Pathways to Entry

There are two pathways to becoming a palliative medicine specialist.

Both training pathways currently consist of work-based learning and assessment. After 36 months of certified training time a trainee will have completed:

  • 24 months of core training, including
    • 6 months of inpatient unit/hospice
    • 6 months of community setting
    • 6 months of teaching hospital/consultation
    • 6 months of cancer care setting
  • 12 months of non-core training including
    • 6 months of palliative medicine variable or related speciality
    • 6 months of elective training
  • 1 x Advanced Training Research Project
  • 1 x Case Study
  • Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety online course (trainees who commenced in 2023 onwards)
  • Communication Skills Workshop (recommended)
  • RACP Online Learning: Pain Management modules

Visit the RACP website for more information here.

Most required training terms can be completed in collaborating RRIPM network sites. Together with your supervisor, a plan to ensure quality experience across the curriculum will be developed. At least one placement in a metropolitan centre is also encouraged.

Rural services are more flexible in their model of palliative care delivery and RRIPM is advocating for training that reflects that flexibility and diversity of experience. In the future, you may opt to gain some or all of your core experience training across a combination of inpatient, community and consultation activities concurrently.

If approved, this would be known as an integrated rural term, with placement extending over a 12-month period. The advantages are clear with less relocation required during training, greater continuity of care, and much deeper involvement in the leadership of your patient’s whole palliative care journey. Watch this space.

Term Availability Locations