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Training and education

  • Education and training is a priority service area for the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service. The multidisciplinary team of the VFPMS provides a range of teaching and training materials and experiences to increase students' knowledge, skills, experience and confidence. Teaching is provided to professionals including medical students and doctors, nurses and other health professionals, child protection workers and police.

    Education will also be provided by VFPMS in conjunction with education and training related to the Vulnerable Children Framework, an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria.

    The VFPMS uses a variety of teaching strategies based on students' learning needs and requirements for access. We construct our training programs with an awareness of adult learning theory. Consumer feedback is used to modify teaching material and style of presentation.

    Who do we provide training for?

    Training is provided by the VFPMS for:

    • Doctors working for VFPMS
    • Rural doctors providing medical services for VFPMS
    • Fellow in Child Abuse and Paediatric Forensic Medicine, Fellow in Community Child Health and other trainees
    • Medical students
    • Protective workers
    • Police
    • Health professionals
    • Other professionals

    What kind of training do we provide?

    Education and training is provided as:

    • Workshops and seminars
    • Lectures (including PBL format)
    • Web-based learning
    • Skills development / skills training
    • Small group tutorials
    • Student electives
    • Materials for self directed learning (including reference lists)
    • Supervision
    • Peer review

    Training guide for VFPMS advanced trainees

    Training Opportunities

    VFPMS Medical evaluation of suspected child abuse. 

    Date: Three days (face-to-face) seminar will be held at the The Larwill Studio (onsite at the Royal Children's Hospital) on Wednesday 23rd, Thursday, 24th and Friday 25th August 2023 

    The course is likely to be of particular interest to paediatricians and trainees in paediatric medicine.

    The course aims to increase knowledge and understanding about child abuse and neglect including:

    • Paediatricians' and other professionals' roles in protecting children
    • Legal obligations regarding reporting 
    • Forensic medical evaluation of common childhood injuries 
    • Child sexual abuse and evaluation of children's sexualised behaviour
    • Strategies for assessment of child neglect and emotional maltreatment
    • Neurodevelopmental and health consequences of child maltreatment

    For further information regarding the 3 day seminar and how to register, please view the programme outline and flyer/registration form.

    You can contact the VFPMS Administration Officer on (03) 9345 9075 or email: VFPMS.enquiries@rch.org.au

    Looking forward to your registrations - thank you.


    VFPMS Nursing Seminar, recognising and responding to suspected child abuse 

    Date: One day (face-to-face) training, will be held at the Royal Children's Hospital on Thursday, 20 July 2023

    This one day seminar is aimed at nursing staff who work within a paediatric setting.

    The course aims to increase knowledge and understanding about mandatory reporting and recognising children who may be at harm or suspected of child abuse.

    For more information and registration, please view the registration form.

    You can contact the VFPMS Administration Officer on (03) 9345 9075 or email VFPMS.enquiries@rch.org.au

    Looking forward to registrations as places are limited - thank you.