Interns

Interns in postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) are provisionally registered by the MBA and administered through the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA). There are currently 24 accredited Intern positions available.

General registration is granted after successful completion of the Internship (PGY1) program.

This includes:

• A minimum of 47 weeks full-time equivalent service.
• Satisfactory completion of four domains with assessment as per the AMC Framework.

Four term rotations are offered at CAR. Interns undertake the following:

• General Medicine.
• General Surgery.
• Emergency.
• Renal.
• Orthopaedics.
• Paediatrics.
• Rural Generalist at Tennant Creek Hospital (TCH).

Term positions are allocated randomly, however those who are keen to rotate to TCH may indicate this in their application.

CAR provides an outstanding junior doctor training program with an award-winning team of educators and clinicians deeply committed to providing a rich and diverse education and training program, reflecting the challenges that come with working in Aboriginal health in rural and remote locations. Strong Intern and RMO representation on the Medical Training Committee offers support to the junior doctor experience.

Junior Doctors attend regular education and up-skilling sessions covering broad areas of professional development, including simulation, with all teaching and training in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art Research, Education and Training Centre. This is supplemented by robust and current junior doctor departmental teaching.

Formal and informal teaching sessions are delivered weekly by consultants and registrars, and most departments have regular formal grand rounds, journal clubs and specific sessions that junior doctors, particularly interns, are encouraged to attend.

The education and training program for interns is mapped to the Australian Curriculum Framework for Junior Doctors, and term descriptions provided at orientation outline how framework requirements are met.

There is a strong focus on generalism in the training programs, and Intern and Resident Medical Officers have the opportunity to consolidate, maintain and widen their knowledge, skills and experience, and access opportunities to explore potential careers in rural and remote settings.

Interns undertake a mandatory hands-on and interactive orientation program of up to 10 days prior to commencing ward duties. Key elements include simulation laboratory skills sessions, cultural competencies, use of electronic health systems, and an introduction to the management of unique and complex patient presentations.

Interns are advised when orientation specific to each department is scheduled prior to the commencement of each term.

2025

Supervision is provided as part of the education and training program, and Contributes to developing the transition to safe, independent practice. Each department or division has a term supervisor responsible for coordinating and ensuring intern training and supervision occurs. Each intern will also have a clinical supervisor within their team who provides education and on-the-job training, career advice and guidance to achieve learning goals.

Interns meet with their supervisors at the start of each term to define learning objectives by discussing the expectations of both the intern and their supervisors’, and the role and responsibility of the intern within that team. Interns meet with each supervisor mid-term for a formative assessment, to ensure that they are performing to set goals and discuss any concerns. The end-of-term assessment is a formal, summative process which contributes to gaining full registration at the end of the intern year. These assessments are discussed at term orientation and comprise of, but are not limited to, direct observation, participation in case studies and other department or division education and training sessions.

Applicants are grouped into categories and short-listed according to the following categories and criteria.

Please be aware that these applicant eligibility categories are in order of selection (A to G). The number of intern places in the Northern Territory are limited and therefore very competitive.

To be eligible as an Intern applicant in the Northern Territory you must not have completed a medical Internship previously.

If you have completed an internship previously (overseas) please go to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website for more information.

2024

2025

Interns undertake an orientation program prior to commencing ward duties.

The time allocated for this mandatory orientation is up to 10 days depending on the health service you are employed at. The orientation is predominantly hands-on and interactive. Key elements include:

• Utilising the simulation laboratory.
• Cultural competencies.
• Use of hospital health systems.
• Introduction to management of unique and complex patient presentations.

You will be advised by your employing hospital when the hospital orientation is scheduled. Both hospitals usually run their orientations in early January.

Please note that term specific orientation takes place at the commencement of each term.

Supervision is provided to all interns as part of their intern education and training program. It also contributes to developing their transition to safe independent practice. Each department/division has a term supervisor who is responsible for coordinating and ensuring intern training. Each intern will also have a clinical supervisor within their team who provides education and training, career advice and support the intern to achieve their learning goals.

Interns will meet with their supervisors at the start of each term to define learning objectives, intern's and supervisor’s expectations and the role and responsibility of the intern within the team.

Interns meet with their supervisors mid-term for a formative assessment, to ensure that they are working towards their set goals and to discuss any concerns. The end of term assessment is a formal, summative assessment which contributes to gaining full registration at the end of the intern year. These assessments will be discussed at your term orientation and usually comprise of, direct observation, participation in case studies and other department/division education and training sessions.

The Royal Darwin Hospital is a teaching hospital, with strong links to the Northern Territory Medical Program, Flinders University and James Cook University College of Medicine.

The hospital's Medical Education Unit provides a comprehensive training program for junior medical officers. Interns have the opportunity to attend weekly protected training sessions which delivers topics that are relevant and applicable to a medical officer at the intern level of training.

Formal and informal teaching sessions related to the specific terms are delivered weekly by consultants and registrars. Most departments will have regular formal grand rounds, journal clubs and specific sessions where all junior doctors, particularly interns, are encouraged to attend.

The education and training program for interns is mapped to the Australian Curriculum Framework for Junior Doctors. Term descriptions provided at the term orientation will show how an intern may meet the framework in that term.

The Northern Territory has a strong focus on the Rural Generalist pathway. At the junior medical officer levels, you will have the opportunity to broaden and consolidate your knowledge and skills through exposure to rotations within rural and remote settings.

The applicant eligibility categories in order of selection for Internship in the Northern Territory are: