will be scored using a global scoring method

• Candidates are allowed four (4) minutes reading time before each station and are examined for 12 minutes

at each station.

• Previously the first station of each examination included an additional 2 minutes of interaction time. As of

2019, this additional time is no longer be provided.

Global scoring of candidate performance Candidate performance will be assessed according to the following domains. A selection of these domains will

be assessed within each station.

• History and Examination

• Investigations and Interpreting Results

• Treatment/Management

• Clinical Knowledge

• Complex, Urgent or Unusual Clinical Presentations

• Appropriate Prioritisation of Patient Management

• Rapport with Patient, Support Person and/or Colleague

• Respect of Patient, Support Person and/or Colleague

• Communication Skills

Availability of Places RANZCOG may limit the number of trainees accepted for the FRANZCOG Oral Examination on any occasion,

acceptance being based on the following priority order:



1. the time remaining for individual applicants to complete the requirements of the Integrated Training

Program or their SIMG pathway to Fellowship as applicable; and

2. the date and time on which applications are received by the Examinations Administrator at College House.

Applications to sit the examination will only be considered where the applicant has met all eligibility

requirements.

Notwithstanding the provision of this regulation, RANZCOG reserves the right to determine trainees for

acceptance at examination. The decision of the College shall be final and binding. The decision of the College in

this regard shall not be reviewable or subject to appeal. Applications for examinations are made on this basis,

and with implicit agreement to these terms.

FRANZCOG Oral Examination Resources Oral Examination Resources can be found on the FRANZCOG Examinations page

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/FRANZCOG-Examinations-(1)

Language and the FRANZCOG Oral Examination Candidates for the FRANZCOG Oral Examination are advised of the following as guidelines for the type of

language that should be used when interacting with examiners and standardised patients (SPs) during stations.

• Where a candidate is interacting with a standardised patient, that patient should be treated as a lay

person and lay language used with the standardised patient.

• Where a candidate is interacting with an examiner, be it directly or in a scenario involving a telephone

conversation with a doctor or other health professional, candidates may use technical medical

language.

Oral examination attempts The maximum number of attempts at the FRANZCOG Oral Examination is three (3). Trainees who are

unsuccessful on their third attempt at the FRANZCOG Oral Examination will be recommended for removal from

the Training Program.



FELLOWSHIP ELEVATION Important: the onus is on the trainee to apply for Fellowship

Eligible to apply for Fellowship A trainee is eligible to apply for Fellowship when:

• all assessment requirements including passing FRANZCOG Examinations have been satisfactorily completed;

AND,

• at least 250 weeks of satisfactory training has been completed.

Regulation B11 relates to Elevation to Fellowship.

Workflow and timeline for Fellowship applications Table 4 Workflow and timeline for Fellowship applications

Activity Detail

Trainee contacts RANZCOG Specialty Programs team at College House

Non-negotiable deadlines for requesting an application are:

• 1 February (March Board)

• 1 June (July Board)

• 1 October (November Board) Trainees will be sent an application form to complete summarising their training history and confirming that all training requirements have been met.

RANZCOG Specialty Programs team prepares Fellowship application

Applications are only prepared if ALL requirements have been met.

Application is sent to trainee for verification and signing

A confirmed application form and Elevation to Fellowship Declaration is sent to trainee for review and signing. Trainees are asked to:

• confirm that all details on application form are correct; or,

• should details on application form be incorrect the trainee contacts Training Programs Department to discuss discrepancies. If corrections are required, a revised form is sent to trainee for signing.

Trainee signs form and returns it to Training Programs Department

Non-negotiable deadlines for returning an application are:

• 1 March (March Board)

• 1 July (July Board)

• 1 November (November Board)

Application ratification by TAC and consideration by Board

The application is ratified by the RANZCOG Training Accreditation Committee and then sent to the RANZCOG Board recommending elevation to Fellowship.

Application approved Upon confirmation of Board approval of the recommendation the trainee will be advised by letter of the outcome and next steps.

After approval Trainee is required to:

• If applicable, satisfactorily complete 276 weeks (72 months) of training and satisfactorily complete final Six-Monthly Summative Assessment.

• Submit for signing by the relevant State/New Zealand TAC: o All logbooks including paper logbooks completed prior to

introduction of My.RANZCOG in 2016;


Activity Detail

o Training Assessment Record (TAR) and Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Training (CSCT)

• Sign RANZCOG post-Board Fellowship declaration

• Pay elevation to Fellowship fee

• Complete mandatory Six-Monthly Trainee Feedback Survey

• Complete mandatory Trainee Exit Survey

Upon completion of all outstanding requirements

Trainees will be sent your FRANZCOG certificate on or after the confirmed Fellowship date, AND upon satisfactory completion of all outstanding requirements. Medicare (Australian Fellows) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (New

Zealand Fellows) are notified of the trainee's elevation date to Fellowship.

Medicare/MCNZ then contacts the trainee to confirm Fellowship status.

Australian trainees apply for specialist recognition with AHPRA. It is important to allow up to 6 weeks for processing.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) A revised CPD Framework was launched 1 July 2019, to align with the Medical Board of Australia's Professional

Performance Framework (PPF), and the Medical Council of New Zealand's draft Quality Recertification Model.

Specialist medical colleges are required to implement the PPF; accordingly, the revised CPD program is fit for

purpose and is consistent with CPD best practice.

Upon elevation to Fellowship the CPD team will be notified details sent to the trainee relating to requirements.


CURRICULUM

Introduction RANZCOG Curriculum underpins the Training Program and specifies the:

A. attributes considered essential for a specialist O&G in today’s environment across the three key domains of

clinical expertise, academic abilities and professional qualities.

B. educational objectives and learning outcomes of the knowledge and aspects of practice where competency

is expected and assessed.

C. teaching and learning strategies by which acquisition of knowledge is assessed.

D. assessment formats selected to test the articulated learning outcomes.

Attributes and Graduate Outcomes of the FRANZCOG Training

Program A trainee on completion of Basic training is able to function at ‘Senior Registrar’ level in obstetrics and

gynaecology. Upon completion of Basic training, a trainee then prepares further for their selected career by

undertaking Advanced Training in either the Generalist Pathway or Non-Generalist Pathway.

RANZCOG Curriculum: A Framework to Guide the Training and Practice of Specialist Obstetricians and

Gynaecologists is available on the College website:

www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Curriculum-Handbook

Attributes and competencies to be achieved by a Trainee at the satisfactory

completion of Basic and Advanced FRANZCOG Training The attributes are progressively acquired during the FRANZCOG Training Program as the trainee becomes more

competent and confident and progresses from ‘novice’ to ‘proficient’ across and within the three domains

considered essential for effective practice.

During Advanced Training, trainees have the opportunity to build on core competencies already achieved and

develop the higher-level skills in their areas of special interest that will enable the transition to Consultant.

http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Training/Specialist-Training/Curriculum-Handbook


Table 5 Attributes and competencies in Basic and advanced training

Competency Satisfactory Completion of Basic Training

Satisfactory Completion of FRANZCOG Training

Clinical Expertise

Management of medical and clinical conditions

Manages with supervision across all common, generalist and a range of special interest scopes of practice.

Manages independently across common and selected scopes of practice.

Proficiently perform surgical and procedural skills

Independently performs specified core skills and more complex procedures with supervision; anticipates when they may need assistance.

Independently performs common specified advanced skills and those within selected scope of practice and expertise. Recognises limits of practice and seeks assistance from specialist colleagues when the situation is complex.

Effective clinical communication

Establishes effective communication with women and their support group and establishes effective professional relationships with medical and allied health professional colleagues.

Recognises and repairs communication errors quickly and adapts style appropriately and sensitively to ensure effective communication with patients, support groups, colleagues.

Academic Abilities

An understanding of the reproductive anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to women’s health

Has a detailed knowledge of common conditions and core procedures, and is able to provide a clinical assessment and management options for patients with common or unusual presentations.

Has extensive breadth and depth of knowledge of the majority of conditions encountered in their chosen scope of practice and can instigate a safe and effective approach to manage problems not previously encountered.

Development of cognitive skills particularly in the area of clinical problem solving

Applies effective clinical reasoning to identify, prioritise and provide appropriate routine and cost-effective treatment; recognises clinical scenarios that are complex and unusual and seeks advice.

Applies advanced level clinical reasoning and judgment; can manage complexity and uncertainty and devise options and adapt management plans.

Self-learning in obstetrics and gynaecology and other relevant areas of medical practice

Actively seeks information to enhance knowledge outlined in the curriculum; identifies what they need to learn and seeks information relevant to their gaps.

Actively seeks information to enhance the breadth and depth of their knowledge; identifies own learning needs and resources; recognises and seeks learning opportunities.

Research abilities, especially in a clinical context

Undertakes a research study or presentation; develops a hypothesis, conducts a literature search, chooses an appropriate methodology and collects, collates and interprets data.

Critically appraises a paper, tests ideas gained from the literature with senior colleagues, undertakes a clinical review and initiates one’s own research.




Teaching others Teaches at undergraduate level and provides guidance, advice and feedback to junior staff.

Teaches at undergraduate & postgraduate levels; provides guidance, advice and feedback; and conducts assessments of procedural and surgical skills of junior registrars.

Principles and practice of evidence-based medicine

Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of evidence-based medicine and ability to critically appraise sources.

Demonstrates understanding and application of evidence-based medicine including the development towards new knowledge and practices.

Professional Qualities

Clinical leadership and management responsibilities

Demonstrates leadership and management responsibilities under consultant oversight. Practices efficient administrative and time management skills. Assists others to observe guidelines and protocols.

Effectively manages resources, clinical teams, resolves conflicts, prepares rosters, sets priorities and appraises work practices within the unit. Develops guidelines, protocols and checklists where appropriate.

Commitment to practice review and clinical audit

Audits own performance and participates in clinical governance, root cause(s) analysis and other methods to review incidents, errors and adverse events.

Leads root cause(s) analysis and other methods to review incidents, errors and adverse events. Participates in clinical governance and takes responsibility to implement change to reduce risk.

An ability to work collaboratively with effective intra and inter-professional communication team skills

Develops positive relationships with all team members; seeks opinions of colleagues, nursing and ancillary staff.

Establishes professional relationships with all healthcare team members, contributes to interdisciplinary team activities and provides appropriate feedback to others.

Ethical attitudes and conduct

Personally exhibits honesty, integrity, respect and compassion, patient confidentiality and maintenance of professional boundaries.

Acts as a role model for others in demonstrating ethical attitudes and conduct and encouraging peers to practice medicine consistent with the obligations involved in a self-regulating profession.

Health advocacy

Practices health advocacy at the patient and institutional level; uses time and available resources to advise, adapt and balance patient care.

Acts as a health advocate to improve health outcomes within the broader community, cognisant of the relevant health, social, cultural and economic needs.

Engagement with professional bodies relevant to the clinical practice of O&G

Engages with RANZCOG activities & other relevant professional bodies.

Engages with RANZCOG committees, events, meetings and activities and other key professional bodies relevant to scope of practice.




Legal and regulatory obligations

Practices professionally within legal and regulatory frameworks.

Practices independently within professional, legal and regulatory frameworks.

Health and Fitness to Practice

Manages own health and fitness to practice responsibly.

Considers the health and safety needs of colleagues and responds when appropriate to ensure optimal level of performance.

Scope of practice of a trainee on satisfactory completion of Basic

training On satisfactory completion of Basic training, a trainee must have a common scope of practice that enables the

trainee to undertake Advanced training in either the “Generalist” or “Non-Generalist Pathway”.

On satisfactory completion of Basic training, a trainee will be:

• Able to perform complex obstetrics, emergency gynaecology and common office gynaecology under

supervision. The degree of supervision will depend on the procedure complexity but for at least some of

the common scope of practice, the consultant may not be required in the hospital for a supervisory role.

Note that this may vary with local guidelines as the consultant may be required to attend in the event that

there is a second emergency and another expert is required to be in the hospital.

• Able to perform many procedures under supervision that are not in the common scope of practice in order

to: a) provide the trainee with experience of diverse scopes of practice across obstetrics and gynaecology;

b) adequately prepare the trainee for whatever advanced training posts they will occupy; and c) facilitate

the capacity of the trainee to later expand their scope of practice post-FRANZCOG training.

• Eligible to undertake any position approved for advanced training. These include posts approved for any of

the Subspecialty Certificate Training Programs.

Scope of practice of a trainee on satisfactory completion of Advanced

training On satisfactory completion of Advanced Training, a trainee will have, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills and

attributes needed to independently manage a complex obstetric patient, common gynaecological conditions

and gynaecological emergencies.

The new Fellow will also have acquired further generalist skills and/or one or more areas of special interest such

as hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery, pelvic floor disorders and sexual reproductive health. These specific

‘areas of special interest’ will further define the scope of practice of a new Fellow.

Following the awarding of Fellowship, Fellows will continue to develop professionally in their chosen scopes of

practice and may elect to extend and enhance their scope of practice by undertaking further training in their

area of special interest and/or towards subspecialty certification.


Appendices

Acronyms

Table 6 Acronyms

Acronym Definition

AGES Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society

AMC Australian Medical Council

Aon Area of Need

APSS Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills

CE Continuing Education

CET Clinical Educator Training

CGO Certification in Gynaecological Oncology

CLIMATE Curriculum Led Internet Managed Accessible Training Environment

CMFM Certification in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

COGU Certification in Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound

CREI Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

CU Certification in Urogynaecology

DRANZCOG Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

EAC Education & Assessment Committee

FRANZCOG

Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

FRCOG Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK)

FTE Full-Time Equivalent

IHCA In-Hospital Clinical Assessment

ITP Integrated Training Program

MCQ Multiple-Choice Question (examination)

MRCOG Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK)

O&G Obstetrics and Gynaecology


Acronym Definition

OTS Overseas Trained Specialist

OTV Occupational Training Visa

RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

RANZCOG Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

RCOG Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK)

SAQ Short Answer Question (examination)

SIMG Specialist International Medical Graduate

SOE Structured Oral Examination

SS Subspecialty

TA or TAC Training Accreditation Committee

TAR Training Assessment Record

Abbreviations used/accepted in FRANZCOG Examinations

Table 7 Abbreviations used/accepted in FRANZCOG Examinations

Acronym Definition

AFP Alphafetoprotein

APH Antepartum Haemorrhage

ARM Artificial Rupture of Membranes

BP Blood Pressure

CIN Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

CTG Cardiotocograph

CSU Catheter Specimen of Urine

D&C Dilation and Curretage

ECG Electrocardiograph(y)

ECV External Cephalic Version

EUA Examination Under Anaesthesia

FBC Full Blood Count


Acronym Definition

FBE Full Blood Examination

FHR Fetal Heart Rate

FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone

GTT Glucose Tolerance Test

Hb Haemoglobin

hCG Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

IUCD Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

LFTs Liver Function Tests

LH Lutenising Hormone

LMP Last Menstrual Period

LNMP Last Normal Menstrual Period

LUSCS Lower Uterine Segment Caesarean Section

LSCS Lower Segment Caesarean Section

MSU Midstream Specimen of Urine

NAD Nothing Abnormal Detected

PPH Post-partum Haemorrhage

PR Per Rectum

PV Per Vaginam

RBC Red Blood Cells

TAH Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

VDRL Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory Test


Glossary of terms

Academic Stream Arrangement by which a trainee can undertake a prospectively approved PhD during FRANZCOG training and

have it count as on year of Advanced training.

Applies only to trainees commencing training from 1 December 2013.

Accreditation The formal process by which a hospital obtains recognition from RANZCOG as a training site for the Basic

Training Program.

Accredited Hospital A hospital which has been accredited or re-accredited by RANZCOG as a training site for the Basic Training

Program.

Advanced Training Program A prospectively approved and planned 92-week (two-year) training program in an area of interest to trainees,

usually as part of their post-Basic training.

Applicant A medical practitioner who meets the eligibility criteria described in RANZCOG Regulations and who has applied

to join the FRANZCOG Training Program.

Area of Need (AoN) A national initiative to streamline the recruitment of overseas trained doctors (including O&Gs) to work in rural

areas only. The prospective employer of an AoN practitioner in O&G must refer the application to RANZCOG for

assessment and approval.

Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills The method through which trainees’ competence of designated procedural and surgical skills is assessed.

Previously known as Basic or Advanced Surgical Procedures - Assessment of Competence.

Assessor A specialist obstetrician/gynaecologist formally approved by RANZCOG to assess In-hospital Clinical Assessments

completed by FRANZCOG trainees.

Candidate A person attempting the Written and/or Oral Examinations for the FRANZCOG, DRANZCOG or subspecialty

certification.

Certification The formal recognition that a trainee, who has met all relevant selection and assessment criteria.

Certification in Gynaecological Oncology (CGO) Subspecialty training of three years duration in the treatment of genital malignancy undertaken after

successfully completing the 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training requirements.

Certification in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CMFM) Subspecialty training of three years duration in fetal physiology and pathology undertaken after successfully

completing the 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training requirements.


Certification in Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU) Subspecialty training of three years duration in ultrasound undertaken after successfully completing the 184

weeks (four years) of Basic Training requirements.

Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) Subspecialty training of three years duration in the treatment of reproductive endocrine disorders and infertility

undertaken after successfully completing the 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training requirements.

Certification in Urogynaecology (CU) Subspecialty training of three years duration in the field of urogynaecology, undertaken after successfully

completing the 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training requirements.

Clinical Training Summaries (CTS) (Pre 2016) Sheets containing summaries of the clinical experiences (both primary operator procedures and assists)

recorded by a trainee in their Logbook. These summaries are compiled by the trainee every six months and

checked/ signed by the relevant Training Supervisor and State/ New Zealand Training & Accreditation

Committee Chairman.

College The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Continuing Certification The process of participating in RANZCOG Continuing Education Program (see next entry). Continuing

Certification is also known as Recertification.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) RANZCOG program for continuing professional development in which all Fellows of the College must participate

to qualify for renewal of their Fellowship every three years.

Consultant A specialist in obstetrics/gynaecology and Fellow of the College with whom a trainee trains in an accredited

RANZCOG training site.

Consultant Assessment Form A form completed every six months by each consultant working with a trainee, assessing the trainee’s

knowledge, skill and attitudes. From these forms the relevant Training Supervisor compiles the Six-monthly

Summative Assessment.

Basic (nee Core) Training Program The 184 weeks (four years) of clinical, educational and assessment requirements in approved RANZCOG

training.

Council The governing body of RANZCOG with an elected term of two years.

Credited Training A period of prospectively approved training of not less than a single six-month period for which a trainee has

satisfactorily completed all assessment requirements and paid the necessary annual training fee.

Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG) A diploma qualification for general practitioners who wish to obtain further post-graduate training in obstetrics

and family planning.


A further qualification, the DRANZCOG Advanced, is also available in recognition of the attainment of skills in

advanced obstetrics and gynaecology beyond the DRANZCOG.

Diplomate A general practitioner who has obtained the Diploma of RANZCOG (DRANZCOG).

Education & Assessment Committee A Standing Committee of Council responsible for developing and maintaining the requirements for examinations

and assessments leading towards the FRANZCOG and Subspecialty qualifications.

Elevation The formal recognition that a trainee who has met all relevant selection and assessment criteria is a Fellow

(FRANZCOG) of the College.

Examiner A specialist in obstetrics/gynaecology formally approved by RANZCOG to assess Written and Oral Examinations

for FRANZCOG, DRANZCOG or a subspecialty.

Fellowship (FRANZCOG) The qualification awarded to a trainee, subject to approval by Council, who has satisfactorily completed all

assessment and administrative requirements for the designated 276 weeks FRANZCOG training.

Fractional Training Part-time training between 0.5FTE and 1.0FTE, which has been approved by both the relevant State/NZ Training

Accreditation Committee Chair and the employing hospital.

Grandparenting The conferring of a RANZCOG qualification based on agreed equivalent previous experience as specified by

Council.

In-hospital Clinical Assessment An essential element of the FRANZCOG Training Program in the form of assessments in Diagnostic Ultrasound,

and Colposcopy and the Treatment of Cervical Disease.

Integrated Training Program (ITP) A group of hospitals that are accredited to provide Basic training.

International Medical Graduate (IMG) A medical practitioner whose primary medical degree was obtained in a country other than Australia or New

Zealand.

Logbook A record of clinical experiences which trainees must maintain for every year of their FRANZCOG/ Subspecialty

Training.

National Selection Process A formal process of selection applying to all prospective trainees intending to undertake the FRANZCOG Training

Program or one of the Subspecialties: Certification in Gynaecological Oncology (CGO), Obstetric and

Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU), Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI), and Urogynaecology (CU).

Occupational Training Visa (OTV) A visa required for an overseas practitioner taking up a short-term appointment in an O&G department of a

hospital to gain additional training and experience.


The employing hospital must apply to the College for approval of such appointments in order to obtain these

visas from the Department of Immigration.

My.RANZCOG An online member database and system for recording the procedural experience, performance appraisals,

summative assessments and other training/assessment activities of trainees in the FRANZCOG Training Program.

Specialist IMG (SIMG) A medical practitioner in obstetrics/gynaecology who does not have an Australian or New Zealand primary

medical degree and/or Australian/New Zealand residency status, and who must apply to the

RANZCOG for assessment of their eligibility for specialist recognition.

Practice Improvement A process in which Fellows of the College review their work (individually or collectively) with the aim of

improving or enhancing clinical practice by identifying areas for improvement or modification. Practice

Improvement is part of the College’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

Program Co-ordinator A Fellow of the College responsible for planning and co-ordinating a local Integrated Training Program i.e. a

group of hospitals offering Basic training.

Recertification See Continuing Certification.

Recognised Post See Training Post.

State/New Zealand Training Accreditation Committees RANZCOG committees covering Australian states and territories and New Zealand responsible for the

appointment of Program Coordinators and Training

Supervisors, and reviewing applications by prospective FRANZCOG trainees in the relevant state, territory or

country. These committees also review the training documentation and progress of said trainees.

Regulations The formal stipulation of training requirements and the conduct of examinations and assessments approved by

RANZCOG Board.

Research Experience in research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology, which all trainees must undertake as part of

RANZCOG curriculum requirement.

Research Project Original research work of sufficient quality and which meets the requirements of the relevant training program,

which subspecialty trainees and trainees who entered the training program from 1 December 2003 are required

to submit as part of their assessment.

Six-monthly Trainee Feedback Questionnaire A confidential questionnaire on all aspects of training, which trainees are asked to complete at the end of each

six-month training period.

Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report


A composite report on the performance of each trainee in RANZCOG Training Program compiled every six

months by their Training Supervisor based on the individual assessments of the consultants with whom the

trainee works.

Subspecialty A three-year post-Basic training program leading to a certificate in one of the following areas: Gynaecological

Oncology; Maternal-fetal Medicine; Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound; Reproductive Endocrinology

and Infertility; and Urogynaecology.

Subspecialty Committees Six committees (an umbrella committee and one for each subspecialty) responsible for the development and

maintenance of training and assessment requirements to achieve qualification in a subspecialty.

Tertiary Hospital A major RANZCOG-accredited hospital where trainees in the College’s Basic Training Program are required to

spend a minimum of 46 weeks FTE. As a minimum, the unit should provide trainees with rostered access to all

available experience in complex obstetrics and access to complex gynaecology, either within the same hospital

or in an allied facility to which trainees can rotate. The hospital should deal with low, moderate and high-risk

pregnancies and ideally, have a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides high dependency specialist

nursing and medical care for all newborn infants, including sustained life support such as mechanical ventilation.

In the event that a tertiary unit does not have these NICU facilities, the trainee should spend at least 23 weeks

FTE in a unit where this is provided, in addition to the time spent in the tertiary unit.

A tertiary unit is also expected to undertake research and provide structured undergraduate/postgraduate

teaching as an integral part of its service provision, governance and models of care.

Three-monthly Formative Appraisal Form A compulsory mid-semester appraisal of performance and progress, which trainees are required to complete

and Training Supervisors are required to discuss with each of their Basic, Advanced and subspecialty trainees.

Time in Training* The aggregate of all time in the relevant component of the FRANZCOG Training Program, including standard

annual leave but not time taken as approved extended leave of absence or approved research leave as part of

the Academic Stream.

*Applies only to trainees commencing training from 1 December 2013.

Trainee A medical practitioner, who meets the eligibility criteria described in RANZCOG Regulations and whose training

has been prospectively approved), undertaking the FRANZCOG Training Program.

Training Accreditation Committee of RANZCOG (also known as the College Training Accreditation Committee) A standing committee of Council responsible for the development and maintenance of the training

requirements for the FRANZCOG, the approval of training hospitals and posts, the review of Integrated Training

Programs, and the consideration of applicants for Fellowship. Previously called the Training & Accreditation

Committee.

Training Assessment Record (TAR) A collection of documents, compiled every six months, recording and presenting for assessment, all the

completed training experiences of each trainee. The TAR is now only used used by trainees who commenced

FRANZCOG training prior to December 2015 when the new online portfolio system was introduced.


Training Post A hospital position in an accredited hospital, which has been accredited by RANZCOG as suitable for training

towards FRANZCOG.

Training Program A structured six-year postgraduate program leading firstly to elevation as a Fellow (FRANZCOG) of the College.

Training Supervisor A consultant and Fellow of the College, who is a member of staff in an accredited hospital, responsible for the

coordination and ongoing supervision of RANZCOG trainees in that hospital, including the formal assessment

of one or more trainees every six months.

Year of Training Each 52-week period of time in training (46-week period of training time) of the six years comprising the

FRANZCOG Training Program. Trainees must satisfactorily complete all six years.

www.ranzcog.edu.au
