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Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Guide 2017 Graduate Entry Domestic Flinders University

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INTRODUCTION The Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Guide 2017 outlines the requirements and processes for application to the Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University for domestic applicants. Flinders University offers the MD in both South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Guide will assist applicants to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the MD in either / both South Australia and the Northern Territory. Details of the application and selection process, timelines and information about sub-quotas and associated requirements are included. In 2016 applications for 2017 admission will be made directly to Flinders University, opening on 2 May 2016 and closing on 3 June 2016. Flinders University will administer the application assessment process in collaboration with the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). SATAC’s primary role is to:

• process applications received for this course on behalf of Flinders University • assess the academic qualifications and other information presented by applicants

according to the rules and guidelines for the course provided by Flinders University To maximise chances of gaining entry to the Doctor of Medicine an applicant needs to:

• understand the procedures and deadlines for applying • provide all the information and supporting documentation asked of them either by Flinders University and / or SATAC, by the required deadline • read and understand the terms and conditions of application when they apply • carefully follow all the instructions given whilst applying and in any

subsequent communications • pay any fees by the required date • keep personal details up-to-date

The information provided by the applicant will:

• be used to identify the applicant as the owner of the data they have provided • assist in the processes of retrieving information about qualifications and test results

from external agencies such as universities and other relevant authorities • be used by SATAC to assess the application on behalf of Flinders University • be passed to Flinders University • be used for statutory reporting to the Australian government as indicated in the terms

and conditions of application PLEASE NOTE This guide provides information about the current eligibility criteria and application process for entry to the MD. Further changes to the Flinders MD admission requirements are under consideration for implementation from 2017. Applicants should consult this website for any changes to the admission criteria from 2017 onwards: www.flinders.edu.au/MD

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Contents

1. APPLICATION TIMELINE ........................................................................................ 5

2. ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY .......................................................................................... 6

2.1 Domestic Applicants .............................................................................................................................6 2.1.1 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Applicants.......................................................................6

2.2 Academic Requirements ......................................................................................................................7

2.3 GAMSAT minimum requirements ........................................................................................................7

3. APPLICATION ......................................................................................................... 8

4. SELECTION CRITERIA .............................................................................................. 9

4.1 Interview .................................................................................................................................................9 4.2 Grade Point Average..........................................................................................................................10

4.3 Offers ................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.4 Securing your place in the course ................................................................................................... 11

4.5 Deferral Requests .............................................................................................................................. 11

5. MEDICAL COURSE PLACES AND SUB-QUOTAS .............................................. 13

5.1 Doctor of Medicine (MD) South Australia Places...................................................................... 13

5.2 Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) ............................................................................ 14

5.3 PLACE TYPES .............................................................................................................................. 16

5.4 SUB-QUOTAS ............................................................................................................................... 16 5.4.1 Flinders University Graduates Sub-quota .................................................................................. 16 5.4.2 Non-Flinders University Graduates Sub-quota .......................................................................... 17 5.4.3 Rural Sub-quota ......................................................................................................................... 17 5.4.4 Humanitarian Visa Sub-quota .................................................................................................... 17 5.4.5 Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota ............................................... 17

6. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................... 20

6.1 Statutory Declarations and Evidence of Rural Eligibility Criteria ........................................... 20 6.1.1 Rural Eligibility Criteria ............................................................................................................... 20 6.1.2 Humanitarian Visa ...................................................................................................................... 20 6.1.3 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin ........................................................................... 20 6.1.4 Northern Territory Residency Status .......................................................................................... 21

6.2 Academic Transcripts .................................................................................................................. 21

6.3 Autobiographical Statement & PRCC Site Preference Form ................................................... 21

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6.4 Submission of Documentation ................................................................................................... 21

7. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............................................................ 22

7.1 Grounds for an Offer of Place to be Withdrawn ........................................................................ 22

7.2 Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) .................... 22

7.3 Health Requirements ................................................................................................................... 22

7.4 Police Checks ............................................................................................................................... 22

8. CONTACTS ............................................................................................................ 23

GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................. 24

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1. APPLICATION TIMELINE

2016 Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Cycle for entry in 2017.

19 March 2016 Sit GAMSAT (registration closed 1 Feb 2016) Mid-April 2016

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Guide 2017 published online

2 May 2016 Applications open 3 June 2016 Applications close

Within five days of submission of application and payment of application

processing fee

Change of preference closes

Within five days of submission of application and no later than 3 June

2016

Final date for payment of application processing fee

10 June 2016 Final date for submission of all supporting documentation to SATAC

10 June 2016 Final date to advise Flinders of intention to undertake a Flinders qualification in Semester 2

Approx. 27 June 2016 Applicants shortlisted for first round of interviews notified

8 July to 9 July 2016 PRCC Rural Sub-quota first round interviews 11 July to 15 July 2016 All other first round interviews

From approx. 17 August 2016 First offer rounds 29 August 2016 Applicants shortlisted for second round

interviews notified 19 and 20 September 2016 Second round interviews From early November 2016 Second offer rounds

Mid February 2017 Year 1 of Doctor of Medicine commences

*Please note documents must be received by 10 June 2016. Documents submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the website for the most up to date timeline: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/timeline Flinders University retains the right to introduce subsequent application or interview rounds. In this unlikely event, a notice will be published at: www.flinders.edu.au/MD

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2. ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY

In order to be eligible to apply for entry into the MD applicants must A) be classified as a domestic applicant, B) meet minimum academic requirements and C) sit the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) and achieve a minimum score in each section of the test.

2.1 Domestic Applicants Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are classified as domestic applicants for places in South Australia and the Northern Territory. New Zealand citizens are classified as domestic applicants for places in South Australia only and are not eligible for places in the Northern Territory. Applicants are required to meet domestic eligibility criteria at the point of application. Applicants who are in the process of applying for permanent residency must have residency confirmed before they submit an application as a domestic student. It is not possible to convert to a domestic place if offered admission to the MD as an international student. Applicants who do not meet the domestic classification above are international applicants and are not eligible to apply as domestic applicants. Note: New Zealand permanent residents are classified as international students. Details on how to apply as an international applicant are available at www.flinders.edu.au/MD/intadmissionsreqs Applicants to the Northern Territory Medical Program should be aware that these places are sponsored by the Northern Territory Government. Applicants are expected to meet the conditions stipulated in the Return of Service Obligation Agreement with the Northern Territory Government, Department of Health.

2.1.1 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Applicants Eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply and may be given special consideration in the selection process (see also Special Consideration Section 4.1). Applicants must apply via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal and must submit a document signed under seal by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation in the community from which the applicant originates or is recognised, confirming that the applicant is recognised by that community. The applicant must also submit a Flinders statutory declaration stating that they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. These documents must be provided by 10 June 2016. Please see Section 6 for further information. Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates who do not have a current GAMSAT result are able to apply for entry into the course through the IES. Details of this pathway and its related procedures are not included in this Guide.

1. Are you classified as a

domestic applicant?

Yes

2. Have you completed or are you in the final year of a

Bachelor degree?

Yes

3. Do you have a current

GAMSAT score and have you

met the minimum

sections score requirements?

Yes

Youare

eligibleto

apply.

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More information on the IES application process is available at www.flinders.edu.au/MD/indigenousapps Note: IES applications for 2017 entry are closed.

2.2 Academic Requirements All domestic applicants are required to have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor degree, either from an Australian university or from another tertiary institution of equivalent standard. For applicants who have studied at higher education level overseas, SATAC, on behalf of the University, will use the agreed guidelines and assess their overseas qualifications and determine equivalence to higher education level study offered by Australian institutions. Please note Flinders University does not have a 10 year rule. Applicants who hold a Bachelor degree older than 10 years are eligible to apply for entry to the MD.

2.3 GAMSAT minimum requirements Applicants are required to sit the GAMSAT and achieve a minimum score in each section of the test (www.gamsat.acer.edu.au) to be eligible to apply for entry into the course. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 50 for Sections I (Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences) and III (Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences) and a minimum score of 46 for Section II (Written Communication). In addition to minimum section score requirements, applicants must also achieve a minimum of 50 overall. The overall score is calculated using the following formula: (1 x Section I) + (1 x Section II) + (2 x Section III) /4 GAMSAT results are valid for two years. Applicants with two valid GAMSAT scores may choose which score to use in their application. Only one result from the following test cycles can be used for 2017 entry:

GAMSAT Australia 2015; 2016 GAMSAT Ireland 2015; 2016 GAMSAT UK 2014; 2015

Please note neither ACER nor Flinders University recommend, endorse or have any association with commercial GAMSAT preparation courses or texts. ACER produces the only official GAMSAT test preparation materials. For further information please refer to www.gamsat.acer.edu.au

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3. APPLICATION

• Applications open at 9am (ACST) on Monday 2 May 2016 and close 11.59pm (ACST) on Friday 3 June 2016.

• Only applications submitted via the Flinders University online application portal will be accepted www.flinders.edu.au/mdapply

• No late applications will be accepted.

• Preference selection is final after the application closing date of Friday 3 June 2016 and

no changes or additions can be made to the application after this date.

• Applications WILL NOT be assessed and/or considered if the application fee has not been received by Friday 3 June 2016.

• Applicants who need to change their contact details after applications close are to contact medadmissions@flinders.edu.au and provide their full name, date of birth, and application reference number.

• In 2016 there will be a $117 non-refundable application fee. Payment must be made by Friday 3 June 2016.

• There will be a $50 non-refundable interview fee for applicants who are invited to

interview. This will be payable at the time the applicant accepts their invitation to interview.

Applicants will be asked to provide the following information, in addition to their personal details, as part of the application process: Academic Qualifications Applicants must provide details of all degrees (including PhD, Masters, etc.) completed or due for completion in the application year. Applicants do not need to provide details of academic prizes or awards. In many cases for university study undertaken in Australia, the University can obtain results from these studies on the applicant’s behalf, but for some qualifications, such as overseas studies, the applicant will need to provide supporting documents. For applicants who have studied at higher education level overseas, guidelines will be used to assess overseas qualifications and determine equivalence to Australian qualifications. For studies undertaken overseas, including student exchange and study abroad programs, you must supply certified copies of all documents by 10 June 2016 – please see Section 6 for further details. If any of the documents are in a language other than English, applicants must submit certified copies of both the original documents and the full translation. Transcript translations must show results for all subjects undertaken. All translations must be certified by an independent accredited translator. It is the applicant’s responsibility to comply with any requests to provide further documentation, either in the original language or translated into English.

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Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Applicants must provide GAMSAT information including their GAMSAT identification number when they lodge their application. 4. SELECTION CRITERIA

4.1 Interview Applicants will be invited to interview if they meet the overall GAMSAT cut-off score as determined by the Medical Admissions Committee in the year of application. The GAMSAT cut-off score may vary across sub-quotas. In 2016 applicants who accept an invitation to interview will be required to pay a non-refundable interview fee of $50. Applicants will be invited to interview via email. They will be provided with an online link to the Flinders Interview Tracker through which they can view the date, time and location of their interview and pay the interview fee. The interview is not confirmed until payment has been made. If an applicant is unwell on the day of the interview, a medical certificate will be required before an alternative interview time and date is provided. Furthermore, due to the large number of interviews being held, individual requests for specific interview dates and times are unable to be accommodated. Requests for changes to dates and times will not be considered on the basis of pre-booked travel arrangements. Applicants invited to interview are required to travel, at their own expense, to the indicated venue (ie Bedford Park, SA or the Northern Territory) as specified. Applicants who have preferenced the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) may be invited to an additional selection process. These applicants will be advised of any available reimbursement at the time of invitation.

The interview conducted in both South Australia and the Northern Territory is semi structured and uses a common set of scenarios and questions for all applicants, to assess qualities considered important both for success in the medical program and in subsequent medical practice. The qualities assessed were identified by a process of consultation with staff in the School of Medicine and with community members. These include:

• Quality of motivation • Learning style and team skills • Communication skills • Pro-social attitude • Personal management and self-evaluation skills • Approach to decision-making

Interviews will be conducted by a panel of trained interviewers, usually a panel of two to three including representatives of the medical school and the community. Interview teams are not provided with any information about applicants, other than their names. Interviews normally last approximately 45-50 minutes.

Special Consideration

• Applicants who have an outstanding Grade Point Average (GPA), but whose overall GAMSAT scores are slightly below the cut-off, may be invited to interview in a Special Entry to Interview category.

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• Flinders University supports the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments’ key priority to increase the participation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in medicine through its commitment to equity and inclusiveness in its medical program. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who have provided all required documentation and who meet the minimum GAMSAT requirements may be invited to interview.

4.2 Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GPA requirement for entry to the MD, however strong performance in a Bachelor degree is an important indicator of the intellectual abilities necessary for success in the MD. The weighted grade point average (wGPA) in that degree makes a significant contribution to the overall ranking for place offers. 4.2.1 Calculation of weighted Grade Point Average (wGPA) The wGPA is based on the last three full-time equivalent calendar years of study in the most recently completed Bachelor degree (including an Honours year if results are available), and is calculated using the following formula:

GPA = sum of (value for each grade x topic unit value) / total number of units

Value for each grade:

High Distinction = 7 (85% to 100%); Distinction = 6 (75% to 84%); Credit = 5 (65% to 74%); Pass = 4 (50% to 64%); Fail = 0 (0% to 49%); Withdraw Fail = 0.

The following grades are not counted in the calculation: Non Graded Pass; Withdraw Not Fail.

Topic Unit Value is as detailed on your Academic Transcript.

The Weighted Grade Point Average (wGPA) is calculated using the following formula: wGPA = ((GPA of final year x 3) + (GPA of final year minus 1 x 2) + (GPA of final year minus 2)) /6

For example the wGPA for a four year Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice degree will be calculated as follows:

Year 1 – 6.1 (Not included in the wGPA calculation)

Year 2 – 5.8 (Final Minus Two Years)

Year 3 – 6.5 (Final Minus One Year)

Year 4 – 6.2 (Final Year)

(6.2 x 3) + (6.5 x 2) + (5.8) / 6 = wGPA 6.23

For applicants in the final year of their Bachelor/Honours degree the wGPA will be calculated using the following formula:

wGPA = ((final year minus 2 x 1) + (final year minus 1 x 5)) / 6

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4.3 Offers Offers for places are made within sub-quotas on the basis of overall rank comprising the following components which are equally weighted:

1. Overall GAMSAT Score 2. Weighted GPA (wGPA) 3. Interview Score

The Medical Admissions Committee will determine the minimum overall rank. There are two instances in which an applicant may receive a conditional offer:

1. The applicant is due to complete their Bachelor degree in 2016; Or

2. The applicant is due to complete a Flinders University qualification in 2016. In both cases applicants are required to have successfully completed the relevant qualification by no later 31 December 2016. PRCC Places Offers for PRCC places are made on the basis of the following:

1. Overall GAMSAT Score (hurdle) 2. PRCC Selection Process comprising:

a. Autobiographical Statement (10%) b. Interview (40%) c. Scenario (20%) d. Overall Performance (30%)

3. Bedford Park / Northern Territory interview (hurdle)

4.4 Securing your place in the course Successful applicants must carefully follow the instructions stated in their offer letter to secure their place in the course. Failure to do this will result in their offer lapsing. Requests from applicants to be reinstated in the course after their offer has lapsed will not be considered. Email is the primary method Flinders will use to communicate with applicants. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their contact details are up to date and that they check their emails regularly. Applicants who subsequently accept an offer of place at another University and wish to withdraw their application are asked to advise Flinders as soon as possible after acceptance. This will ensure that rejected place offers can be reallocated to the next ranked applicants. Unfortunately no consideration can be given to applicants who do not meet the requirements for entry into the MD.

4.5 Deferral Requests Deferral requests are rarely approved. However, in the event of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances an applicant may request a one year deferral. Deferral requests will only be considered following an offer of place and are considered by the Medical Admissions

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Committee on a case by case basis. The Committee will not accept deferral requests submitted after 31 December 2016.

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5. MEDICAL COURSE PLACES AND SUB-QUOTAS

5.1 Doctor of Medicine (MD) South Australia Places There are expected to be approximately 86 Commonwealth-supported places available for commencing domestic students in South Australia in 2017. All of these places are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government and require students to pay a Student Contribution Amount (see www.flinders.edu.au/fees-scholarships)

* Applicants holding any Flinders Bachelor degree or higher qualification, including Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters or PhD (i.e. Australian Qualifications Framework www.aqf.edu.au Level 7 and above) will be considered within this sub-quota.

MD Places(Approximately 86 places)

Flinders University Graduates*Up to 75%

Within this sub-quota, 25 places are reserved for competitive applicants

who hold the following degrees: Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Medical Science

Bachelor of Paramedic Science

Graduates who do not hold a Flinders University

QualificationMinimum 25%

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5.2 Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) The Flinders Medical Program is also offered in the Northern Territory, providing opportunities for Northern Territory residents who are either Australian citizens or permanent residents to train in medicine in their local environment. Approximately 12 places are available each year and these places are funded by the Northern Territory Government. This means that course fees for all four years of the medical course are covered by the Northern Territory Government. Preference is given to applicants who are Northern Territory residents and particularly to Australian Indigenous Northern Territorians (please see priority listing below). Other Australian citizens and permanent residents may apply and may be considered in the event that there are insufficient numbers of eligible competitive Northern Territorians and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. New Zealand citizens are not eligible for NTMP places. These places are associated with a four year Return of Service Obligation in the Northern Territory after graduation. Priority of applicants for the NTMP:

Priority 1: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who meets the

Northern Territory residency requirements.

You are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration confirming you meet Northern Territory residency requirements (see below) and confirmation that you meet Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.

Priority 2: Non Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who meets

the Northern Territory residency requirements.

You are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration confirming you meet Northern Territory residency requirements (see below).

Priority 3: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant but not a Northern

Territory resident.

You are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration and confirmation that you meet Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.

Priority 4: Non Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant and not a

Northern Territory resident. Northern Territory Residency Requirements: A Northern Territory resident is defined as a person who is either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and who at the time of commencement of the medical course, has:

• Resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least two years out of the last six years; or

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• Resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least five years since commencing primary school.

If an applicant wishes to be considered for a place in the NTMP they must apply for entry into the course via the application portal. If they are a NT resident and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant, they must also submit a Flinders statutory declaration confirming their NT residency status and/or their Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander status, please see Section 6 for further information.

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5.3 PLACE TYPES Place Types Restrictions / Commitments

Commonwealth Supported Non-bonded Places (CSP)^

These places have no restrictions / commitments after graduation. These places are available in South Australia only.

Commonwealth Supported Bonded Places (BMP)^

These places require graduates to work for one year in an Eligible Location after completing their professional training. These places are available in South Australia only.

Northern Territory Government Medical Places (NTGMP)*^

These are places are funded by the Northern Territory Government and are associated with a four year Return of Service Obligation. These places are available in the Northern Territory only.

Commonwealth supported non-bonded places (CSP) are open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens.

Commonwealth supported bonded places (BMP) are open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens who have held a New Zealand Special Category Visa on or before 26 February 2001.

^CSPs and BMPs will be made on the basis of applicants’ overall ranking in the following order: CSP then BMP, with the highest ranked applicants being allocated a CSP. As such, applicants are not required to indicate their place type preferences.

*^Applicants may apply for both South Australian and Northern Territory places. Applicants will be asked to nominate their location preferences in order.

5.4 SUB-QUOTAS

5.4.1 Flinders University Graduates Sub-quota Up to 75% of places will be reserved for Flinders University graduates who meet the admission requirements. Up to 25 of these places are reserved for graduates of the Flinders Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Paramedic Science, and the remaining sub-quota places are reserved for graduates of any other Flinders graduate and/or postgraduate qualification. Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Flinders qualification to be considered within this sub-quota. Please note: Applicants who intend to complete a Flinders qualification in Semester 2, 2016 must email medadmissions@flinders.edu.au to advise of their intention to do so once they have enrolled in

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the qualification and by no later than 10 June 2016 . Applicants must complete this qualification by 31 December 2016 in order for an offer within this sub-quota to be confirmed.

5.4.2 Non-Flinders University Graduates Sub-quota Additionally, a minimum of 25% of places will be reserved for graduates of an Australian university or other tertiary institution of equivalent standard, who do not hold a Flinders qualification. 5.4.3 Rural Sub-quota At least 25% of Commonwealth Supported Places are available for applicants who come from an Australian rural background. The ‘rural eligibility criteria’ definition for 2017 entry has changed and is now defined as residency for at least 10 years cumulatively or any 5 years consecutively in an Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area (ASGS – RA) 2 to 5. Applicants can use the Remoteness Area Locator to look up the name of their town and find out its classification www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/locator Some South Australian examples are: Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills is RA2 (inner Regional), Loxton in the Riverland is RA3 (Outer Regional), Kimba is RA4 (Remote) and Ceduna and Oodnadatta are RA5 (Very Remote).

To be considered for the rural sub-quota applicants must apply via the application portal and must also submit evidence that confirms they meet the rural eligibility criteria. Please see Section 6 for details of accepted documentary evidence. This must be provided by 10 June 2016.

All applicants with a rural background will automatically be considered for the rural sub-quota. Any such applicant whose GAMSAT score is sufficient for an invitation to interview in Adelaide, and who nominates a preference for a PRCC Rural Sub-quota place, may additionally be invited to the PRCC selection process. These applicants will undertake two interview processes.

5.4.4 Humanitarian Visa Sub-quota Flinders University is committed to providing an opportunity to study medicine to applicants who have held or currently hold a Refugee or Humanitarian Visa issued by the Australian Government, and who are also an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of application. To be considered for the Humanitarian Visa sub-quota you must apply via the application portal and also meet all other entry requirements. Applicants must submit supporting documentation by no later than 10 June 2016. Please see Section 6 for further information.

5.4.5 Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota The Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota of up to 24 places is available annually for applicants from Australian rural communities who are able to demonstrate commitment to a career in rural practice. Applicants offered a place in this sub-quota will enter a rural stream that will provide innovative rural experiences throughout each year of the program. Please see www.flinders.edu.au/MD/prccsites for more details.

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The Riverland PRCC was established in 1997 in the towns of Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Barmera and Waikerie.

The Greater Green Triangle PRCC began in 2002 in Mt Gambier, Millicent and Hamilton (western Victoria).

The Hills Mallee Fleurieu PRCC began in 2006. Students are located in Kangaroo Island, Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Murray Bridge and Mannum.

The Barossa PRCC began in 2008 in Nuriootpa, Angaston, Tanunda and Kapunda as a collaboration between Flinders University and the University of Adelaide.

To be considered for this sub-quota applicants must apply via the application portal, select PRCC South Australia and submit evidence that confirms that they meet the rural eligibility criteria. Please see Section 6 for details of accepted documentary evidence. This must be provided by 10 June 2016.

Applicants who indicate a preference for a PRCC Rural Sub-quota place are required to indicate their site preferences on the PRCC Site Preference Form available for download from the application portal. Applicants will be required to attach the PRCC Site Preference Form to their Autobiographical Statement. These documents must be submitted by 10 June 2016.

• The Autobiographical Statement (maximum 1200 words) must address the following domains and describe the applicant’s personal background relevant to the course and, in particular, why they are suited to learning medicine in a rural environment:

• Resilience • Flexibility • Teamwork • Academic Stability • Passion for the work of rural General Practitioners (GPs) • Indication of a rural career path

Parallel Rural Community Curriculum

(PRCC)Rural Sub-quota

Barossa (up to 4 places)

Hills MalleeFleurieu

(up to 4 places)

Greater Green Triangle

(up to 8 places)

Riverland(up to 8 places)

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In addition to the above the applicant must demonstrate that they will academically flourish in the PRCC and will advocate for, and contribute to, the rural medical workforce.

All applicants to the PRCC must hold a current driver’s licence and have access to a roadworthy vehicle.

Applicants who are unsuccessful in obtaining a PRCC place will be automatically considered for a standard Doctor of Medicine place as their next preference.

PRCC Selection Process (8 July to 9 July 2016) PRCC applicants with competitive overall GAMSAT scores will have their Autobiographical Statements considered by the Central PRCC Community Liaison Committee. Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in the PRCC Selection Process and will be required to travel to the relevant location and stay for the duration of the process. During the selection process applicants will undertake a semi-structured interview and a range of other activities, including a dinner. Applicants must participate in and will be assessed on all selection process activities by members of the relevant PRCC Community Liaison Committee. Applicants will be advised of any available reimbursement at the time of invitation. For further information regarding the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum please see www.flinders.edu.au/MD/prccsites

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6. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

6.1 Statutory Declarations and Evidence of Rural Eligibility Criteria Flinders specific statutory declarations for each sub-quota are available for download from the application portal. The statutory declarations for each sub-quota are identifiable by their file name. Generic statutory declarations will not be accepted. Applicants are required to submit a separate statutory declaration for each sub-quota for which they wish to be considered. All supporting documentation must be received by 10 June 2016. Please note that documents submitted after this date will not be accepted. Applicants should note that a person who makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence under Section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. Applicants are advised that Flinders may audit supporting documentation to verify the accuracy of information provided.

6.1.1 Rural Eligibility Criteria In addition to a Flinders statutory declaration Australian rural applicants are required to provide documentary evidence that confirms they meet the rural eligibility criteria. This is defined as residency for at least 10 years cumulatively or any 5 years consecutively in an Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Areas (ASGS – RA) 2 to 5. Applicants can check their ASGS – RA status at: www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/locator Acceptable sources of documentary evidence include supporting letters from a:

• School • University • Medical Practitioner • Dentist • Employer • Lawyer

Letters from one or more sources must be original and on letterhead and include your full rural address and the dates and duration that you resided at that address. The letter must include the author’s name, position and contact details. Letters from relatives will not be accepted.

6.1.2 Humanitarian Visa Humanitarian Visa applicants are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration which confirms that they hold, or have held a refugee or humanitarian visa at some point in the past. Applicants must also provide a certified copy of their original refugee or humanitarian visa. Applicants who are unable to provide documentation and who believe they are eligible for this sub-quota should email medadmissions@flinders.edu.au by no later than 3 June 2016 for confirmation of alternative documentation that may be deemed acceptable.

6.1.3 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration which confirms:

• that they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin

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• that they identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander • that they are accepted as such in the community in which they live or have lived.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are also required to submit a document signed under the seal by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation in the community from which the applicant originates or is recognised, confirming that the applicant is recognised by that community. 6.1.4 Northern Territory Residency Status Applicants who are Northern Territory residents are required to provide a Flinders statutory declaration confirming their residency. A Northern Territory resident is defined as an Australian citizen or permanent resident who, at the time of commencement of the medical course, has:

• resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least two years out of the last six years; or

• resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least five years since commencing primary school.

6.2 Academic Transcripts Domestic applicants who have a qualification from a non-ARTS institution will be required to submit a certified copy of their academic transcript by 10 June 2016. For studies undertaken overseas, applicants must also submit certified copies of all documents by 10 June 2016. For documents in a language other than English, applicants must submit certified copies of both the original documents and full translations. Transcript translations must show results for all subjects undertaken. All translations must be certified by an independent accredited translator. It is an applicant’s responsibility to comply with any requests to provide further documentation, either in the original language or translated into English. 6.3 Autobiographical Statement & PRCC Site Preference Form Applicants who indicate a preference for the PRCC Rural Sub-quota are required to submit an autobiographical statement (maximum 1200 words) describing their personal background relevant to the course and, in particular, why they have applied to the PRCC Rural Sub-quota and why they are suited to learning medicine in a rural environment. Applicants must also submit a Site Preference Form. Both documents must be received by 10 June 2016.

6.4 Submission of Documentation All supporting documentation must be received by 10 June 2016. Documents must be submitted via email: FlindersDoMdocs@satac.edu.au Please email the above address to request an alternative means of submission if unable to scan documents for email.

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7. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All prospective students are expected to act professionally toward the University, its staff, students and other applicants. Flinders reserves the right to consider any aspect of an applicant’s behaviour, from the time of application until place offer, in the assessment of their suitability for entry to the MD.

7.1 Grounds for an Offer of Place to be Withdrawn A place offer may be withdrawn by Flinders if an applicant has provided inaccurate or incomplete information in their application. In accordance with the Entry Requirements Policy Section 10: Withdrawal of Offer of Admission, prior to withdrawing an offer, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) must:

10.1 give the applicant an opportunity to explain the inaccuracies or omissions in the information provided, and

10.2 take into account the degree to which the applicant has contributed to the inaccuracies and omissions and the stage through the course at which the errors are detected.

7.2 Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Under the terms of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2010, medical students are required to be registered with the Medical Board of Australia for the duration of their medical studies. As part of the registration process, students may be required to make declarations about their medical fitness, criminal convictions and any previous registration history. Individual students do not need to register. Flinders University will provide AHPRA with the details of all students enrolled in the MD. More information can be found at: www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Student-Registrations.aspx

7.3 Health Requirements All applicants offered a place in the MD are required to comply with a number of recommendations and procedures to enable them to proceed through the course with a low level of risk. Students will be asked to comply with the School of Medicine immunisation and blood-borne viruses policy. Further information is available in the Health Advisory Booklet for Health Professional Students available from: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/forms-resources 7.4 Police Checks All students will be required to undertake Criminal History Screening (Police Check) including a child related employment screening form, a vulnerable person-related employment screening form and an aged care sector employment screening. More information can be found at: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/forms-resources

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8. CONTACTS

All enquires including eligibility criteria and the application process will be managed by email only. Please forward questions to medadmissions@flinders.edu.au.

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GLOSSARY

Automated Results Transfer System (ARTS) ARTS is an automated system that allows academic results to be directly retrieved from participating Australian University systems. As soon as results are loaded into a university system, results can be retrieved and uploaded for assessment of qualifications. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Student-Registrations.aspx Under the National Law, all students enrolled in a medical course and who are undertaking clinical training, must be registered as a student with the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA. Flinders University will, on behalf of the student, provide AHPRA with the relevant details for their registration. Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) www.aqf.edu.au The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area (ASGS - RA) ASGC-RA is a geographic classification system which allows quantitative comparisons between 'city' and 'country' Australia. Applicants can use the Remoteness Area Locator to look up the name of their town and find out its classification Autobiographical Statement This is required for applicants who wish to apply for the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC), please see Sections 5.4.5 for more details. Bachelor Degree A Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or equivalent forms the first part of the basis for admission into the Doctor of Medicine at Flinders. An applicant’s Grade Point Average is calculated using the results from their most recently completed Bachelor degree. Commonwealth Supported Place ‘Commonwealth supported’ means the cost of study is shared between the Australian Government and the student. The student is required to pay a student contribution amount and the Australian Government pays the balance of the course costs. Domestic Applicant Domestic applicants are Australian citizens / permanent resident or New Zealand citizens. Domestic applicants are eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places. Flinders Graduates Applicants who have completed or are due complete a Flinders qualification of AQF Level 7 or above in the year of application. Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) www.gamsat.acer.edu.au GAMSAT was developed to assist in the selection of students to participate in the graduate-entry programs. International Applicant

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Applicants who are not an Australian citizen / permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen must apply via the International Admissions Pathway. Non-Flinders University Graduates Applicants who do not hold a Flinders University qualification of AQF Level 7 or above in the year of application. Sub-quota Sub-quotas are entry pathways that enable applicants who meet specific entry criteria to compete for admission within a limited allocation of places.