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Programs, resources and support
In addition to providing a comprehensive training program, the training team staff are committed to the welfare, wellbeing and professional development of trainees. We acknowledge Basic Physician Training and preparing for the FRACP Examinations can be a stressful time for many trainees and we pride ourselves on providing support during this demanding process.
Scholarships and financial support
We recognise that training and examination costs can be a significant financial burden on trainees. With the generous support of the RPA Division of Medicine, we are pleased to offer our trainees:
- $1000 per trainee contract to be used for educational resources such as subsidising the cost of courses (for example Written Examination Revision Course)
- Reimbursement of up to $350 to access their preferred Written Examination MCQ Question Bank
- Free access to UpToDate and other learning tools
Professional development
RPA Acute Medicine Course
Early each year, the Intensive Care Department at RPA Hospital runs a 2-day Acute Medicine Course for BPTs. This course is fully-subsidised (including protected study leave) and is provided to BPTs whilst on rotation to RPA or Bankstown Hospital. The program focuses on the timely identification and management of critically unwell patients, offering comprehensive training on caring for unstable medical patients.
BPT Leadership Development Workshop
One of the biggest differences being a medical registrar is stepping into the role of a leader managing and communicating with juniors, seniors, patients, family members, nursing staff and more. Specifically designed for BPTs by experts in leading teams and human factors, this interactive workshop aims to equip you with the mindset and practical skills to develop your capabilities, reduce stress levels and ultimately become a successful and confident physician.
Advanced Life Support Skills Training
All BPTs receive comprehensive training and regular assessment in advanced life support via bi-annual ALS refreshers held in May and September. All trainees commencing as a BPT with the RPA BPT Network are expected to have current ALS certificates.
Hospital Grand Rounds
All hospitals within the RPA BPT Network hold weekly Grand Rounds sessions, offering trainees valuable additional learning opportunities. These sessions provide the latest clinical updates and foster robust interdisciplinary discussions, allowing trainees to engage with and observe senior clinicians in action. They also help trainees develop and refine their presentation skills. Grand Rounds play a significant role in preparing trainees for examinations and their future medical practice.
Professional Development Program
Professional development is essential and ongoing in a medical career but often neglected during FRACP examination preparation. The RPA BPT Network Professional Development Program addresses this by providing BPTs with a broad range of opportunities for development and progression to advanced training. Examples include teaching workshops such as the Clinical Teacher Training program, research skills workshops (via the RPA Institute of Academic Medicine) and interview skills workshops to support Advanced Training applications. Furthermore, there are numerous research, teaching and committee/leadership opportunities within the RPA BPT Network to help build your profile for a successful application for advanced training.
MDOK (Medical Doctor OK)
Our wellbeing matters – meet MDOK
Stress and burnout are near-universal experiences in the life of a medical practitioner – from the intense pressure of exams during Basic Physician Training to the long-term demands of a clinical career. In Sydney Local Health District, we know this reality and we're doing something about it.
That’s where MDOK comes in.
Born out of the success of the BPT OK pilot program in 2019, Sydney Local Health District appointed Australia’s first Chief Medical Wellness Officer, Dr Bethan Richards, and established a dedicated team focused on one thing: supporting doctors to thrive – not just survive.
Since then, the MDOK team has been working alongside junior and senior doctors across the district, creating a suite of resources, education programs, and initiatives designed to make a real difference. Whether you're preparing for exams, navigating the steep learning curve of registrar life, or balancing the demands of consultancy, MDOK is here for every stage of your career.
So, what can MDOK offer you?
| Skills for life: | Learn practical tools for managing stress, navigating traumatic events, goal-setting, and clinical debriefing. |
| Workshops that work | From structured sessions on relaxation, nutrition, and exercise, to interactive learning around mentoring and peer support. |
| Connection with purpose | Build meaningful relationships with colleagues, learn to support each other, and contribute to cultural change. |
| Leadership that listens | MDOK is led by a team of wellness experts who truly understand what it’s like to walk in your shoes — many of them have. |
This is more than just a wellbeing program. It’s a movement for cultural and systemic change – for a healthier workforce and a healthier healthcare system.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to go it alone.
Connect with the MDOK team and explore how we can support your journey, wherever you are in it.
For more information and resources visit the MyDistrictOk SharePoint page or contact MDOK on SLHD-MDOK@health.nsw.gov.au.