Through the Glass Darkly: Towards Options for Training, Examination and Continuing Education

Abstract

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a Fellowship of Psychiatrists working together with and for the general community to achieve the best attainable quality of psychiatric care and mental health [ 1 ]. Since its incorporation as the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 1963 over 2000 psychiatrists have become fellows of the College, most by successfully completing the training and examinations process, either in its present form or in an earlier incarnation. The basic framework for the training and examination of psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand was set down over 30 years ago. It has been modified substantially over the years as training expanded from a three-year membership to a five-year fellowship program. The current system has served us well, producing psychiatrists who compare favourably with their peers anywhere in the world and who have made significant contributions to knowledge in the field. The current review of training, examination and continuing education is not a criticism of past training and examination. Rather, it is an opportunity to consider whether present practices are the most appropriate to equip future psychiatrists to meet the needs and expectations of the community.