Education programs at the new Australian School of Advanced Medicine at Macquarie University

The Australian School of Advanced Medicine at Macquarie University, Sydney, will provide competency-based university medical specialist training in a private hospital environment, Australia. The rationale is the need for additional and innovative programs to meet emerging demands, and alternative training programs to increase the opportunities for doctors to achieve their career goals. The programs will focus on learning (not teaching), on developing a comprehensive set of professional competencies, on teamwork, and on research. Special features of the programs include: the potential for scholars to progress at a variable pace; the use of facilities for simulation and practice; and rigorous evaluation. The school is developing strong linkages with other institutions, nationally and internationally. Challenges include the recruitment of fee-paying trainees; the time commitment required of faculty members; a reliable and bias-free assessment system; and ethical concerns about undertaking training activities on private patients.