Accredited Training Networks Project

By participating in an ATN, trainees receive tailored, flexible, and high-quality training across a variety of settings, equipping them for a diverse range of EM careers and ensuring they are prepared for independent practice.

High-quality training across multiple sites: ATNs offer trainees access to diverse, high-quality training across urban, regional, and rural settings. This provides exposure to a wide variety of clinical environments and patient cases, ensuring comprehensive education. In some cases, this will be multi-jurisdictional, which will give trainees the opportunity to experience training across interlinked government, industry, and individual sectors.

Consistency and equity in training standards: ATNs will have an ATN DEMT (or co-DEMTs) who works with Site DEMTs to ensure all trainees receive uniform and quality education no matter where they are placed. All sites will work together to maintain consistent training quality across the ATN.

Hybrid and flexible learning models: ATNs integrate virtual masterclasses and tutorials with local face-to-face sessions, ensuring trainees can access expert content while maintaining locally relevant training. The hybrid model allows flexibility in learning, catering to different schedules and formats.

Tailored career support, flexible career pathways and mentorship: Trainees benefit from both structured pathways and the flexibility to tailor their career trajectory. ATNs provide bespoke support that aligns with individual trainee needs, facilitating career progression and enhancing readiness for independent practice. Personalised career planning and mentorship through programs, like ACEM’s Mentor Connect, provide guidance on career development and maximise opportunities for professional growth across all ATN sites. The ATN DEMT (or co-DEMTs) and Site DEMTs work together to ensure all trainee needs are considered. For trainees, this can mean reduced need for relocation, and a clear and accessible pathway to Fellowship.

Equitable resource allocation: Teaching resources, supervisors, and learning opportunities are distributed fairly across all ATN sites. This ensures trainees at all sites receive the same level of support and opportunity.

Opportunities for professional development, training and growth: Protected teaching time is an ATN-level agreed priority, and an accreditation requirement, with additional supports at ATN-level for ongoing mentoring, peer supports and professional mentors. Trainees are supported to lead, teach, and contribute in a way that both meets curriculum outcomes and personal and professional development.

Valued regional, rural and remote placements: Regional, rural and remote (RRR) placements are promoted as integral parts of the training journey. Rotations across RRR locations offer unique opportunities for trainees to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of emergency care, manage continuity of care and broaden their exposure to conditions which may not be seen in metropolitan hospitals. Critical care and specialised terms in rural posts can also provide early access to anaesthetics training that is particularly suited to EM trainees, without competition from other training pathways.

Workforce and placement support: Clinical placements are considered wholistically throughout the ATN to align with training needs. Rural placements are actively supported, ensuring trainees have access to specialised rotations and necessary workforce resources which are vital for sustainable training environments in regional areas. This creates professional agility, improving career pathways and opportunities for trainees.

As with all ACEM Trainees, ATN trainees are required to comply with the FACEM Training Program – Trainee Agreement and Regulation G FACEM Training Program Regulations for FACEM Trainees Enrolled from 2022 or Regulation B FACEM Training Program Regulations for FACEM Trainees Enrolled prior to 2022. In addition to these requirements, ATN Pilot Trainees have the obligation to:

• Actively participate in the ATN pilot project, demonstrating a commitment to the principles and ethos of the pilot program.
• Engage in regular check-ins with the ATN pilot project ATN DEMT (or co-DEMTs) to ensure alignment with training progress, program requirements and ATN pilot project objectives.
• Attend scheduled ATN orientations to gain insight into ATN-specific expectations and protocols.
• Participate fully in ATN network-led education sessions, ensuring consistent attendance to support the collective learning ethos of the ATN Pilot Program and maximise the value of group-based training initiatives.
• Participate fully in the ATN pilot project evaluation process, comprising commencement, mid and end assessments.
• Actively be engaged during virtual ATN sessions by keeping cameras on and being attentive to the session speaker or task.

Please note, that although the ATN promotes and encourages rotations between sites, trainees who sign up to the ATN are not obligated to rotate to any of the ATN sites. See the eligibility criteria below.

The pilot invites any ACEM trainees who are interested in or have an intention to undertake a training rotation to any ATN sites over the next 24 months to join the ATN. The pilot also invites trainees currently training at any ATN site who are interested in accessing peer study groups and shared education training opportunities focussed on Exam preparation. All trainees must be currently undertaking ACEM training or applying to join.

Selection into fellowship training: Individuals currently in the process of applying or have recently applied for ACEM training can be considered for the ATN Pilot. To commence on rotation in the ATN Pilot they must have accepted their offer of training and submitted their application to enrol.

Incoming TS1 Trainees: Site representatives at Network sites are encouraged to invite incoming TS1 trainees to join the ATN Pilot.

Existing TS1-TS4 Trainees: Trainees currently undertaking ACEM training between TS1-TS4 are welcome to join the ATN Pilot, given remaining training requirements match the available rotations at Network Sites.

Trainees outside of Pilot Sites: The ATN Pilot welcomes trainees planning on moving to, returning to, or undertaking a rotation to the ATN sites in both NSW and VIC. Trainees rotating from metropolitan or urban settings to an ATN site in NSW or VIC can be considered for a pilot rotation.

Trainees working below 1 FTE: The ATN Pilot welcomes trainees working both part time and full time at the Pilot sites. This means trainees are not required to be 1.0 FTE to join the ATN Pilot.

Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMG): The ATN Pilot welcomes SIMG trainees currently under supervision at any ATN site, focussed on Exam preparation, and intending to continue working at an ATN site on completion of their training to join the ATN.

Accredited Training Networks (ATN) have been created to increase collaboration and coordination between ACEM accredited training sites within their relevant geographic locations. This allows for workforce planning and information gathering about what is available at each site, what placements are on offer, and the benefits and needs of each site. With this collaboration, ACEM is better able to provide trainees with a list of opportunities at these sites to assist trainees in navigating their ‘choose your own adventure’ EM training pathway easier. 
Additionally, the ATN has integrated ACEM accredited training sites where trainees will be collectively supported across each site by both on-site DEMTs and ATN DEMTs. ATNs will emphasise collaborative education and teaching, as well as rotation planning and training opportunities to ensure each trainees’ training pathway is considered no matter which site they are at within the ATN.

The goal is that these integrated ATNs will provide a comprehensive training program experience that delivers safe, high-quality training and ultimately contributes to the development of a sustainable regional, rural and remote (RRR) EM workforce. 

ATNs promote collaboration between sites through facilitation of an ACEM-appointed ATN DEMT and ACEM-based support team. As a result, ATN trainees receive shared education and training opportunities, as well as career planning and support to rotate between sites within the ATN. In addition, opportunities for shared exam preparation will be available within the ATN, supporting all stages of training. 
 
By participating in this pilot, FACEM trainees receive tailored, flexible and high-quality education and training across a variety of settings, equipping them for a diverse range of EM careers and ensuring they are prepared for independent practice. More specifically, the ATN aims to provide the following: 

• High-quality training across multiple sites 
• Consistency and equity in training standards 
• Hybrid and flexible learning models 
• Bespoke support in structured and flexible career pathways 
• Equitable resource allocation 
• Tailored career support and mentorship 
• Opportunities for professional development, training and growth 
• Valued regional, rural and remote placements 
• Workforce and placement support 

We invite any trainees who are interested or have an intention to undertake a training rotation to any of the pilot sites over the next 24 months to join the ATN. All applicants must currently be undertaking ACEM training or applying to join the training program. This can include those undertaking their Selection into FACEM Training (SIFT), incoming Training Stage 1 trainees, and existing Training Stage 1 to Training Stage 4 trainees. We also invite those working at or below 1FTE and trainees working outside of the ATN sites. 

The ATN is currently being piloted in both Victoria and New South Wales. Victorian sites include University Hospital Geelong, Ballarat Hospital and Warrnambool Base Hospital. In NSW, John Hunter, Maitland, Calvary Mater, Tamworth, Port Macquarie and Kempsey Hospitals make up the pilot sites. As the project continues, there will be opportunities for new sites to join the ATN. This includes unaccredited sites which will be able to access the ATN as a means of gap analysis and support towards ACEM accreditation. 
 
If the pilot is successful in its evaluation, there will also be consideration for ATNs to be implemented more broadly across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The ATN project is not funded by ACEM or by membership fees. The ATN project is fully funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care through the Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings (FATES) funding stream. Funding for the project began in March 2024 and will continue until August 2026. 
 
The objective of FATES funding includes the following: 

• Improve and promote a positive rural and remote medical education culture 
• Support quality specialist medical training in rural and remote Australia 
• Reduce barriers and improve incentives for entering rural and remote medical practice 
• Improve the distribution of non-GP specialist medical training arrangements and workforce, focussing in areas of need 
• Attract and support First Nations trainees to grow the First Nations workforce towards population parity. 

In addition to complying with ACEM’s regular trainee agreement and training program regulations, ATN trainees will be required to adhere to the following: 

• Engage in regular check-ins with the pilot project ATN DEMT to ensure alignment with training progress, program requirements and ATN pilot project objectives. 
• Attend scheduled ATN orientations to gain insight into ATN-specific expectations and protocols. 
• Participate fully in ATN network-led education sessions, ensuring consistent attendance to support the collective learning ethos of the ATN project and maximise the value of group-based training initiatives. 
• Participate fully in the ATN pilot project evaluation process, comprising commencement, mid and end assessments. 
• Actively be engaged during any virtual ATN sessions by keeping cameras on and being attentive to the session speaker or task.

No, rotations in ATNs are not mandatory or forced. The ATN provides trainees with many opportunities to rotate to other ATN sites but does not require trainees to move.

Yes, being an ATN trainee and choosing to rotate does not mean you will be randomly rotated to a hospital within the network. The ATN DEMT will work with you to understand what best fits your training requirements, your chosen career pathway and personal situation, to carefully plan your rotations.

No, you will be contracted to work at the hospital you are employed with for the specified duration. For example, you may be rotating from Geelong to Warrnambool for six months core ED time. During this time, you will only work at Warrnambool and no other sites. However, if you do wish to spend your time over multiple hospitals, we may be able to arrange for that – but it is not a requirement. 

Yes, those who are currently working within any of the ATN sites will be able to benefit from the ATN. This is because our pilot sites have agreed to do monthly, network-wide education sessions on training days which will be accessible to all trainees. However, career planning, rotation opportunities and some additional training sessions will be limited to ATN trainees. 
 
Similarly, we welcome trainees who wish to provide us feedback about our project or to share their experiences rotating between sites to have a focus call with us. This will help inform the project and our future considerations for the ATN. Please feel free to contact us using the email addresses at the bottom of the page. 

There are many myths that exist around training in RRR areas compared to more urban locations. This includes seeing fewer patients and complex cases, along with reduced access to education and training resources. However, this is untrue. Training in RRR areas offers a wide patient case mix, including a high number of unique, complex and acute presentations due to the type of work and leisure activities within these areas. Additionally, trainees can expect themselves to become exceptional EM generalists, developing a wide range of procedural and technical skills in emergency medicine to cater to the diversity of clinical presentations in RRR areas. 
 
The lower number of trainees in these areas along with individual patient loads are often similar if not greater than metropolitan areas, resulting in larger amounts of supervised time available. Additionally, with numbers of trainees and FACEMs usually lower in RRR areas, working in these locations allows trainees to receive greater responsibilities earlier in a supported environment – helping them develop leadership and the ability to practice independently. 
Overall, training in RRR areas – as is time in metropolitan sites – is important to shape trainees into well-rounded emergency medicine clinicians capable of dealing with the full spectrum of emergency presentations. 

ATNs are a key initiative supporting ACEM’s strategic priorities around rural health equity and workforce development, as outlined in ACEM’s Strategy 2025-2030 and ACEM’s Rural Health Action Plan (RuHAP) 2025-2027.
 
Designed to expand high-quality training access in RRR areas, ATNs provide trainees with flexible cross-site education and training pathways that reduce the need for relocation while offering a wealth of clinical experiences across diverse settings. With a mix of local supervision, virtual masterclasses, consistent mentorship and ATN DEMT support, trainees benefit from a well-supported and integrated training environment tailored to individual career goals. 
 
This networked approach directly supports ACEM’s focus on building a sustainable and skilled EM workforce by attracting and retaining trainees in RRR areas. Trainees gain early exposure to critical care, continuity of care and a wide range of presentations not typically seen in metropolitan hospitals – enhancing both their clinical capability and adaptability in practice. ATNs also provides equitable access to teaching, resources and peer support across all sites, contributing to a consistent and high-quality learning experience. This approach helps ensure all trainees, regardless of location, are well-prepared for independent practice and fulfilling careers in EM. 

A site DEMT is responsible for overseeing the progress and wellbeing of trainees undertaking the FACEM Training Program at their individual site. This includes being the first point of contact for FACEM trainees and providing regular feedback on their progress through the program. Similarly, they are expected to provide information and be actively involved in educational supervision and coordinating internal rotations. Appointment to this role is often done at the site level with little input from ACEM. 
 
A network DEMT (within an Emergency Medicine Training Network) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the FACEM Training Program throughout the networked sites. They have the same responsibilities as the site DEMT role, but these responsibilities are extended to all trainees within their education network. Similarly, they play an advocacy role for trainees within the education network. Unlike site DEMTs, network DEMTs may not be the first point of contact but work closely with site DEMTs to ensure trainees are tracking well in meeting their training requirements. 
 
The ATN DEMT is an ACEM-appointed role responsible for overseeing all matters relating to the ATN. This includes working with site and network DEMTs to coordinate ATN-wide education and training opportunities, as well as rotation and trainee progression planning across the ATN. The ATN DEMT can be a shared role among one or two FACEMs working within at least one of the sites in the ATN. Both NSW and Victoria will have separate ATN DEMT arrangements due to the vast differences in geography. In addition to the responsibilities of a site and network DEMT, the ATN DEMT is responsible for the following: 

• Ensuring training and education standards are maintained consistently and equitably across the ATN.
• Supporting and coordinating local facilitation and supervision at sites in a manner that aligns with agreed ATN principles. 
• Facilitating and overseeing tailored career planning and support for ATN trainees. 
• Advocating for and coordinating progression through rotations for ATN trainees. 
• This includes investigating what rotations are available, at what time, and what would suit each trainee. 
• Ensuring equitable resource distribution across the ATN. 
• Coordinating collaboration between sites for centralised recruitment, allocation, onboarding and orientation processes for trainees. 
• Spending equitable time focusing on each site within the ATN. 
• Reviewing ATN trainee progress every three months, coinciding with the in-training assessment review periods and in collaboration with site DEMTs. 

ACEM Emergency Medicine Training Networks (EMTNs) are a group of geographically co-located hospitals that have formally agreed to coordinate education and training for trainees. As a result, these training networks are ACEM accredited for training as a group or network of hospitals. 
 
Led by Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), EM Networks are a NSW Health specific networked approach to the delivery of emergency medicine education and training across 40 ACEM accredited hospitals in NSW. EM Networks have a strong focus on providing trainees with resources and opportunities related to the FACEM Training Program. 
 
In both EMTNs and NSW’s EM Networks, there is less support and emphasis on career planning, trainee rotations, building capacity and workforce distribution. 
 
ATNs differ from NSW’s EM Network and accredited EMTNs in that, on top of coordinated education and training, ATNs also support the rotation of EM trainees through ATN sites and work with unaccredited sites to prepare for and work towards accreditation. As ATN pilots are ACEM led, there is also a higher level of College support and oversight for ATN trainees.