Medical Officers' Careers Guide: Basic Physician Training

Physicians are doctors who have completed an extra eight years or more of training after their initial university medical training. They are specialists in internal medicine who diagnose and manage complex medical problems. Physicians often choose to specialise in a particular area of medicine but before they can go on to specialise, they must complete Basic Physician Training.

Advantages of starting a career at TPCH

• Good training & exam preparation
• Good pass rate for both MCQs and clinical exams [average of 65%]
• Strong reputation for friendly & support atmosphere

Entry requirements to Training Program

If you’re considering undertaking basic physician training in Queensland, you must apply to join the Queensland Basic Physician (Adult Medicine) network. Visit the network webpage for further information.

To be eligible for the network prior to commencement of training you must:

• hold general registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• be eligible for registration with the RACP as a basic physician trainee
• qualify as postgraduate year three (PGY3) or above

The network supports and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

Experience in general medicine OR medical specialities as outlined in the Medical Experience document will contribute towards merit ranking.

Joining the network to commence training  

To be considered for a network training place you must complete the following:

1. Read the How to Apply information (How to apply Basic Physician Training Network (health.qld.gov.au)) AND
2. Provide evidence that you have discussed your physician training plans with an RACP Educational Supervisor or Director of Physician Education (DPE). To do this, meet with a DPE / ES and upload a completed Planning for physician training form (Dept of Health Publication template Short 2 column landscape) as part of your application AND
3. Submit your application via the Queensland RMO campaign (Resident Medical Officer (RMO) and Registrar campaign | Queensland Health) within the specified dates. Refer to 'Key Dates' below.

Overview of Training Program

Before commencing:    

• Speak to Dr Shaun Pandy, Director of Physician Education
• Apply through QH RMO Campaign to commence on the Network

How will hospital placements be set out?

A 3-year program will vary between different rotations. For example, Northside / Southside rotations will include:

• One 12-month placement to cover the first year of training
• At least one 6-month placement in a level 1 or 2 hospital outside of South East Queensland
• At least 12 months in a level 3 (large tertiary) training hospital

Exams:

• Early February – MCQ
• June   -  Viva [oral clinical]

What rotations are recommended prior to applying

No specific rotations need to be completed prior to applying for Basic Training.
NB:  There is no retrospective accreditation of terms.  Ensure you submit terms for BPT 1 by April of that year.

How to improve your chances of selection

No specific courses or research are required to apply.

Have a genuine interest and some experience in general medicine/ subspecialty medicine.

Have an approach to managing clinical or professional scenarios.

 The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

These questions will vary from Program to Program as thought to be most relevant.   If you have any suggestions as to how the information on this site can be improved, please comment.

It is becoming more & more competitive to get a training position as a Basic Trainee.

Medical Education Unit
Email:   TPCH-Medical-Education@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: 3139 4221

Contact:  Dr Shaun Pandy, Director of Physician Education

College

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

• Basic Physician Training

Reviewed: May 2016