State faculties oversee the implementation of the national program in their state, with you nominating in which state you’d prefer to complete your training. There are currently eight training positions in total and one service registrar position.
If you are successful you are rotated through different positions during the four years of training, so you can experience working in both large and small hospital settings as well as rurally. There is also the opportunity to apply to train overseas for one year (Singapore and several hospitals in the UK). Once you have been accepted into the training program it can be difficult to move states, but it may be possible if you can arrange a "like for like" swap. Job sharing is also possible (50/50).
ACD is a very small college, particularly in WA, providing a very structured program with lots of support and opportunities for feedback on your progress.
As a trainee, you will move between the hospitals throughout the day whilst maintaining inpatients and fielding consults on the ward. Your week will also include tutorials which may be afterhours.
It is considered difficult to get into the training program but if you are passionate you will get there. You will need to be strong academically and clinically, have publications in your name and outside experiences. There is also a focus on those who want to work rurally. It’s also useful to talk with consultant dermatologists about any projects you could work with them on, or research articles you could assist with. There are some resident rotations that include dermatology, but they are very sought after.
Success rate on first applications is about 25%. But it does go up from there. If you are keen, then be passionate and persistent!
Dermatology is a stand-alone qualification but can progress a dual qualification after completion.
