Northern Doctors Education (NDE) delivers education, training and support to help junior doctors provide safe, high-quality patient care. We support all junior doctors, from interns (PGY1) through to registrars, throughout their training journey at Northern Health.
For prevocational medical trainees (PGY1 and PGY2), NDE oversees the implementation of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Prevocational Framework and supports learning, assessment and progression through Clinical Learning Australia (CLA). We also support newly arrived International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as they transition into medical practice in Australia. NDE coordinates comprehensive orientation programs and a broad range of educational, professional development and wellbeing initiatives to ensure junior doctors are well prepared for clinical practice and ongoing career development.
- A comprehensive intern orientation program at the start of each year, with support for unit orientation meetings at the commencement of every term.
- Orientation resources available 24/7 via SharePoint, including the Annual Junior Doctor Handbook, unit handbooks and ROVERs.
- Formal education programs for interns and HMOs:
- Intern Education – Tuesdays at 12:30 pm
- HMO Education – Thursdays at 12:30 pm
- Sessions are delivered in a hybrid format and recorded for those unable to attend.
- Clinical skills workshops, including suturing, plastering, IV and ultrasound-guided cannulation, airway management and chest drain insertion.
- An annual Careers Expo featuring CV writing, interview preparation, specialty presentations, and information sessions from specialty colleges and training pathways, including RACGP, Surgical and Radiology training.
- An Intern Mentoring Program that matches interns with consultant mentors in their preferred specialty, and a Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program for AMC Framework HMO2 trainees, linking them with registrars for guidance and support.
- Mandatory catchups with the Supervisor of Intern Training, Dr Carol Chong, and a Workforce representative to discuss career development, future and ongoing support.
- Career planning and reflection meetings with the Directors of Clinical Training for HMO2 and HMO3 doctors.
- Support with Beginning of Term Discussions, End of Term Assessments and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), ensuring trainees meet mandatory requirements prior to Assessment Review Panel (ARP) meetings.
- A monthly newsletter to keep junior doctors informed about education opportunities, key updates and new initiatives.
- Dedicated WhatsApp groups for Northern Doctors Education, AMC Framework trainees, IMG Peer Support and GP Training.
- A Transition to Practice Program for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), including a six-week observership program for successful candidates.
Transition to Practice Observership
Northern Doctors Education (NDE) coordinates the Transition to Practice (TTP) Observership Program for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), supporting their transition into the Australian healthcare system. This six-week observership provides participants with exposure to clinical practice at Northern Health, including three weeks in a medical unit and three weeks in the Emergency Department.
The program aims to familiarise IMGs with the Australian healthcare environment, clinical workflows, multidisciplinary teamwork, communication practices and professional expectations. Participants also have access to Northern Health educational resources, teaching sessions and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
This initiative forms part of NDE’s commitment to supporting IMGs as they prepare for employment and ongoing medical practice in Australia.
