Australian Clinical Observership Program

Payment & Booking

About the Program

The Australian Clinical Observership Program (ACOP) offers a week-long immersive experience for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in General Practice. This program is designed to provide IMGs with exposure to a variety of clinical cases, allowing them to gain practical insights and experience in a simulated General Practice setting. Throughout the program, IMGs will be guided by Vocationally Registered General Practitioners (VR GPs) who will provide mentorship and support as they engage in a series of tasks and case analysis. 

By participating in ACOP, IMGs can expect to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in a supportive and immersive learning environment. The program strives to equip IMGs with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in General Practice. 

Inclusions

The Australian Clinical Observership Program (ACOP) offers participants a comprehensive set of inclusions to enhance their learning experience. These inclusions consist of the following:

• Lecture Sessions: Participants will benefit from 5 engaging lectures delivered by experienced VR General Practitioners, covering a range of domains relevant to general practice, providing valuable insights and knowledge.

• Patient Case Exposure: Participants will have the unique opportunity to analyse and learn from 30 patient cases, with 6 cases being explored per day. This diverse selection of clinical scenarios offers a well-rounded experience and enhances participants' understanding of real-world practice. 

• Group Tutorials & Training Workshops: IMG Doctors will be provided with guided questions designed to lead unfacilitated tutorials. This encourages participants to independently explore and reflect on the observed cases. Additionally, IMG Doctors will collaborate in small groups, answering clinical questions in preparation for the subsequent facilitated training sessions.

• VR GP-Led Tutorials: Participants will engage in structured tutorial sessions facilitated by VR GPs. These sessions provide a platform for interactive discussions and in-depth analysis of the observed cases. Participants will receive constructive feedback from the VR GPs, along with expected answers from the unfacilitated sessions, further enhancing their learning and understanding.
• Reading Materials: IMG Doctors will receive access to a curated selection of reading materials and resources that align with the program's curriculum. These resources serve as supplementary references, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of general practice concepts and principles.

Delivery

The Australian Clinical Observership Program (ACOP) will be delivered through a full-day virtual workshop conducted via Zoom. The virtual delivery format allows for flexible and convenient participation from anywhere in the world to accommodate the diverse needs of IMG Doctors.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for participation in the Australian Clinical Observership Program, IMGs must meet the following criteria:

• Successful completion of a Medical Degree from a recognised institution
• Successful completion of a 12-month internship, or recognised equivalent
• Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in General Practice
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken, to ensure effective communication and participation in the program
• Be available to participate in the full duration of the ACOP program
• Posses the minimum technological requirements to participate in the program virtually

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the Australian Clinical Observership Program (ACOP) is designed to ensure a fair and beneficial experience for all participants. The following criteria guide the selection process:

• Meeting Minimum Requirements: All IMG Doctors who meet the minimum requirements, including holding a Medical Degree and completing at least 12 months of internship or equivalent clinical experience, are eligible to enrol in the program.

• Availability of Space: Acceptance into the program is subject to space availability for each week-long observership. To maintain an optimal learning environment, participant numbers are capped to ensure individual attention and maximise the benefits of the program.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: In cases where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spots, selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Early completion of purchase increases the chances of securing a place in the program.

Cost

The Australian Clinical Observership Program (ACOP) is priced at $1997 for the week-long program. This all-inclusive fee covers the comprehensive learning experience, including lectures, facilitated sessions, group-based activities, access to patient cases, and additional program resources.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

Cancellation

If a candidate wishes to withdraw from the process after having paid the full amount, a request must be received in writing as soon as possible.

If the candidate has reserved a position in the program and they wish to cancel with more than 4 weeks notice, $1,000 of the program fee will be refunded. If the request is received less than 4 weeks prior to the interview date, the candidate will forfeit the program fee. A full refund will only be given if IME is unable to facilitate the program.

Rescheduling

An administration fee of $500 will apply for any further administration efforts that extend the usual enrolment process. This may include a request to reschedule the date & time of the program. Candidates are advised that they may only reschedule their program once. IME makes no guarantee that requests for rescheduling will be honoured. After this time, the cancellation policy will apply.