Introduction

The following is an excerpt from the College's Training handbook.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) is a fellowship of dermatologists trained to the highest professional standards whose objective is to serve the community by providing high quality dermatological care.

The College is committed to the following strategic objectives:

• To provide and maintain dermatological education at all levels.
• To define and maintain the highest standards of ethical practice.
• To promote better public awareness about the skin and its care and the prevention of skin disease.
• To provide the best standards of professional service to all members of the community.
• To support and promote dermatological research.
• To undertake its objectives competently, efficiently and responsively.

Approximately 300 Fellows of the College work in private practice throughout Australia with a considerable number also attending clinics at the major teaching hospitals in the capital cities, where the bulk of dermatology training is carried out. A small number of Fellows have full time appointments in major hospitals and institutions. Within the College there are a number of specialised groups whose members have received extra training in their particular sub-specialty. Fellows of the College practice in all states and territories of Australia and Regional Faculties are established in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Each State elects representatives to the College Council that meets three times a year. Council consists of State Councillors and the Executive.

The overall objective of the training program of the Australasian College of Dermatologists is:

To produce dermatologists who are safe, skilled and competent in the diagnosis and management of all aspects of diseases of the skin and its appendages, and able to respond to the changing health needs of the Australian community.
The College is the only organisation accredited to train and assess dermatologists in Australia. Entry to the ACD training program is only open to registered medical practitioners who have resident status in Australia. Qualified medical practitioners who have undertaken specialist dermatology training in other countries and who wish to become recognised dermatologists in Australia should contact the Australian Medical Council.

Governance Structure of the College and Trainee Representation

The college is governed by a Board of nine members elected according to a constitution. A trainee representative is invited to attend Board meetings. Trainees are represented on the Board of Censors. There is also a Trainee Representative Committee.

Training

To achieve the Fellowship of the College, a trainee must successfully complete the College training program. The length of full time training is four years. This consists of:
• two years of basic training
• two years of advanced training.

Rotations

The College requires trainees to undertake different rotations as part of the training program. The State Faculties of the College are responsible for the rotation system and there are national guidelines in place governing this system.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The college does not recognise any prior learning.

Flexibility in Training

Part time training is available at a minimum commitment of 50%. It is not available in the first year of training and is only available for a maximum of two years. The college permits interrupted training - considered on a case-by-case basis. Shared training is permitted.

Assessment

• Part one: clinical science and clinical pharmacology exams must be passed before entering into advanced training
• Final fellowship exam.

Costs

Application Fee for each State (This fee is non-refundable) $ 289.00 (inc GST)
Annual Trainee Levy $ 1270.50 (inc GST)
Clinical Sciences Examination and Clinical Pharmacology Examination $ 1785.00 (GST free)
Clinical Pharmacology Examination $ 1470.00 (GST free)
Fellowship Examination - Written and clinical $ 2625.00 (GST free)
Fellowship Examination - Clinical only $ 2625.00 (GST free)

Contact Details

The College is based in Sydney.
Address:
PO Box 2065
Boronia Park NSW 2111
Phone: (02) 8765 0242
Fax: (02) 9736 2194
Email: admin@dermcoll.asn.au
Website: www.dermcoll.asn.au