Training Posts

Overview

Clinical training posts facilitate workplace hands on service learning and exploration in a range of training environments providing the opportunity for the trainee to develop, with supervision, the requisite experience, knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to become a competent independent specialist neurosurgeon. Each training unit has its own profile for patient case mixes, supervision, staffing levels, working requirements for trainees and equipment. Each clinical training post has an allocated supervisor, satisfying the requirements in the Training Post Accreditation Regulations. Clinical training posts are accredited in accordance with the Training Post Accreditation Regulations available below.

Download the Training Post Accreditation Regulations here  

Training Post Accreditation

The standards, terms and conditions for the assessment and accreditation of training posts for the Training Program are outlined in the Training Post Accreditation Regulations.

The application must include the completed Application Form and a separate logbook for each unit which forms part of the accreditation application. Additional attachments are also required as specified in the application form. The forms below must be used and must be submitted to [email protected].

Download the Training Post Accreditation Regulations here  
Download the Accreditation Application Form here  
Download the Accreditation Adult Logbook Form here
Download the Accreditation Paediatric Logbook Form here

For the purpose of these Regulations for 2022, in Australia “RACS defined regional area” are those classified as category 3 by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.  In New Zealand, “RACS defined regional area” are those classified as low urban accessibility, remote or very remote by Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa.

Trainee Assessment of Training Positions

The assessment of training posts by accredited trainees is a critical component of the training post review process. All trainees are required to complete the online training post evaluation form on a six monthly basis providing information regarding their experiences in their accredited training post. The training post evaluation forms are kept confidential and are not released to hospitals or supervisors.

Trainees will receive an email link to complete the forms twice a year.

Training Post Allocations 

Trainees will be selected into either the Australian or the New Zealand Pathway.  Within Australia, trainees will also be allocated a Home Region.  Trainees should expect to move from their Home Region at least once during their SET Program, which may include placement in a New Zealand training post.  Trainees in the New Zealand Pathway will undertake up to two full-time equivalent training years of their training in Australia and the remainder in New Zealand training posts. 

Trainees in both Pathways will rotate through a minimum of three training units during their SET Program to ensure they receive a wide exposure to systems, supervisors and case mixes. Trainees will ordinarily spend no more than two full-time equivalent training years in any one training unit. Exceptions may be made, particularly where the trainees’ Home Region has less than three accredited training units.

The Board approves the allocation of trainees to accredited posts during all clinical training years. Trainees must be prepared to be assigned to a post anywhere in Australia and New Zealand, regardless of their Pathway. Trainees are not permitted to swap training post allocations.