Geriatric Medicine

A geriatrician has expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex and/or multifactorial internal medicine disorders impacting on the cognition and functional status of the older person. A geriatrician adopts a diagnostic approach to the practice of acute internal medicine in order to identify reversible pathologies impacting on a patient’s function, psychological and social wellbeing.

Minimum Time to Completion: 7 years from graduation

Details

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective trainees must have:

completed RACP Basic Training, including Written and Clinical Examinations
a current medical registration
been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position

Application Process

Applicants must first apply for and be accepted for an Advanced Training Position.

Program Structure

Trainees undergo 36 months of certified training time comprising:

24 months minimum (FTE) of core training
12 months maximum (FTE) of non-core training which may be undertaken in geriatric medicine, other disciplines or research that complement core training.

Core training is comprised of Level A training with an optional 6 months of Level B training.

Level A training (18 months minimum) is undertaken under the direct clinical supervision of a geriatrician, covering an adequate range of disciplines. These include but are not limited to acute aged care, ambulatory care, community care, geriatric emergency medicine, geriatric rehabilitation, orthogeriatrics, perioperative medicine, stroke rehabilitation.
Level B training (6 months maximum) is training relevant to geriatric medicine but not under the direct clinical supervision of a geriatrician. These disciplines include but are not limited to general medicine, rehabilitation, palliative care, psychiatry of old age.

They will also complete:

1 x Advanced Training Research Project (trainees who commenced in 2017 onwards)

Teaching and learning

1 x Learning Needs Analysis per rotation (2 x 12-month rotation minimum)
2 x Professional Qualities Reflections per training year (1 x 6 months minimum)
Complete the Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety module before the end of Advanced Training (from 2023 onwards)

Assessments

4 x Case-based Discussions per training year (2 x 6 months minimum)
4 x Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises per training year (2 x 6 months minimum)
1 x Supervisor’s Report per rotation, including a Trainee’s Report (2 x 12-month rotation — full-time and part-time trainees)

Fees

Annual Fee:

AUD $3,690.00 (reduced fee of 50% for trainees in research)

Exam Fee:

Written examinations: AUD $2,031.00
Basic Training Clinical Examination: AUD $3,039.00
Faculty Clinical Examinations: AUD $3,039.00

Admission to Fellowship Fee:

AUD $1,374.00

Useful Resources / Courses / Conferences

Involvement in ANZSGM events
Research relevant to geriatric medicine
PhD
Fellowship in geriatric medicine sub-specialties

Key Information

PGY Intake Year (earliest)

PGY5

Training Duration (minimum)

3 years FTE

General Progression

Note that this represents one of the quickest routes to specialty training, and may not reflect additional HMO or unaccredited years of training.

Year 1

Internship

Year 2

BPT1

Year 3

BPT2

Year 4

BPT3

Year 5

Commence Geriatric Medicine Advanced Training

Part Time Option: Yes

Last Updated: January 30, 2023

The information found in this portal has been painstakingly collated by JMOs for JMOs, and is intended as a career progression guide for every aspiring JMO. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented on this website, but recent changes made by Specialist Medical Colleges may not be reflected in real time; please consult with the respective Specialist Medical College websites for the latest information. PMCV and JMO Victoria accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. Please feel free to contact our team with suggestions or comments via the feedback form.