Early career doctor resources

Common consent: a guide for doctors in training

If you’re a doctor in training, you may be asked to obtain consent for a procedure or perform one under supervision. This guide answers common questions about assessing capacity, discussing risks and alternatives, handling questions you cannot answer, explaining who will perform the procedure and documenting the patient’s decision.

Common consent questions: a guide for consultants

As a consultant, you may ask another clinician to conduct the consent discussion or supervise a doctor who will perform the procedure. This guide answers common questions about delegation, checking consent before treatment, explaining who will perform the procedure and documenting the patient’s decision.

How the Avant Board delivers for members

Court rules on 17-year-old’s capacity to refuse lifesaving treatment

Although the court found a 17-year-old had capacity to make healthcare decisions, it concluded it was in the child’s best interest to order life-saving medical treatment even though the child refused it.

A mini-CEX on matrescence

A paediatrician reflects on returning to practice after maternity leave, and how becoming a mother may shape the doctor she's becoming.

I trained to treat people. Turns out I also had to know the law.

You didn't go into medicine because you love the law. So if you were caught off guard when you realised your job as a doctor isn't just clinical, you're not the only one. For many junior doctors, that moment they realise isn't a dramatic one. It can be a form on a busy shift, a conversation you're not sure is yours to have, or a signature someone wants because you're the one standing there.

The three minutes that mattered when the coroner called

How taking a few minutes to read a factsheet helped save this registrar's career.

Chances worth travelling for

Getting into medical school was a dream come true. But, that dream was punctuated by a car accident. In seconds, I was paralysed...

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Western Australia

In Western Australia, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. Western Australian law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Victoria

In Victoria, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. Victorian law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Tasmania

In Tasmania, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. Tasmanian law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare South Australia

In South Australia, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. South Australian law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Queensland

In Queensland, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. Queensland law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Northern Territory

In the NT, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. NT law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. ACT law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Substitute decision-makers for healthcare New South Wales

In NSW, you may need to provide care for a patient who has limited or no capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. NSW law sets out who may provide consent on the patient’s behalf and which documents or authorities may guide treatment decisions. Use this flowchart to identify the appropriate substitute decision-maker or other source of consent.

Professionalism: an overview of the Code of Conduct

This discussion sets the foundation of what professionalism means for doctors practising in Australia, understanding the Medical Board's code of conduct, why it matters and how it's used.

Wellbeing and work/life balance

Wellbeing is a state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. We take a look at activities, guidance and inspiration to help you find balance while navigating the ups and downs of life. This topic covers everything from dealing with losing a job, to reducing stress, achieving balance, and budgeting for hobbies and passions.

Professional development

The skills you learn as part of our professional development topic are skills you learn for life. This topic covers skills from setting goals to problem solving, time management to team building, negotiating, and dealing with workplace conflict, as well as looking at managing and planning the financial aspects of starting on a new career path.

Financial literacy - Superannuation

In Australia, superannuation (super) is a tax effective way to help you fund your retirement. This topic covers from choosing a fund to insurance and investments through super. It shows how taking a few steps now could significantly boost your super and make a big difference to your retirement lifestyle.