Tasmanian Anaesthetic Training Program (TATP)

TATP Overview

The TATP provides anaesthesia training at all 3 Tasmanian Health Service (THS) hospitals.  It has between 30-35 positions each year including up to 7 provisional fellowship positions, with a variable number of vacancies. All trainees in Tasmania are included in the TATP.

Training positions within the TATP may be either rotational positions or hospital-based positions with opportunities for extended contracts.  Provisional fellowship positions are available in Hobart and Launceston, with an application in progress to develop a dedicated rural provisional fellowship at NWRH.

The Tasmanian Anaesthetic Training Program Committee (TATPC) is a sub-committee representing the 3 participating hospitals in the Tasmanian Anaesthetic Training Program and under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, Tasmania and the ANZCA Tasmanian Regional Committee.

Registrar positions

Training Pathway (previously rotational) positions

There are up to 20 TATP training pathway positions throughout Tasmania, with a maximum of 5 in each training year.  Trainees appointed to these positions will be offered a structured training commitment to complete 4 years of ANZCA anaesthetic training in Tasmania (BTY1-ATY2) over a period of up to 5 years if required. The additional year allows up to 1 year of extended training or interrupted training or part-time training (minimum 0.5 FTE as per ANZCA training requirements), excluding the provisional fellowship year. This allows the TATP to support trainees who require flexible training for personal or professional reasons, including examination progression, family matters, health concerns or life choices.

After 5 years as a training pathway trainee, the trainee will need to re-apply to complete any outstanding training requirements. After more than 1 FTE year of interrupted, extended training or part-time training, the trainee will need to re-apply for an ongoing training position. Exceptional circumstances and further consideration of additional flexible training options will be considered on an individual basis. Due to the needs of the overall training program the TATP welcomes advance notice, where possible, of flexible training needs. Please discuss with the Supervisor of Training and the Rotational Supervisor.

Trainees who complete their training within 4 years will be provided with appropriate clinical opportunities to complete their training requirements during this period. Training pathway trainees are prioritized for access to the necessary volume of practice, clinical experience, and specialized study units. Whilst every effort will be made to ensure all trainees have access to appropriate clinical opportunities, trainees who undertake interrupted or extended training may need additional time to complete their training requirements.

In return for this ongoing training commitment, training pathway trainees will be expected to rotate between the 3 ANZCA accredited anaesthesia training sites in Tasmania, including the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), and the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH).  Training pathway trainees spend 50% or more of the 4 years of training time at the RHH to complete advanced training requirements including specialized study units.

Criteria to remain in a training pathway position:

• Trainees must continue to achieve satisfactory clinical performance as assessed in accordance with the ANZCA training program
• Basic Trainees (BT) are expected to pass the Primary examination during the basic training period 
• Advanced Trainees (AT) are expected the pass the Final examination during the advanced training period
• Trainees are permitted a maximum of 1 FTE year of extended, interrupted or part-time training to complete their training requirements including examinations

If these criteria are met registrar contracts of employment are offered annually without the need to re-apply through the selection process.

Rotational positions

There are 20 rotational positions state-wide. Trainees appointed to these positions will be offered a commitment of structured training within Tasmania over four years. They will be provided with the appropriate clinical opportunities required to complete all their training during this time.

In return for this commitment, trainees will be expected to rotate between the three participating hospitals, including the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), and the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH). Rotational trainees spend at least two of four years of training at the RHH. Satisfactory performance and progression through training are required to maintain the rotational position.

Criteria to remain in a rotational position

1. Trainees must continue to achieve satisfactory clinical performance as assessed in accordance with the Australian New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) training program.
2. Introductory Trainees (IT) must be deemed satisfactory in their three, and six-month assessments with the supervisor of training. Unsatisfactory progress or training concerns will result in the trainee having to re-apply for a job position for the following year, in competition with other applicants.
3. Basic Trainees (BT) are expected to pass the ANZCA primary examination during the basic training period
4. Advanced Trainees (AT) are expected the pass the ANZCA final examination during the advanced training period

If these criteria are met, registrar contracts of employment are offered annually without the need to re-apply through the selection process. Inadequate progress or training concerns will result in the trainee having to re-apply for a registrar position for the following year in competition with other applicants.

Fixed term (previously hospital or non-rotational) positions

Non-Rotational positions on the TATP are previously known as Hospital-based positions. These positions are like independent positions in other jurisdictions, but importantly they differ in that all hospital training positions in Tasmania are included, supported, and coordinated by the TATP. It must be emphasised that fixed-term positions are accredited by ANZCA for Anaesthesia training.  During their appointment fixed-term trainees accumulate VOP, clinical experience and have access to teaching, examination opportunities and scholar role activities.

Fixed-term positions are usually for 12 months.  The TATP does not offer 4 years of structured training and will not require this trainee to rotate to the various hospitals in the state unless re-appointed in a subsequent selection process or they receive an extended contract (see below).   Fixed term trainees who have not been offered an extended contract (see below) will need to re-apply for ongoing training positions.

Fixed term positions may be occupied by Provisional Fellows, non-rotational trainees, non-Anaesthesia Specialty Trainees (i.e., DEM/ICU Registrars on rotation), International Medical Graduate Specialists and GP Anaesthetic trainees through JCCA or DRGA.  Rotational trainees who have exceeded their rotational training commitment may apply for Hospital positions. Their applications will be in assessed with other eligible applicants.

Extended contract opportunities

For trainees on fixed term contracts, contract extension for up to 2 years continuous employment (1 year of fixed term employment + 1 year of extension) can be offered for satisfactory performance.  This is available for BTY1 and ATY1 Hospital-based trainees and would allow the successful trainee to complete their basic or advanced training without needing to re-apply to the TATP.  Trainees in extended contract positions need to re-apply after 2 years of employment. The conditions to be eligible for contract extension include satisfactory performance and progression as assessed by Supervisors of Training and Directors of Anaesthesia and meeting all training requirements as per ANZCA. Extended contracts are preferred by the TATP but can only be considered when there are positions available.

Flexible training options

The TATP fully supports parental leave, extended training (4 years in 5 years) and part-time training options. Trainees considering LWOP, interrupted training or leave > 12 months are encouraged to discuss their situations with their Supervisor of Training and the Rotational Supervisor for consideration of their options.

Diploma of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (DRGA) trainees

DRGA trainees are welcomed in the TATP. These positions are included, supported, and coordinated by the TATP.

There are DRGA training opportunities in all 3 Tasmanian anaesthetic training sites, that are fully supported with experienced supervisors, relevant clinical experience, and access to excellent teaching.  There are 1-3 DRGA trainees within the TATP in any given year. The number of DRGA trainees depends on the numbers and suitability of DRGA applicants, but also on the balance of anaesthetic trainees throughout the state to ensure best use of available training opportunities for all.

DRGA trainees are fixed-term positions, usually for 12 months.

DRGA candidates apply through the main TATP selection process in June-August of each year.

Successful DRGA candidates are encouraged to demonstrate a strong relevant career path including regional, rural, and remote settings.

Applicants must be registered as a trainee with RACGP or ACRRM or have completed their RACGP or ACRRM fellowship. Applicants who are still training for their primary fellowship must have successfully completed at least 2 years of that training program. Applicants must have completed an accredited ALS 2 course within 52 calendar weeks prior to commencing RGA training.

Provisional Fellowship positions

If you are applying for provisional fellowship positions, please refer to the specific information provided.  To be eligible for any areas of specific interest, the applicant must refer to it within their application.  

The TATP offers excellent provisional fellowship positions in all 3 centers (Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and Northwest Regional Hospital), with up to 5 positions available at RHH and 2 at LGH.  These positions are approved by ANZCA for provisional fellowship training and can consider 6-month, 12-month, or longer appointments.  The TATP also considers fractional appointments for provisional fellowship candidates.

Provisional Fellowship positions in Tasmania provide the successful applicant with the opportunity to develop broad skills and be ready for successful independent specialist practice on completion of their FANZCA. They support the fellow to develop the necessary management and communication skills to compliment clinical competence.  These appointments are highly rewarding positions in a friendly supportive department that promotes excellence in practice, collaboration, education, and research.

General Fellowships

Tasmania offers excellent general provisional fellowships with a range and diversity of ongoing clinical experience not matched by many interstate centres. Tasmanian hospitals offer a comprehensive and ongoing exposure to trauma, obstetrics, paediatics and tertiary level services including neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery.  The range of exposure, opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaboration and mentorship from collegial departments and strong teaching leads to highly competent and confident anaesthetists who are work ready for specialist practice on completion of their FANZCA.

Provisional Fellowships at Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH)

The Royal Hobart Hospital is proud to offer a specific Global outreach fellowship which includes involvement in our Global Outreach Program.  Opportunities include the Real World Anaesthesia Course, participation in real global outreach programs and excellent mentorship from leaders in the field

In addition, Tasmania provides a responsive and individualised approach to provisional fellowship and can support interests in many fields of clinical and professional practice including subspecialty interests, regional anaesthesia, perioperative medicine; learning, teaching, and simulation; wellbeing; and environment and sustainability.  Candidates can discuss their specific needs and interests with the TATP for consideration.

Provisional Fellowship at Launceston General Hospital (LGH)

LGH offers up to 2 provisional fellowship positions that allow the successful applicant to pursue interests in rural anaesthesia, major adult anaesthesia, or upper GI anaesthesia.  It is great opportunity for senior trainees to develop skills and professional relationships in a large regional centre.

Rural Provisional Fellowship at Northwest Regional Hospital (NWRH)

Through its hospitals, demographics, and geography also Tasmania offers unique opportunities for rural medicine.  NWRH is a busy rural centre with a strong focus on rural practice needs and a supportive department. Throughout the training program, the TATP has a focus on rural anaesthesia and subject to local conditions there are potential opportunities to pursue a provisional fellowship focused on the skills and demands of specialist practice in a rural or regional setting. This position would allow candidates to focus on areas and skills specific to rural practice

Pain Fellowship

In addition, provisional fellowship in pain medicine and post-fellowship positions in pain medicine are available.  These positions provide a great opportunity to develop relevant skills in dedicated specialty units and opportunities to attain further qualifications.

Provisional Fellow/Registrar in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine

In 2020, Royal Hobart Hospital commissioned its brand new, state of the art Hyperbaric treatment facility which also has hypobaric/altitude capability. This unique facility is the only one in the Southern hemisphere and provides valuable clinical, research and training opportunities. The Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine is fully accredited for the ANZCA Diploma of Advanced Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Special Skills training with ACEM, ACRRM and the SPUMS Dip DHM. Our facility is the State referral centre for diving emergencies, servicing very active occupational and recreational industries. Diving emergency patients can be received directly from the newly constructed RHH helipad.

Opportunities exist to combine a registrar position in anaesthesia with a 6-month term in diving and hyperbaric medicine. Note that a full fellowship year in diving and hyperbaric medicine at Royal Hobart Hospital is also available, which satisfies the time requirements for the ANZCA DipAdvDHM. To be eligible for this position, applications must apply to both Anaesthesia and Hyperbaric positions.

For enquiries regarding Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine training, please contact Associate Professor David Cooper - [email protected]

Trauma Registrar and Provisional Fellowship Positions

Anaesthesia provisional fellows may have the opportunity to work with the Trauma Service as a senior registrar / trauma fellow.

Royal Hobart Hospital is Tasmania’s major trauma centre and it is designated as a Level 6 facility in the Tasmanian Role Delineation Framework. This means that RHH is required to provide the full spectrum of care for injured patients, spanning multiple specialties across all phases of care, including pre-hospital, emergency, intensive care, surgery, medicine, and rehabilitation. RHH receives over 260 major trauma presentations each year.

The Trauma Service is the main inpatient unit responsible for admitting complex and major trauma patients presenting to RHH. The service mission is to champion a safe, effective, and efficient trauma system that provides person-centred care to injured Tasmanians from roadside to rehabilitation. Trauma Service comprises a medical team from diverse clinical backgrounds and a case management team lead by the trauma clinical nurse consultant, as well as a team of research and registry specialists.

The purpose of the trauma fellow position is to offer senior trainees the opportunity to broaden their exposure to trauma care, preparing them for future roles as a trauma consultant or as a trauma lead within their primary areas of practice. Trauma fellows will gain a broad range of experience in all areas of trauma care. Fellows will participate in daily consultant-led ward rounds and will work closely with the trauma case management team to ensure all patients receive timely, effective, holistic care. Fellows will also attend trauma calls and will become proficient in team based initial assessment and resuscitation of major trauma patients. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in the trauma outpatient clinic. A trauma rotation offers many opportunities for early career anaesthetists, especially those with interests in perioperative medicine, acute pain management, health system quality evaluation, and medical education and simulation.

Fellows will be key contributors to the Trauma Service teaching roster and each fellow will negotiate a research or quality improvement project to be undertaken during their rotation.

For further information about opportunities to work with the Trauma Service as an anaesthesia provisional fellow, please contact Adam Mahoney - [email protected]

TATP selection process

The TATP has 2 selection processes per year: one for provisional fellow and/or senior registrar positions and one for BT, AT and DRGA positions, with key dates below. Candidates from other specialties requiring experience as an anaesthetic registrar, including ICU, are invited to apply for anaesthetic positions through the BT/AT process.

The TATP values fair and wholistic selection processes that are applied to all applicants and allow candidates to perform well and to the best of their abilities. There are multiple sources of information for selection and scores are based on the following components:

• Curriculum Vitae (~30%) – score of your CV based on academic achievements (exams/courses/qualifications); interest in Tasmania/rural and regional medicine; and clinical experience (months or years worked in anaesthesia or related to critical care)
• Selection criteria (~30%) – score generated from the selection criteria responses (7 criteria). Each selection criteria is de-identified before it is scored
• Interview (~30%) – score generated from your interview
• General impression (~10%) – based on all components of the selection process and on your presentation and performance throughout the selection process
• References – not scored but used to provide further evidence about you to support the selection process. References are important so consider both the person (how long have they known you; what is their role?) and the information they will provide (honest, detailed, relevant)
• Self-reflection – candidates are asked to complete the referee template as a self-reflection tool. Like formal references, this is not scored, but provides valuable information to support a wholistic impression of the candidate

Shortlisting for interview is based on your written application and includes your curriculum vitae and selection criteria.

Please ensure you are thorough, honest, and relevant in all aspects of your application.

If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of selection, please contact the key people listed in the contacts below.