The Royal Australian and

New Zealand College of

Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists

ASSESSMENT OF OVERSEAS-TRAINED SPECIALIST

OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS
Competency Standards

Overseas-trained doctors who apply for recognition as specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists
in Australia are assessed against the criteria presented in this document. These criteria are
derived from the RANZCOG Curriculum. This means that overseas-trained applicants are
requird to meet the same competency standards expected of doctors who have successfuly
completed the Colleges specialist training program.
The criteria are grouped under the following heading and subheadings:

CLINICAL EXPERTISE
Medical Expertise
Communication
ACADEMIC ABILITIES
Independent Learning
Teaching
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Management/advocacy

Ethical Conduct

In addition to this document, applicants are advised to consult the RANZCOG Curriculum, the
RANZCOG Code of Ethics, College Statements, other documents available on the Colleges
website and the Online Orientation Program which the College provides specifically to familiarise
overseas-trained doctors with some of the non-clinical aspects of specialist obstetric and
gynaecological practice in Australia.

CLINICAL EXPERTISE

Specialist O&Gs possess a defined body of knowledge and procedural skills that are used to
select and interpret information, make appropriate clinical decisions, and carry out diagnostic
and therapeutic procedures within the boundaries of their discipline and expertise. They know
that communication skills are fundamental to their day-to-day functioning and recognise that
effective communication with a patient and her support group can engender satisfaction and
cooperation, as well as influence the manifestations and outcome of her healthcare situation.

MEDICAL EXPERTISE
1

Demonstrates an understanding of the reproductive functioning of well women throughout their life.

Demonstrates an understanding of key pathologies in the reproductive functioning of women.

Demonstrates an understanding of normal growth and development of the fetus and is able to recognise deviations from this.

Practises a multidimensional, ethical approach to patient management that demonstrates advanced abilities in
clinical reasoning, judgement and technical skills, and a recognition of the current limits of medical expertise.

Demonstrates
diagnostic,
therapeutic
and surgical
skills necessary
for ethical
and effective
healthcare
provision in the
speciality

Basic: laparotomy or simple TAH

Antenatal
OBSTETRICS
As outlined in Section 5.1
of the RANZCOG Curriculum

Abdominal procedures
Intrapartum
Postpartum

Advanced: Moderately difficult TAH, including

retroperitoneal identification or dissection of ureter(s)
Basic: Posterior repair and/or anterior repair

Vaginal procedures
Advanced: Vaginal hysterectomy

General
GYNAECOLOGY
As outlined in Section 5.2
of the RANZCOG Curriculum

Early pregnancy

Basic: Diagnostic laparoscopy

Laparoscopic procedures
Advanced: Salpingectomy or ovarian cystectomy

Psychosocial
Hysteroscopic procedures
SURGICAL SKILLS
Preoperative, intraoperative
and postoperative, as outlined
in Sections 5.3 & 5.5 of the
RANZCOG Curriculum

CRITICAL CARE
As outlined in Section 5.4
of the RANZCOG Curriculum

Basic: Hysteroscopy D&C

Gynaecology
Obstetrics

Vaginal delivery/
episiotomy/ major
perineal repair

Basic: Vaginal delivery and episiotomy repair

Advanced: Major perineal repair involving the
external anal sphincter
Basic: Low instrumental delivery: vacuum or forceps

Instrumental delivery
Advanced: Rotational: vacuum or forceps rotation
Basic: LUSCS
Caesarean section

COMMUNICATION

Advanced: complicated Caesarean section; e.g.

classical Caesarean OR major placenta previa

Establishes therapeutic relationships with women in their care, their partners and families, by listening and questioning
in ways that respect and empower the women in their care and show careful consideration of relevant cultural issues.

Obtains and synthesises relevant history from women in their care, their partners and families.

Discusses appropriate information, including approaches, options, guidance and instructions, with women in their care, the womens
partners and families, colleagues and healthcare team members using vocabulary that dignifies women and their healthcare.

ACADEMIC ABILITIES

Specialist O&Gs engage in a lifelong pursuit of professional learning and development. They
recognise that their discipline is continuously evolving, that advances in technology and clinical
management require new skills and attitudes, and that changes in the healthcare context
require organisational flexibility. They recognise that effective teaching is central to ensuring the
strength of the future profession and, aware that an effective teacher creates an environment
conducive to learning, provides safe and stimulating supervision and assistance.

INDEPENDENT LEARNING
1

Actively seeks information to enhance knowledge, understanding and practices, shows enthusiasm for learning, and manages their own
learning through developing, implementing and monitoring an ongoing education / Continuing Professional Development strategy.

Demonstrates judicious use of information and resources when making decisions regarding patient care, as well as an understanding of and
ability to apply the principles of qualitative and quantitative research to enable the use of new information and EBM in their professional work.

Contributes to the development of new knowledge, understanding and practices in the profession.

TEACHING
1

Understands and applies principles of apprenticeship learning, assesses performance according to set performance criteria,
and encourages and acknowledges learner achievements through constructive feedback given in an appropriate manner.

Understands and facilitates the learning needs of patients, trainees, students and other health professionals
by providing guidance and advice in an inclusive and thoughtful manner that uses appropriate vocabulary.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Specialist O&Gs function as managers, team workers and health advocates in a variety of
settings, with high standards of ethical conduct and a commitment to the best interests
of the patient. Society expects them to dedicate their distinct body of knowledge, skills
and professional qualities to improving the health and wellbeing of others and to commit
themselves to the highest possible standards of clinical care and ethical conduct.

MANAGEMENT/ADVOCACY
1

Understands basic human resources, business and financial management principles and through these is able to manage workplace situations and projects.

Practises efficient and effective administrative skills, including time management, as well as maintaining a balanced personal and professional life.

Advocates for and contributes to the advancement of womens health, including the need for appropriate resources and advocacy on behalf of those with special needs.

Is an effective team member who respects the contributions of other health professionals, establishes and maintains
professional relationships with members of the healthcare team, and contributes to the activities of that team.

Actively engages in the practice of risk management, by addressing and advocating safety and quality in healthcare
practices, conducting audits of clinical practices, and establishing goals that lead to improvements being made.

ETHICAL CONDUCT
1

Delivers the highest quality healthcare with integrity, honesty and compassion, while recognising the legal and moral duties
owed to the women in their care and practising ethically responsible medicine in line with the RANZCOG Code of Ethics.

Is aware of and understands the medico-legal environment in which practice occurs, and recognises the duties owed to courts,
legislative and other bodies, including notification obligations, as well as the duty to assist in emergency situations.

The Royal Australian and

New Zealand College of
Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists
ABN 34 100 368 969
Excellence in Womens Health

College House
254 260 Albert Street
East Melbourne Vic 3002 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9417 1699
Facsimile: + 61 3 9419 0672
E-mail: ranzcog@ranzcog.edu.au