Information and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and medical students considering a career in dermatology
The Australasian College of Dermatologists is committed to encouraging and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and doctors as they consider and pursue a career in dermatology.
The College is the only organisation accredited to train and assess dermatologists in Australia.
If you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical student or doctor interested in pursuing a career in dermatology, we encourage you to read the information below and to get in touch with one of our trainees or Fellows to find out more about the application requirements and steps you can take to meet these.
Who is eligible to apply for the training program?
To become a dermatologist it is necessary to be a registered medical practitioner who has resident status in Australia and to complete the specified program of medical training.How can I find out more?
- Visit LIME’s Indigenous Pathways into Specialisation Online Resource – a central, online, searchable database for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori prospective trainees to find the best fit for you as they more from medical school into specialisation. The ACD collaborated with LIME in the development of this resource.
- Connect with us at a networking event. College regularly participates in networking activities and conferences run by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and The LIME Network. These are a great opportunity for you to find out more about our training program and a career in dermatology.
- Attend our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). College has established an award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students / junior doctors with an interest in dermatology to attend the ASM. Find out how to apply here.
- Talk to one of our trainees or fellows. Members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee would be happy to discuss the training program with you – what it involves and what you can do towards meeting the entry requirements. To view the members of the committee and get in touch click here.
- College has a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Graduates Training position for a doctor who meets the other requirements of selection into the dermatology training program. Find out more below.
- Detailed information on the training program and the process to become a dermatologist is available here.
What support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees?
- College has a mentoring and wellbeing program in place for all trainees. The mentoring program continues across the four years of training.
- Our dedicated Trainee Wellbeing and Engagement team ensures all trainees have a voice and receive the support they need throughout the training program.
- Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee and Trainee Representatives Committee provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees with the opportunity to have their voice heard and contribute to College decision-making.
- Each year we aim to offer an education grant for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees in the training program. Funded by Janssen’s Educational and Medical Grants Program for healthcare-related organisations, the grant is administered by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee. Find out more here.
Designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Training Position
ACD acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors face additional barriers to studying and working within their chosen field; and that we have a responsibility to act to open up new and sustainable opportunities for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.
To help build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specialist dermatology workforce, the College offers a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dermatology training position for an applicant who meets the other requirements of selection into the training program. The position is funded through the Specialist Training Program (STP), a Federal Government initiative to increase the number of training posts available for specialists-in-training outside traditional public teaching hospitals.
Applicants for the training position must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the community in which they live. Applicants are required to provide a copy of written Confirmation of Aboriginality from an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander corporation on an official letterhead and signed by an authorised and contactable person. See below for further information.
As this is a dedicated position with the intention of developing a strong First Nations dermatology workforce, a long-term commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is expected.
All details regarding all other conditions for entry into the Dermatology training program can be found here. Whilst the College attempts to place the successful candidate in their preferred state this cannot be guaranteed. All applicants for this position must be willing to train in any of the faculty states should they be successful.
Notes on Confirmation of Aboriginality
ACD has Confirmation of Aboriginality requirements for this identified position.
These are: a copy of written Confirmation of Aboriginality from an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation, presented on official letterhead and signed by an authorised and contactable person.
Applicants who are unable to meet, or are experiencing difficulty in meeting this requirement, are encouraged to contact the College to discuss further.
