Tēnā koutou.

Please read some updates on the post-2024 training programme, the POPHLTH701 paper in 2026 and the Research Option.

Congratulations to those who have just completed the written UCPEX and the OSCE. We hope you are enjoying a much-deserved break. 

The Education Committee has largely focused on changes that are likely to occur with the post-2024 training programme (TP2025), specifically regarding progression through the various stages and to the WBA. We have received some early feedback about the WBA forms, and in conjunction with decisions about progression, there are likely to be changes made to the WBA forms and marking rubrics. We will advise you as soon as the changes are confirmed and released. 

For those wishing to do the POPHLTH701 research methods paper in 2026, we have had preliminary information that this paper is only being run in Semester 1 in 2026. For those wishing to complete this in 2026, we encourage you to check the enrolment dates and deadlines required by the University of Auckland. 

For trainees wishing to do the Research Option as an alternative to POPHLTH701 (or approved equivalent research methods paper), the criteria for acceptable research that would qualify under this option have now been confirmed. There are application forms for either research that has already been completed, or application forms for a proposed research project. These forms must be completed when submitting your application, and your research must be approved by the College to be exempt from doing the research methods university paper. Further information, including links to the required forms, is on the Research Methods in Health page. 

As a reminder, ALL trainees (pre- and post-2024 training programmes) are now required to complete the Leadership module to complete their fellowship. 

Finally, thank you to those who participated in the MCNZ accreditation visit. It was heartening to see the support from both trainees and Fellows for the College during the accreditation visit in October. It was particularly encouraging to hear the positive feedback about the new Leadership Module, so a big thanks goes out to those who have done the module, provided feedback and obviously to the Leadership Working Group who developed the module.

Ngā mihi,

Adrianne Pimentel – Convenor of the Education Committee