Skills Courses & Programs
Trainees on the SET or GSET training programs are required to complete a number of skills courses over the duration of their training. The following covers required courses along with alternatives for further knowledge and exam preparation. They also count towards the National Education Activities training requirement.
National Education Activity Courses & Programs
Trainees must attend at least four (4) national programs including Trainees’ Day programs (or equivalent courses) over the course of their training, in order to complete the National Education Activity requirement.
GSET Trainees who commenced training from 2022 will be required to attend a minimum of two (2) GSA Trainees’ Days (or equivalent courses) in person/face to face.
The following courses and programs all count towards a completion of a National Educational Activity requirement, upon proof of completion:
TRAINEES' DAY PROGRAMS
Trainees’ Days are held twice a year – the first being virtual and generally held in early May; the second being in-person and held in conjunction with the GSA ASM (typically October). Program content follows the General Surgery Curriculum.
2026 TRAINEES' DAYS
- Colorectal Surgery
- Wednesday 21 October - in-person, Cairns
- This program is attached to the GSA ASM and registration for both will open in late-March
MANAGEMENT OF SURGICAL EMERGENCIES (MOSES) COURSE
The MOSES course is a two-day course for SET3 / GSET3 and up, and involves a high faculty-to-participant ratio, offering a variety of teaching methods focusing on assessment and decision making skills for emergency situations within the perioperative period. Of particular appeal are a large number of small group discussions covering real surgical cases – those readying themselves for the Fellowship Exam find this very useful.
TRAINEES' WEEKEND
The Trainees’ Weekend is an annual program held in Melbourne that brings together trainees for an intensive weekend focusing on key areas of the curriculum where day-to-day surgical exposure may be limited. It also offers practical insights and knowledge into preparing for the Fellowship Exam.
2026 trainees' weekend
DEFINITIVE SURGICAL TRAUMA CARE COURSE (DSTC)
The Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) course is recommended by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for all Consultant Surgeons and final year trainees.
DEVELOPING A CAREER IN ACADEMIC SURGERY (DCAS)
DCAS was established to help attendees understand the early stages of establishing a career in academic surgery and to broaden their network of experienced colleagues. It is generally held in conjunction with the RACS ASC.
ANZES POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Further details will be published as they become available.