The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes offers comprehensive Fellowships in Paediatric Endocrinology. Fellows are closely involved with the clinical service, both for inpatient and outpatient care, allowing for development of skills in managing a wide range of paediatric hormone disorders. The large patient numbers that are cared for at the RCH provide opportunity to manage many uncommon or rare conditions, with appropriate support from supervisors. There is a formal teaching program to ensure that a full curriculum is completed over a 2 year period.

Fellowships

The first is a one year clinical fellowship, which is aimed at those interested in paediatric endocrinology following completion of college examinations. The fellowship involves a) inpatient cover Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, b) 3-4 outpatient clinics each week (usually 1-2 endocrinology clinics and 1-2 diabetes clinics), and c) 1 in 4 out of hours paediatric endocrinology and diabetes on call (with consultant supervision). Applicants should be able to demonstrate some previous interest in paediatric endocrinology. This fellowship is usually advertised in June, to commence in February the following year.

The second is a one year clinical research fellowship, which is aimed at those with more significant previous experience in paediatric endocrinology (usually at least one year’s formal paediatric endocrinology training, as well as at least 1-2 original research publications and a national/international oral presentation). The fellowship involves a) 4 outpatient clinics each week, b) ward cover Monday to Friday 9am-5pm approximately one week in 8-10, and c) 1 in 4 out of hours paediatric endocrinology and diabetes on call (with consultant supervision). This leaves approximately 50% of the working week for laboratory or clinical research, and it is expected that the incumbent will enrol for a higher degree (such as a PhD), apply for grants and write research reviews and original research manuscripts. This fellowship is usually advertised in June, to commence in February the following year.

For further information about our Fellowship program, or to register your interest in order to be informed when posts are advertised, then please contact the Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Professor Fergus Cameron: fergus.cameron@rch.org.au

Elective student projects

Through its links to The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, the department is also involved in training medical students, both through formal education (lecturing/teaching) and research. The department has facilitated many medical students from The University of Melbourne, as well as elective students from around the world, to complete small projects either as part of a B Med Sci degree or as part of broader training. There are always many projects available for interested students, both from The University of Melbourne and also other elective students. For further information please contact the Medical Electives team at University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics at rch.electives@rch.org.au. 

Observerships

The Endocrinology and Diabetes department also accepts clinical observers, who are qualified medical practitioners keen to learn more about Paediatric Endocrinology. Observers are encouraged to attend outpatient clinics, join in with ward rounds and be part of team meetings, as well as possibly undertaking a small research project if time permits.

The department has several criteria for prospective applicants:

• IELTS level 6.5 or above (if from a country where English is not the primary language)
• Maximum of 3 months' period of observership
• Submission of up to date curriculum vitae
• Summary of objectives and plans for observership, and why choosing RCH Endocrine
• Exact dates for proposed stay

If you are interested, please email Dr Peter Simm, the coordinator of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Departmental observer program, at peter.simm@rch.org.au, addressing each of the criteria listed above.

Note: From mid December to late January, the department is at reduced activity, with clinic closures, no formal team meetings and multiple staff absences, therefore we regretfully are unable to offer observerships over this time period.

We are a small unit and can only accept up to two observers at any given time, therefore we may not be able to accommodate your request.