Training
Historically there has been no specific, recognised training path or qualification for doctors working in PHRM.
In 2020, ACEM – in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, College of Intensive Care Medicine, and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine – will launch a diploma program intended to change that.
The diploma program will provide doctors with backgrounds in emergency, critical care and intensive care medicine the opportunity to obtain formally recognised qualifications in the practice of PHRM, including rural generalists who provide PHRM services in rural and regional parts of Australasia.
The six-month program will entail:
- Training at a site accredited for DipPHRM training.
- Satisfactory completion of formal assessments and examinations.
- Other requirements as prescribed by the Conjoint Committee of PHRM (CCPHRM).
CCPHRM is also working on the development of an Advanced Diploma program, which will build upon the skills and knowledge of the Diploma program and be suited to those seeking roles in clinical coordination. Details of the Advanced Diploma program will be released in 2020.
Frequently asked questions are below. If you have any additional questions about the program you can contact the PHRM Coordinator at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the programs launch? 
The Diploma will launch in 2020.
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Am I eligible?
A person is eligible to apply to undertake the DipPHRM training program if they:
- Hold current general medical registration with MBA or MCNZ.
- Have no outstanding fees payable to ACEM.
Note at August 2019: additional eligibility criteria is still being confirmed by the CCPHRM.
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How long does it take to complete?
DipPHRM is a six-month training program, which includes satisfactory completion of:
- Training at a site accredited for DipPHRM training.
- Formal structured assessments throughout the course of training.
- Examinations.
- Other requirements as prescribed by CCPHRM.
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Where can I complete the program?
Trainees must arrange placement at a PHRM site accredited by ACEM for PHRM Diploma training.
Note at August 2019: No sites have been accredited for training at this stage. We will make this information available as this process is complete.
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Can I complete the program part time?
Candidates may undertake the training full or part time. Candidates seeking to undertake either program on a part-time basis must advise the FTE (full-time equivalent) fraction when applying to undertake training. Part-time work may be considered pro-rate where that training is undertaken at no less than 0.25FTE.
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How long do I have to complete the program?
Candidates have a maximum of three years to complete the requirements of DipPHRM (including examinations). Candidates who do not satisfactory complete the requirements of the program within this three-year period will be removed from the program.
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What if I want to gain experience in PHRM but do not want to complete the programs?
Trainees will still be able to undertake a Special Skills Placement (SSP) if they would like to gain experience in PHRM without a formal qualification. All sites accredited for the Diploma will be accredited for the SSP, along with some additional smaller sites.
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Where can I find PHRM jobs?
Available PHRM roles are often listed on the ACEM jobs board. If you are seeking a placement for training in DipPHRM then you should directly contact a PHRM service accredited for this training program.
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Background
In 2016 ACEM facilitated the establishment of a working group with the Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) to develop and award a PHRM qualification.
In 2018 ACEM, ANZCA, CICM and ACRRM signed a memorandum of understanding to commit to the development of a bi-national training program in PHRM, the first of its kind. The program will be overseen by the Conjoint Committee of PHRM (CCPHRM).
Vidoes
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Careers in PHRM
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Tim Parke talks about pre-hospital and retrieval medicine