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15 Dec 2023
Changes to intern training will start in 2024 with the introduction of a new registration standard Granting general registration as a medical practitioner to Australian and New Zealand medical graduates on completion of postgraduate year one training.
The changes will provide more flexibility in the nature and setting of clinical experience for postgraduate year one (PGY1) doctors.
Under the changes, interns (PGY1s) will no longer have to complete mandatory terms in medicine, surgery and emergency medical care. Instead, they will need to complete 47 weeks training that includes a minimum of four terms (of at least 10 weeks each term) in different specialties with direct clinical care in the following types of patient care:
The terms will be pre-accredited for up to two of the types of patient care.
Assessment of each intern will also be more structured.
The changes to PGY1 training have been approved by Health Ministers and reflect new requirements set out in the Australian Medical Council’s (AMC), National Framework for Prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) Medical Training (the AMC Framework).
Under the changes, PGY1 training can occur in accredited hospital, general practice or community-based health services and will be able to evolve and change to better reflect community needs and changing models of care.
The updated registration standard requires PGY1 doctors to have a breadth of clinical exposure ensuring new doctors have the knowledge and skills they need to practise safely as entry-level practitioners.
The AMC has been working with Australia’s postgraduate medical councils on the changes to PGY1.
PGY2 training is not affected by the revised registration standard.
For more information about changes to PGY1 training read: