Resources to assist supervisors

The following reference lists provide a sample of recent literature with PDFs for direct access. We will post new references every quarter, the latest additions will be starred.

Topics include; supporting learning and developing learning plans, teaching and supervision, feedback, assessment, supporting the poorly performing Trainee, difficult conversations, training flexibility, professionalism and ethics, cultural competence and cultural safety, and leadership and management.

Recent articles for supervisors. (PDF 124.36KB)

RACS Surgical Competence and Performance Guide

The SET program is underpinned by 10 RACS competencies.

Supervisor Framework (PDF 2.82MB)

The Supervisor Framework has been developed for those in a supervisory role. This includes surgeons who are in RACS appointed Supervisor of Training roles as well as those who supervise Trainees on a day-to-day basis. It is a guide for supervisors that can be used for their own professional development by reflecting on the defined supervision competencies and identifying areas they may like to explore and develop further.

Self Assessment Form (PDF 104.35KB)

The Self Assessment form has been created to help supervisors to self assess each of the Competencies in the Supervisor Framework. The form is for personal use only, but can be used to inform your CPD learning plan and to identify areas that Supervisors may like to explore. You may also like to record personal reflections including evidence of achievement towards a competency.

RACS Professional Skills Curriculum

Flexible Training resources 

Flexible training refers to less than full time training and may be of interest to all Trainees, regardless of gender.

Supervisor Framework Mapping (PDF 110.23KB)

The Supervisor Framework mapping document has been developed to assist Supervisors to identify resources to help them in developing the competencies within the Supervisor Framework. This document can be used in conjunction with the Supervisor Framework Self-Assessment form.

Building Respect Improving Patient Safety FAQs (PDF 651KB)

If you would like to know more about the RACS Building Respect and Improving patient safety program please read theseFrequently Asked Questions (PDF 651KB).

Personal Development Learning Plan

Personal Learning Development Plans (PDLP) have long been considered an essential element of medical education (Challis 2009). They articulate what the learner needs to learn, why they need to learn it, how they are going to learn it, in what time frame and how they will know the learning has occurred. The use of PDLPs facilities the progression of the trainee and achievement of core competencies. All trainees should have a PDLP.

The principles of a PDLP include the following:

• the Trainee is put at the centre of the learning and teaching process
• learning needs are identified by the Trainee (which encourages self reflection) and their Supervisor in partnership. From these needs, measurable training goals are established
• the Trainee is involved in identifying ways in which the learning goals can be achieved in discussion with their Supervisor. Self-directed learning opportunities are identified along with facilitated learning
• learning goals take into consideration the Trainee's previous experience and current knowledge, skills and attitudes
• the learning goals for the basis of feedback conversations between the Trainee and Supervisor
• learning goals are adjusted as achievements are made and circumstances change. The PDLP is a "living" document changing over time throughout the training period.

Guidelines for developing a PDLP will be coming soon.

The below links to current SET training regulations may require user login to the relevant website

• Cardiothoracic Surgery: SET Program Regulations
• General Surgery (Australia): SET Program in General Surgery Regulations
• General Surgery (New Zealand): NZ General Surgery Regulations
• Neurosurgery: Training Program Regulations
  
• Orthopaedic Surgery (Australia)
• Orthopaedic Surgery (New Zealand)
• Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Australia): Training Regulations for Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
• Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (New Zealand)
• Paediatric Surgery: Paediatric Surgery Training Regulations
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Australia): SET Training Policies and Regulations
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (New Zealand): Training Regulations
• Urology: Training Regulations
• Vascular Surgery: Training Regulations Handbook

The following links are provided to make it easier to access your specialty boards and societies.