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Training
Medical degrees
Competition is extremely strong for the limited medical student places available in Victorian universities. Medical education is going through a period of change so it is best to check the options offered by each university’s medical school.
General Practitioners are the community's "front line" in medical care. They are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, prescribe medication, refer patients for tests to support diagnosis and treatment plans. A General Practitioner's focus today is also on the maintenance of good health through appropriate screening tests and establishment of health management plans with patients.
Courses are offered by The University of Melbourne, Monash University and Deakin University.
After graduating, you need to complete a year of supervised hospital experience (the Intern year) before becoming fully registered.
Doctors may then choose to specialise in general practice or another speciality.
Specialist training
General Practice
A GPs assessment and treatment is based on soundly researched medical practices and standards set down by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
To become a GP, doctors must work and train for one year in a hospital. After hospital training is complete, GPs begin a three-year training course run by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for ‘vocational registration’ as Fellows of the College (FRACGP).
Other specialist training
Specialist medical colleges develop training programs and set the required standards for specialists. The length of specialist training varies, depending on the specialty. Most courses take at least four years, but many run longer. Trainee specialists are often called ‘residents’ or ‘registrars’ and work in the hospital or general practice while they learn.
Ongoing training
All doctors are expected to keep studying and learning throughout their careers. Specialist colleges such as the RACGP accredit particular activities as continuing medical education. Doctors earn points through those activities to keep their membership of some colleges active or to retain their vocational registration.
The following is a list of some specialties and the areas they cover.
Dermatologist - Treats most conditions of the skin, this includes skin cancers, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, etc.
Endocrinologist - Treats diseases of the endocrine glands such as the thyroid, pancreas (diabetes) and adrenal glands.
Gynaecologist - Treats diseases and problems associated with women's reproductive systems, including the cervix, uterus and ovaries.
Haematologist - All diseases of the blood.
Obstetrician - Experts in pregnancy, delivery and sometimes the care of newborn babies.
Oncologist - Specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Ophthalmologist - Diseases or problems with the eye are handled by ophthalmologists.
Paediatrician - Treats children for a wide variety of diseases. Paediatricians also specialise in particular areas such as surgery, neurology and renal care.
Pathologist - Examines blood, body fluids and tissue to determine what is causing the patient's illness or condition.
Physician - Treats a wide variety of conditions and can practice as general physicians or in a sub-specialty such as paediatrics, rehabilitation medicine or occupational medicine.
Radiologist - Uses diagnostic radiology and medical imaging to help diagnose and treat a wide range of areas.
Surgeon – Treats disease and injury through operations. There are general surgeons and also surgeons who specialise in specific areas such as cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, paediatric, vascular, urology.
Urologist - Specialises in men's reproductive and urinary systems. Patients with diseases of the urinary tract, kidney stones, impotence, and so on, are treated by urologists.
