At the RANZCP 2026 Congress earlier this month, the College shared early design thinking and prototype plans for the 2030 New Fellowship Program. These directions are intentionally exploratory, with consultation to continue as the design process evolves.

Some of the areas currently being explored include:

Maintaining public standards through assessment design

The College is exploring the return of a mid‑Fellowship external clinical examination to ensure robust, publicly defensible standards for Fellowship. This would sit within a broader assessment program that supports assessment of learning and for learning.

Supporting trainees over time

The proposed introduction of a longitudinal educational coach is intended to strengthen wellbeing, continuity, and the overall training experience. This would be in addition to the traditional Term clinical supervisors.

Preparing psychiatrists for the future

The design includes the development of capability strands to ensure trainees are equipped for the evolving world of practice, aligned with the essential attributes of the psychiatrist of the future. These include leadership, cultural safety and AI literacy, with transformational learning supported through a reflective portfolio.

Mandatory experiences

A shift towards mandatory experiences, rather than mandatory terms, aims to reduce bottlenecks to progression, grow the psychiatric workforce, and raise standards across critical areas aligned with changing population needs.

A phased, flexible Fellowship journey

The proposed model includes a five‑year, phased hybrid CBME structure with a strong focus on transition, including exam-free first and final years, to allow trainees to build solid foundations and tailor training as their interests and capabilities develop. This includes supporting end‑to‑end rural training, expanding private sector placements, and addressing workforce maldistribution.

These design directions represent the work completed to date. The College will continue to engage with Fellows, trainees, and wider stakeholders as we shape and strengthen these design plans together.

The draft curriculum prototype is available on the New Fellowship Program webpage.

We welcome ongoing dialogue and feedback via newfellowshipprogram@ranzcp.org or the consultation hub (login required) as we work towards preparing psychiatrists for the future for and with Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.