Introduction

The following is an excerpt from the college website.

The Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators was founded with the aim of promoting and advancing the study of health services management by medical practitioners.

The Articles of Association were adopted on 21 March 1967. The Founding Convocation and inauguration of the (then) Australian College of Medical Administrators was held at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne on 29 and 30 May 1968. There were 279 founding Fellows. The College was recognised by the National Specialist Qualification Advisory Committee in 1980 as the appropriate examining body for the new specialty of medical administration. Hence, the Fellowship is a nationally recognised specialist qualification.

Profound changes in health services management have occurred since that time, but the need for competent, well-trained health sector managers has not diminished. The increasing complexity of health systems and institutions necessitates specialised management for the co-ordination of the services of highly trained personnel. In addition, costly technology must be used in the most effective and efficient way and the quality of health services must be continually improved.

By combining the training skills derived from the discipline of medicine with the knowledge and techniques of management, medical practitioners are uniquely qualified to ensure that the highest standards of medical care are maintained. Therefore, an education programme has been developed to enable candidates to become effective members of the health care team with an insight into the needs and aspirations of both the consumers of medical care and its providers.

Governance Structure of the College & Trainee Representation

The College is governed by a Council, which meets at least seven times a year. There is now trainee representation on the Council and on state/territory and New Zealand Branch Committees.

Training

The College Fellowship training program is an advanced training program completed in a minimum standard period of three years full-time. It is possible to undertake the training program in six years part-time. Extensions of time must be approved by Council on recommendation of the Censor-in-Chief.

Training can be undertaken at a single health service (as many trainees occupy substantive positions), although Candidates are strongly advised to diversify their training. Candidates have an on-site Supervisor and a College Preceptor for the duration of their training.

The prerequisite for entry into the RACMA Fellowship training program is the completion of at least three full-time equivalent years clinical work following medical graduation. This clinical work can be in any area of medicine as long as it involves direct patient care, working with a diversity of health care professionals and gaining an understanding of what it is to be a doctor working in the health care system.

The Fellowship training program has three main components:

Minimum of three years full-time or equivalent, supervised medical management experience in a recognised workplace.
Formal academic studies at in an Australian or New Zealand university in a Masters degree (or equivalent), which contains the core subject matter required by RACMA.
Satisfactory completion of the RACMA training program which includes:

i. Participation in two College workshops in years 1 and 3, or the Candidate's final year. These are:

o A two-day Induction Workshop in year 1 which introduces Candidates to the College program at the beginning of the Candidacy and management training period. The Workshop is held in February each year.
o A four-day Pre-Fellowship Workshop in the final year to prepare for the oral examination. This workshop is normally held in March each year and includes presentation of the Candidate's Case Study.
o Participation in the College Preceptorship program

ii. Submission of a Case Study. This will transition to a Management Practice Folio in 2008.

iii. Oral presentation and assessment of a case during the four-day workshop.

iv. Submission of three consecutive annual Preceptor Reports during the training period.

v. Successful completion of the annual oral examination involving at least four viva voce examinations to establish the Candidate's knowledge and expertise in the area of health services management.

Rotations

Rotations are encouraged for trainees on the government funded training pathway.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The College has an RPL policy and may recognise some prior learning (e.g. Masters, a component of medical management experience). An application process applies.

Flexibility in Training

Trainees have to complete their training within six years. The Management Practice Folio should be completed prior to sitting the oral exam. The experience may be gained on a part time basis, resulting in a full time equivalent period of experience. Interrupted training is allowed.

Assessment

Prior to sitting the Fellowship examination candidates are required to attend a four-day pre-examination workshop. Candidates are required to cover their own costs for accommodation and travel.

Candidates are required to complete a case study/presentation and an oral examination.

New Candidates are required to attend a two-day induction workshop.

The fees below do not include the cost of the Masters degree which will depend on the degree chosen. Information about Masters degrees is available on the College web site.

Costs

Contact details

The College is based in Melbourne.

Address:
10/1 Milton Parade,
Malvern, VICTORIA 3144
Phone: 03 9824 4699
Fax: 03 9824 6806
Email: info@racma.edu.au
Website: www.racma.edu.au