Specialty training program guides

To practise as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand you will need to complete the Surgical Education and Training (SET) through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), followed by specialist training program through the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS).

This overview, drawn from the ANZSCTS website and other sources (current as of February 2026), may assist doctors considering specialist training as a physician.

For further information and full details on how to apply see the ANZSCTS website.

Is cardiothoracic surgery for you?

Best suited to doctors who:

• Enjoy complex operative work, acute decision-making and working within multidisciplinary teams
• Are motivated by caring for critically ill patients and managing perioperative ICU care
• Have strong technical skills and are interested in advanced surgical techniques including minimally invasive approaches
• Are committed to a demanding specialty requiring long training and high levels of responsibility

“'Surgical specialties are best suited to hard working people who like to see acute change and enjoy a fast-paced environment. They usually enjoy working longer than average hours and see it is a privilege.” Avant member

Training program structure

• Six-year structured program (SET 1-6): Apprenticeship-style training in accredited cardiothoracic units with progressive responsibility
• Bi-national rotations: Trainees must be prepared to train in either Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand to maximise breadth of experience
• Supervision: Trainees work under supervision of experienced cardiothoracic surgeons in tertiary referral centres
• Regular assessments: In-training assessments, workplace-based assessments, supervisor reports, and procedural logbooks documenting minimum operative experience requirements
• Mid-training examination: Written examination testing surgical anatomy, pathology and clinical decision-making
• Final fellowship examination: Clinical examination with four clinical cases, history and physical examination, plus three 40-minute viva-type stations presenting operative surgical and clinical scenarios

Entry criteria

Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent medical degree with general medical registration. Completion of PGY2, Completion of required surgical rotations, including minimum 6 months cardiothoracic term. Successful completion of the Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE). Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder.

• Applications are managed through RACS and USANZ for a structured, transparent and objective process
• Selection is based on three components:
  • Structured CV plus procedural skills logbook (20%): Scoring of academic achievements, surgical experience, courses and research
  • Unit-based competency assessment (20%): Assessment from supervisors on clinical competence and surgical skills
  • Semi-structured interview (60%): Interview assesses clinical knowledge, decision-making, professional attributes and commitment to specialty
• Structured referee checks conducted for shortlisted candidates
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander selection initiative available

Top application tips

• Start early: Map out required rotations and skills well in advance of application. The specialty is highly competitive with limited training positions.
• Undertake required rotations: Complete all required surgical rotations including a cardiothoracic term (minimum 6 months at PGY3 or above). Ensure rotations are in appropriate accredited units.
• Build your CV: Engage in relevant research, audit projects, publications and presentations. Complete relevant courses that are mandatory for training. Avant Foundation Member Grants are open to all Avant members, with a special focus on supporting research projects from early career doctors. 
• Seek mentorship: Connect with cardiothoracic consultants and engage with ANZSCTS trainee resources and meetings. Attending the annual scientific meeting is valuable. See the Avant article - What to look for in a mentor.
• Prepare for the interview: The semi-structured interview carries 60% weighting in selection. Practice discussing clinical scenarios and demonstrating your commitment to the specialty. See the Avant article - Mastering your medical college interview.

Lifestyle considerations

⏰Hours: Very demanding with long operative cases, intensive care commitments and significant on-call responsibilities. Emergency cases can occur any time. Training years particularly intensive.

📍Location flexibility: Limited to major metropolitan centres and tertiary referral hospitals. Training requires annual rotations potentially across both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

💼Private practice potential: High earning potential post-fellowship, with many surgeons combining public hospital sessions with private practice. One of the highest-paid surgical specialties.

^{References:
1- Medical Board of Australia, Registration data, September 2025
2- Based on RACS selection data for SET Cardiothoracic Surgery program, 2019-2025
3- Based on surgical registrar salary ranges across Australian states, 2025. Salaries vary by state/territory, hospital, and experience level. These figures represent base salary and do not include overtime, penalties, or allowances which can significantly increase total remuneration.}

To practise as a specialist general practitioner (GP) you will need to complete a training program through the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) or Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

Avant has collaborated with the RACGP to provide this overview to assist doctors considering training to be a GP - this information is correct as of February 2026. A further guide is being developed with ACRRM.

For further information and full details on how to apply see racgp.org.au/education/gp-training

Is general practice for you?

Best suited to doctors who:

• Enjoy variety – different types of patients, conditions and life stages
• Prefer to consider holistic, whole-person care rather than focusing on a specific clinical condition
• Value continuity of care and long-term relationships with patients
• Are interested in the option to pursue special interests (eg, sports medicine, women’s health, paediatrics, skin cancer, mental health, health education)

“GPs need to be kind, insightful and humane as well as have a firm foundation in diagnosis and disease management." Avant GP member

Training program structure

• Apprenticeship-style learning in an accredited general practice
• Progressive assessments throughout training
• Fellowship exam

Entry criteria

Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent medical degree, general medical registration. Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder.

• Expression of interest via RACGP website
• Submit online application, nominating preferred training region and general or rural pathway
• Online assessment comprising a situational judgement (Casper) test. This test is designed to measure key competencies that are essential when practicing as a GP: collaboration, communication, empathy, fairness, ethics, self-awareness, resilience, problem-solving, motivation.
• Applicants are ranked based on their application, nominated training pathway preferences and performance in the online assessment. Offers are allocated based on this ranking.
• Priority preferencing opportunities may also apply.

Top application tips

RACGP has provided the following tips for applicants:

• Get in touch with the college early – you can apply as early as intern year, before you have completed all your hospital rotations.
• Attend info sessions - RACGP offers webinars and resources to help you understand the program and prepare your application. The college also has a dedicated team to support you throughout the process. 
• Subscribe to the RACGP mailing list to stay connected and informed.
• Keep records – statements of service and end-of-term reports demonstrate you have completed mandatory hospital requirements.
• Complete a broad range of hospital rotations – it’s important to get exposure to a set list of clinical experiences (e.g. undifferentiated patient care, peri-operative/procedural care).  
• Join the Future General Practitioner (FGP) network.

Lifestyle considerations

⏰ Hours: Significant flexibility in determining your working hours. When you choose to work can vary depending on your practice setting, location and personal preferences.

🌙 On-call: Varies according to where you work and the type of setting. Typically, highly flexible options are available.

📍 Location flexibility: Excellent - metro, regional, rural options available.

💼 Private practice potential: High - GPs have significant choice around working in private, mixed billing or bulk-billing practices.

<sup>Source:
1. Medical Board of Australia, Registration data, September 2025
2. RACGP, February 2026
3. GP trainees (registrars) are paid according to the National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER). There are various government incentives available for trainees who work in rural and remote areas. Base rates of pay for GP registrars | GPRA.</sup>

To practice as an ophthalmologist in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand you will need to complete a specialist training program through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

Avant has collaborated with RANZCO to provide this overview to assist doctors considering specialist training in ophthalmology - this information is current as of February 2026.

For further information and full details on how to apply, see the RANZCO website.

Is ophthalmology for you?

Best suited to doctors who:

• Have excellent manual dexterity, spatial awareness and attention to fine technical detail.
• Enjoy combining medical management with microsurgical skills and procedural expertise in an operating theatre.
• Appreciate working across all age groups from premature infants to elderly patients.
• Value immediate, demonstrable outcomes from surgical interventions that significantly improve quality of life.

“Overall, a combination of technical skill and patient-focused care best suits doctors who specialise in ophthalmology.” Avant ophthalmologist member

Training program structure

• Basic Training (2 years) - during which trainees must demonstrate integrated foundational clinical skills and knowledge in the Ophthalmic Sciences (OS) and the Ophthalmic Basic Competencies and Knowledge (OBCK).
• Advanced Training (2 years) - during which trainees are expected to demonstrate integrated knowledge, clinical and surgical skills in specific areas of practice as documented in the clinical standards.
• Final Year Training (1 year) – during which the trainee develops their specialist experience in preparation for specialist qualification and learns how to function in the community as an independent general ophthalmologist.
• Supervision: Registrars work under the supervision of consultant ophthalmologists in hospital and clinical settings.
• Education: Trainees complete RANZCO's structured vocational training program, including courses and workshops.
• Assessments: Written exams, clinical exams, surgical assessments and workplace-based assessments.

Selection process 

Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent medical degree, completed a minimum of two years FTE post-graduate pre-vocational training, and hold general medical registration. Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder.

Step 1: A competitive national selection process managed centrally by RANZCO.

• Applicant submits CV, academic transcript, referee details, supporting documentation and an expression of interest for preferred training network(s).
• All applicants are invited to participate in multiple mini interviews designed to evaluate professional capabilities such as communication, cooperation, professionalism, management and health advocacy.
• Selection Panel members score applicants and RANZCO creates a centralised pool of short-listed candidates.

Step 2: Individual Training Networks in Australia and New Zealand undertake a local selection process, short-listing applicants for their training program.

• Applicants reviewed and selected to attend a local network interview.
• Final match based on network short-lists and candidates’ preferences is taken out by the National Ophthalmology Matching Program (NOMP) Coordinator.
• Successful candidate/s offered employment in a network training post.

Top application tips

RANZCO has provided the following tips for applicants:

• Undertake your PGY1 and/or PGY2 years at a hospital with an ophthalmology department in which you may be interested in pursuing a Non-Training Registrar (NTR) position (if feasible). Taking the initiative to get to know the team, assisting in clinics during spare time, or securing a House Officer rotation in ophthalmology can significantly increase your exposure to the specialty and training environment.
• Get involved in research as a medical student, with the aim to present your work at conferences if possible. This can be an effective way to develop your academic profile while also meeting ophthalmologists and identifying potential mentors. Reaching out directly to Ophthalmology departments regarding research opportunities may be helpful. Avant Foundation Member Grants are open to all Avant members, with a special focus on supporting research projects from early career doctors. 
• Develop strong surgical skills and seek opportunities to observe or assist in theatre.
• Attend RANZCO conferences and education events to network with trainees and consultants.
• Seek mentorship from ophthalmologists to gain insight into the specialty and application process. See the Avant article - What to look for in a mentor.
• Regularly review the Vocational Training Program selection criteria published each year on the RANZCO website, as requirements may change over time. This can help guide career planning and ensure you are working towards the most up-to-date expectations.

Lifestyle considerations

⏰ Hours: Generally regular business hours with scheduled operating lists. Emergency on-call can require after-hours attendance for eye trauma and acute conditions.

📍 Location flexibility: Predominantly metro and larger regional centres with operating facilities. Limited rural opportunities. Some outreach clinic models are available in partnership arrangements.

💼 Private practice potential: Very high - many ophthalmologists establish private practices. Significant procedural income from surgical work. Requires investment in specialised equipment and facilities.

_References:
<sup>1. Medical Board of Australia, Registration data, September 2025
2. Number of trainees: Statistics_2017-to-2025_for-publication.docx
3. Australian salary data based on Medical Practitioners Award MA000031 (effective November 2025) and state health department enterprise agreements. These figures represent base salary and do not include overtime, penalties or allowances which can significantly increase total remuneration. Figures include superannuation.
4. Training program costs: RANZCO VTP Fee Information FAQ: https://ranzco.edu/home/future-ophthalmologists/vocational-training-program/trainee-fees/vtp-fee-information-faq/</sup>

Being finalised with the college.

To practice as a physician in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in one of 33 diverse medical specialties you will need to complete a specialist training program through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

This overview, drawn from RACP's website and other sources (current as of February 2026), may assist doctors considering specialist training as a physician.

For further information and full details on how to apply see the RACP website.

Is physician training for you?

Best suited to doctors who:

• Enjoy comprehensive patient care and developing long-term therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Value diagnostic reasoning, complex problem-solving and application of evidence-based medicine.
• Are interested in managing complex medical conditions across diverse patient populations.
• Enjoy working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams with allied health and nursing.
• Want flexibility to choose from 33 diverse specialty pathways across medicine.

"Specialist physicians require the ability for in-depth knowledge of their area and be able to tailor and individualise treatment to the specific patient."  Avant physician member

Training program structure

• Basic Training (3 years): Trainees work as registrars in accredited hospitals under supervision, completing rotations in either Adult Internal Medicine OR Paediatrics & Child Health.
• Advanced Training (3-5 years): Focused training in chosen specialty with continued supervised clinical practice across 33 specialty pathways. Faculty and Chapter trainees can enter these programs without completing Basic Training.
• Rotations: Trainees must rotate through multiple accredited sites throughout their training to gain diverse experience.
• Supervision and assessment: Directors of Education, Supervisors monitor and assess trainee performance in the workplace.
• Examinations: Divisional written and Clinical examinations occur in Basic Training.  Faculty and Chapter programs have their own examinations.
• Workplace-based assessments: Regular work-based assessment of competencies throughout training are used to gather information for decision-making regarding training progression.
• Continuing Professional Development: Following Fellowship, physicians engage in CPD to maintain clinical skills and knowledge.

Specialty pathways available through: 

Division programs in 23 specialties, including: cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, general paediatrics, neurology, respiratory medicine, rheumatology.

Joint Training programs, multi-college qualifications encompassing: endocrinology & chemical pathology, haematology, immunology & allergy, infectious diseases & microbiology, paediatric emergency medicine.

Chapter programs: addiction medicine, palliative medicine and sexual health medicine.

Faculty programs: rehabilitation medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, public health medicine.

Entry criteria

Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent medical degree accredited by AMC or MCNZ. General medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia or MCNZ. Satisfactorily completed at least intern year (PGY1).

• For Basic Training:
  • Secure employment at an accredited hospital
  • Obtain approval from the site Director of Physician Education (DPE)
  • Submit application to RACP
• For Advanced Training (varies by specialty):
  • Employed by an accredited hospital
  • Applications assessed on academic record, clinical experience, research activities and demonstrated commitment to the specialty
  • Interview process for most specialties evaluating clinical knowledge, communication skills and professional attributes
  • Some programs use competitive selection processes with structured scoring criteria
  • Selection timelines and processes vary by specialty – check specific requirements early

Top application tips

RACP have provided these tips for applicants:

• Research your specialty of interest early – understand the training requirements, career opportunities and lifestyle considerations for your chosen pathway.
• Contact the Director of Physician Education (DPE) at accredited hospitals to discuss Basic Training application requirements and approval processes.
• Plan your training pathway carefully – some specialties have specific prerequisites or joint training requirements that require early planning.
• Gain relevant clinical experience during your intern and resident years in your area of interest to strengthen your application.
• Learn about the college's professional standards – consider how to demonstrate you embody these attributes in your application and interview.
• Network with current trainees and Fellows to gain insights into the training program and specialty, and to understand what selection panels value.
• Understand what interview panels are looking for – candidates who show they are keen to learn and can quickly become useful team members are viewed favourably. See the Avant article - Mastering your medical college interview.

Lifestyle considerations

⏰Hours: Varies significantly by specialty. Hospital-based physicians work shift patterns with on-call requirements. Private practice offers more regular hours.

📍Location flexibility: Good opportunities in metropolitan and regional centres for most specialties. Some subspecialties concentrated in major tertiary centres.

💼Private practice potential: Many specialties have strong private practice opportunities, particularly cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine and paediatrics. Mixed public/private arrangements common.

References:
_{1. Medical Board of Australia [to be confirmed with RACP]
2. Based on RACP data, approximate figures for annual examination candidates. Total trainee numbers to be confirmed.
3. Australian salary data based on Medical Practitioners Award MA000031 (effective November 2025) and state health department rates. Salaries vary by experience, specialty, district health board and average rostered hours. Base salaries plus penalties, allowances and overtime. Figures include superannuation (11% in Australia as of 2025).}

To practice as a psychiatrist in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand you will need to complete a specialist training program through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

Avant has collaborated with RANZCP to provide this overview to assist doctors considering specialist training in psychiatry. The information is correct as of February 2026.

For further information and full details on how to apply see the RANZCP website.

Is psychiatry for you?

Best suited to doctors who:

• Value biopsychosocial approaches integrating medical, psychological and social perspectives in care.
• Enjoy deep, therapeutic relationships and exploring psychological aspects of illness and wellbeing.
• Are comfortable managing complexity, uncertainty and patients with chronic relapsing conditions.
• Have strong communication skills and patience for gradual progress in patient recovery.
• Are interested in diverse subspecialties like child/adolescent, addiction, forensic, or consultation-liaison psychiatry.

“Excellent interpersonal skills, a genuine interest in people and the human experience, and the capacity to try to tolerate uncertainty are essential for psychiatry.”  Avant psychiatrist member

Training program structure

• Three stages 
  • Stage 1 (12 months): Foundational psychiatry skills 
  • Stage 2 (24 months): Broader clinical experience 
  • Stage 3 (24 months): Advanced practice and optional sub-specialisation 
• Supervision: psychiatry registrars work under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists in hospitals and clinics. 
• Education: All trainees must be enrolled in an RANZCP approved formal education course.
• Assessments: Written exams, clinical exams, and workplace-based assessments 

Selection process

Eligibility: MBBS or equivalent medical degree, completed two years (FTE) of general medical training, hold general medical registration. Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder.

• Applications are managed by Branch Training Committees in each state/territory and New Zealand – check eligibility requirements and application timelines for your jurisdiction. 
• Submit a CV and cover letter to your chosen program. You can apply to multiple programs. 
• Short-listed applicants are invited to attend a face-face interview.
• The selection criteria for the training program considers the applicant’s academic record, references, work experience and interview performance. 

Top application tips

 RANZCP has provided these tips for applicants:

• Learn more about the specialty by joining the free Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) – a great program offering scholarships to events, career guidance with psychiatrists and trainees, and resources. 
• Connect with your university’s psychiatry student society and or any medical student society that may host psychiatry career events. 
• Complete a clinical rotation in psychiatry to gain first-hand experience. 
• Speak with current trainees and consultants to learn more about the specialty. 
• Support options are available to help trainees on the pathway to Fellowship.

Lifestyle considerations

⏰ Hours: In many settings (outpatient, private clinic) psychiatrists generally work regular business hours; hospital roles may include evening clinics and weekend work.

📍 Location flexibility: Significant workforce shortage enables strong career mobility with good opportunities in metro, regional and rural areas. Plus telehealth options.

💼 Private practice potential: Many psychiatrists work in private consulting rooms or mixed public/private arrangements. Strong earning potential with lower capital investment requirements compared to other specialties.

<sub>References:
1. Medical Board of Australia, Registration data, September 2025
2. Number of trainees, RANZCP Fellowship Training Program: https://www.ranzcp.org/training-exams-and-assessments/fellowship-program/program-overview
3. Salary data based on Medical Practitioners Award MA000031 (effective November 2025) and state health department enterprise agreements. These figures represent base salary and do not include overtime, penalties or allowances which can significantly increase total remuneration. Figures include superannuation (11% in Australia as of 2025).</sub>

Being finalised with the college.

Being finalised with the college.