Training Program - Surgery
The only CanMEDS approved cosmetic surgery training program in Australia. Read more about CanMEDS here.
Cosmetic Surgery Training Pre-Requisites
Since its foundation, the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (the College) has promoted and maintained an inclusive approach, welcoming surgeons from a variety of speciality backgrounds. This has included not only Plastic Surgeons but also Opthalmologists, ENT, Facio-Maxillary surgeons and Gynaecologists.
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria before applying for selection into the ACCSM training program as Associate Members.
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Current Medical Registration. |
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Be in good standing with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with no outstanding conditions, undertakings or reprimands. |
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At least five years postgraduate medical experience which includes either: a) Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent. b) A minimum three years of core surgical training. This must include: i. Three years of surgical Registrar level positions, or full time ii. Passed the RACS generic surgical science examination and iii. Surgical logbooks of the most recent three years, which must c) Other applications in variance to the above must be made in accordance with the ACCSM Special Consideration Policy. |
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Advanced life support skills certification – Accepted courses include Emergency Management of Surgical Trauma, Advanced Life Support course or equivalent, CCrISP (Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient. |
If you fulfil these criteria and think you may be suitable to undergo advanced cosmetic surgical training, the College encourages and welcomes your application for consideration.
Cosmetic Surgery Program
The ACCSM Cosmetic Surgery training program provides two years of advanced training in cosmetic surgery. It has a number of consistent parts:
- (i) 24 months – Australian rotation
- (ii) The production of a clinical research paper or review article for publication
- (iii) College academic syllabus
- (iv) College Fellowship examinations: written and oral components
- (v) Surgical log book
- (vi) Trainee evaluation reports
Clinical Attachments
This component comprises rotations based in NSW, VIC and QLD.
Rotations consists of a minimum of 3 months duration and involves attachment to at least four cosmetic proceduralists who are responsible for the trainee's clinical training.
Trainees are required to complete a minimum of:
- (i) 25 hours clinical attendance each week (eg. operating sessions, pre-op and post-op clinics) which are registered in their clinical log book (minimum 1100 hours per year).
- (ii) 10 hours of academic time (the time estimated to complete the academic syllabus).
- (iii) Attendance at a minimum of 6 major procedures per week (minimum of 250 per year) recorded in their surgical log book.
Trainees are also responsible for running the Journal Club which is part of the College CPD program.
ACCSM Cosmetic Surgery Examinations
Surgical Program Formal Examinations
Cosmetic Medical MCQ Paper
Cosmetic Surgery trainees are required to pass the Faculty of Cosmetic Medicine Examination.
Description
The objective of the MCQ Cosmetic Medicine Examination is to assess a trainee’s competency and required level of knowledge and understanding of Anatomy as it applies to cosmetic medical practice and to assess core knowledge such as non-invasive treatments, aspects of basic training, and acquisition of core concepts.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Surgical Exam (ABCS)
To ensure graduates are benchmarked against an international standard, noting that the American and Australian training programs are similar, ACCSM Cosmetic Surgery trainees sit the American Board Examination (ABCS).
Description
This exam is designed to evaluate competency in cosmetic surgery by critiquing a combination of a candidate’s knowledge, surgical judgement, technical expertise, and ethics to achieve the goal of providing aesthetic improvement.
Viva Voce Examination
The Viva voce examination is a 10- station examination. Each station is 10 minutes long, with semi-structured questions and prompts.
The 10 stations will cover the following content of the curriculum:
Facial, body, breast, liposuction, rhinoplasty, non-invasive and informed consent. Each station will have rubric descriptions and a categorical rating scale with inbuilt standards.
Due to the small trainee numbers, the ACCSM sets the VIVA examination date and location based on demand and candidate eligibility.
Fees
Two Year Cosmetic Surgery Training Program - $49,500 including GST.