Surgical Supervisors & Trainers
Supervisors' Guide
Surgical supervision is an integral part of our profession, and reflects our culture of commitment to quality training. These guidelines are designed to support fellows in their endeavour as a Supervisor; we hope that you will find your role both personally and professionally rewarding.
The purpose of the supervisors’ guide is to provide:
- An overview of the governance and reporting structure
- A comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of the General Surgery Training Program including regulations and policies
- An explanation of each component of the training program
- A detailed explanation on undertaking both formative and summative assessments
- An overview of the curriculum and how supervisors can use this to guide training
- Guidelines on how to manage the underperforming Trainee
- An explanation on the Hospital Accreditation process
- Available templates and how to access them
- Where to seek assistance
Supervisor Position Description
The position of the Hospital Surgical Supervisor is to oversee the training and assessment of General Surgery Trainees allocated to their hospital.
The Hospital Surgical Supervisor is nominated by the hospital and approved by both the Australian Board in General Surgery and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The appointed Surgical Supervisor is responsible for the supervision and assessment of each Trainee rotating through the hospital, training hub or network, depending on regional organisational arrangements. Surgical Supervisors are also responsible for ensuring training posts in their hospital, training hub, or network continue to adhere to the accreditation criteria.
The Australian Board in General Surgery requires that a Trainee seeking approval to present for the Fellowship Examination must provide a letter of support from their current surgical supervisor.
A Fellowship Examination Support Guide has been prepared to assist supervisors in evaluating a Trainee’s readiness to present for the Examination.
The guide provides advice on the following:
- Structure and marking of the examination
- Tips on preparing for the written exam
- Tips on preparing for the viva