TRAINEES AT THE TABLE: DISCUSSIONS FROM RANZCP TRAINEES

ABSTRACT

Background: Over the previous 48 months the training landscape has been significantly disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has compounded pre-existing challenges for trainees relating to training requirements, exams, service demands, and other personal circumstances. As a result, the need for advocacy and representation of trainees within the RANZCP has never been greater. However, opportunities for trainees to directly engage in College dialogue and decision-making remains limited. These limitations are out of keeping with contemporary processes for trainee representation across other specialty Colleges in Australasia. To progress these discussions further, we believe that trainees need to first have a seat at the table. Objectives: •• Deliver a trainee-led discussion with a focus on the RANZCP training pathway and associated trainee experiences;•• Describe the challenges faced by RANZCP trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic;•• Describe the challenges reasonably expected in a post-COVID-19 training landscape;•• Explore the role of trainee representation within the RANZCP. Methods: This session will utilise the representation of a diverse group of trainees, recognising that representation within the RANZCP currently takes many forms. The panel will consist of representatives from state-based Associations of Trainees (APTs), current and resigning members of the RANZCP Trainee Representative Committee (TRC), and individual trainee members. Conclusions: Trainees have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent disruptions to training and assessment. Although trainees are the future of the RANZCP, opportunities for trainees to engage in College dialogue and decision-making remains limited. Further engagement of trainee representation within the RANZCP is needed. It's time for trainees to have a seat at the table.