Sexual Health Medicine
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Competition
Moderate
Qualification
FRACP (Sexual Health Medicine)
Training duration
3 years (36 months) full-time equivalent, with a minimum of 24 months in Australia/Aotearoa New Zealand
Applications
Prospective approval has two annual deadlines: 28 February (first-half or full calendar-year training) and 31 August (second-half training). Late applications accepted up to one month after the deadline, fees may apply.
Selection format
No centralised interview round — the College sets and monitors selection standards at individual training sites; once a position is secured, training programs go to the Training Program Committee (TPC) – Sexual Health Medicine for prospective approval.
When to apply
Two entry pathways: after RACP Basic Training (written and clinical exams passed), or as an existing Fellow of an eligible college (e.g. RANZCOG, RANZCP, RACGP, ACRRM — others considered case-by-case).
Competition
Less competitive than many physician subspecialties. Underrepresented nationally with good career opportunities.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Sexual health clinic rotations
- HIV medicine experience
- STI management and contact tracing skills
- Case logbooks — 50 cases each in HIV medicine, reproductive health, and one elective area
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
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research or audit in sexual health
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
- RACP Basic Training completed OR fellowship from an eligible college (Australasian College of Dermatologists, ACRRM, RACS urology, RANZCOG, RANZCP, RACGP, RCPA, RNZCGP — others case-by-case)
- Accredited training position secured before applying for prospective approval
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACP.
Recent updates
Verified directly against the RACP Sexual Health Medicine page: confirmed duration (3 years FTE, min. 24 months in AU/NZ), the two annual prospective-approval deadlines (28 Feb / 31 Aug), and the existing-Fellow entry pathway with named eligible colleges.
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 Northern Territory yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Sexual Health 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.