Respiratory and Sleep Medicine
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Competition
High
Qualification
FRACP (Respiratory and Sleep Medicine)
Training duration
3 years BPT + 3 years Advanced Training in Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine (36 months FTE, minimum 24 months core in Australia/New Zealand) = approximately 6 years total
Applications
BPT: state/hospital network selection, typically September–November for February start. Advanced Training: register with RACP by 28 February or 31 August (annual re-registration). Positions at accredited respiratory and sleep medicine departments applied for directly.
Selection format
BPT selection is hospital-based. Respiratory and Sleep Medicine AT positions are secured at the hospital/department level. Procedural skills (bronchoscopy, pleural procedures) and research are valued.
When to apply
FRACP Written and Clinical Examinations must be completed. Respiratory and general medicine exposure during BPT is expected.
Competition
Respiratory and sleep medicine has more positions available than the most competitive FRACP subspecialties (cardiology, neurology). Still competitive at major tertiary centres. Sleep medicine component is a growing subspecialty.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Procedural skills logbook — bronchoscopy, tube thoracotomy, pleural aspiration are required during AT
- Respiratory medicine rotations during BPT — inpatient respiratory, outpatient clinics
- 4 Direct Observation of Procedural Skills per training year during AT
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
- FRACP Divisional Written Examination — sat during Basic Training (sitting early is strongly recommended)
- FRACP Divisional Clinical Examination — both Divisional exams must be passed to complete Basic Training and become eligible for Advanced Training
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- 36 months FTE Advanced Training (minimum 24 months core in AU/NZ)
- One FRACP Fellow supervisor per rotation throughout AT
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACP.
Recent updates
New curriculum for Advanced Training in Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine implemented from 2026. Trainees starting AT from 2026 follow new curricula; those in training earlier continue under PREP.
Indicative only. Check the RACP website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
Queensland Health’s medi-nav is the only state health department currently publishing the workforce and selection figures this section shows. We have not verified equivalent data for South Australia yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Respiratory and Sleep Medicine training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.