ACEM - Regional, rural and remote training requirement information

Future regional, rural or remote (RRR) training requirement for FACEM trainees commencing from 2027

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) is committed to enhancing emergency care across all regions of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A RRR training placement aims to provide trainees with comprehensive clinical exposure by offering a broad spectrum of cases prevalent in RRR emergency departments, supporting the development of well-rounded emergency physicians, grounded in the generalist emergency care foundations of the profession. By training in RRR settings, trainees will contribute to addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that high-quality emergency care is accessible to all populations, regardless of location. 

The 6 FTE month RRR training requirement applies to new trainees commencing FACEM Training in 2027. Individuals will be required to formally acknowledge this training requirement as a condition of their acceptance of a place on the training program.

ACEM is currently exploring options for expanding RRR placement opportunities for trainees through initiatives like the Blended Supervision Placements and Accredited Training Networks.

Based on the recommendations of the RRR Training Requirement Working Group (RRR TR WG), the Council Of Education has approved the below training parameters for RRR Placements.

1. Type of Placement:

The 6 FTE month RRR Training Requirement must be completed during core ED placements in any training stage. Training in Special Skills Placements will not meet the requirement.

2. Type of Site:

Training must be undertaken in Non-Major Referral EDs that are either:

accredited for core ED for FACEM Training or
approved for core ED Blended Supervision Placements.

Training in unaccredited/unapproved sites will not meet the requirement.

3. Geographical Classification:

In Australia, ACEM-accredited EDs classified as Modified Monash (MM) MM2 to MM7
In Aotearoa New Zealand, ACEM-accredited ED classified as Geographical Classification of Health (GCH) Urban 2 or Rural 1 to 3

This page will be regularly updated to keep you informed of the progress on the regional, rural and remote training requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Who has to do the requirement?

FACEM trainees commencing from 2027.
Where can I do the placement?

At any ACEM accredited ED site that meets the RRR site eligibility criteria, or in an approved Blended Supervision Placement
How long is the placement?

The College has endorsed the introduction of a minimum six-month FTE placement.
I'm applying for selection in 2026, will this impact me?

Yes. All prospective trainees who apply in 2026 will have to do the requirement.
Are there any grounds for an exemption to the requirement?

As for any FACEM Training Program requirement, there is a process for special consideration.
What if I can’t get a placement when I need one?

You are encouraged to plan your training as early as possible to ensure you can get placements. The College is already engaged in a number of programs aimed at expanding opportunities and creating more flexibility around RRR placements, including Accredited Training Networks (ATNs) and a blended supervision model.

The Blended Supervision Placement (BSP) Model has been approved by the Council Of Education, and an implementation plan is now underway to enable more eligible sites to be approved for BSP. Once in place, this will create greater placement opportunities across different states, regions, and countries, and expand RRR placement options.
Why is this being introduced?

Please refer to the explanatory statement above the FAQs.

What about my entitlements in my current job? If I leave, I’ll lose them.

The working group will be investigating how to support trainees in maintaining their entitlements. Trainees working in Aotearoa New Zealand or within a single Australian state or territory are unlikely to have their entitlements affected.
What if I’m accepted into training to start in 2026 but defer?

If you start your actual training in 2027, the RRR training requirement will apply.
What about specialist international medical graduates?

The RRR training requirement will not apply to specialist international medical graduates on the pathway.
Does it replace the non-MR requirement?

There is no change to the current 12 FTE month non-MR training requirement. As the RRR training placement must be completed in core ED in a Non-Major Referral site, RRR time will contribute 6 FTE months to the Non-Major Referral requirement.
Can I complete all of the 12 FTE months non-MR requirement at a RRR site?

Yes, you can complete more than the minimum 6 FTE months of core ED time at a RRR site and simultaneously meet your non-MR requirement.
Does a non-ED placement count?

No. Non-ED placements, including ACEM-approved Rural/Remote SSP placements, are not eligible for the Regional Rural and Remote (RRR) training requirement.

When can I do the placement?

Trainees can complete their RRR training requirement at any time from Training Stage One to Training Stage Four.
If I have completed extensive RRR time prior to commencing FACEM training, can RPL be considered?

We anticipate these types of scenarios will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis through the existing special consideration process.
Could it be possible to complete this requirement at less than 0.5 FTE, allowing some potential for a FIFO arrangement?

No. As per Regulation G any FACEM training requirement must be completed in a training placement that is at least 0.5FTE.
Who is on the working group?

The RRR TR WG consist of FACEM member representatives from all States/Regions and Country, including trainee representative from both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Will Associateship trainees be affected?

The RRR training requirement is only for the FACEM Training Program.

If you have any further questions about the introduction of a regional, rural and remote requirement to the FACEM Training Program, please contact [email protected].

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