Guidelines for AGES Accredited Units
This page outlines key information for Accredited Units in the AGES training program in advanced endoscopic surgery.
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Position Advertisements
Trainee Recruitment and Advertising
Trainee interviews are conducted at the AGES Society Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), which is held in early March each year. Dates for upcoming ASMs are published on the AGES website.
Each August, the AGES Secretariat contacts the Unit Director at every AATP training site to confirm whether a training position will be available to commence the following year. Where a position is available, the Unit Director is required to complete a proforma application outlining the eligibility criteria for the AATP position(s) and confirming the wording to be used in the program advertisement.
Advertising for Trainees
Advertising for training positions will commence in November. Training opportunities will be disseminated through the following channels:
- AGES website:
Comprehensive information for trainees will be available on the AGES website, including training site locations. Updated position descriptions and advertisements will be published on the website, which will serve as the primary source of information. All other advertising methods will direct trainees to the AGES website for full details. - eScope:
Due to space limitations, advertisements will be abbreviated. A general notification will appear in the spring release of eScope, with detailed listings provided in the summer release. - Additional advertising:
Unit Directors may choose to advertise training positions through additional channels at their discretion, as the employing body. AGES does not accept responsibility for these advertising methods. Individual units may also be subject to local operational or employment requirements, whether trainees are employed through public or private facilities. It is the responsibility of the Unit Director to comply with these requirements. The AGES Secretariat will not be responsible for notifying external organisations on behalf of an AATP unit.
Timeline
- First call: by 1 November in the year prior to ASM interviews
- Second call: by 1 February in the year of the ASM
- Applications close: by the second week of February
Late applications will not be accepted.
Trainee Registration
Following appointment to an AGES-accredited training program, the Unit Director must notify the AGES Secretariat of the trainee appointed to their unit.
Trainees must be registered upon appointment and no later than mid-December in the year prior to their first year of training. Registration is completed via the AGES website by submitting the appropriate electronic form. Any periods of leave that may affect training (e.g. parental leave or special leave) must be notified to AGES Education.
Trainee registration is the responsibility of the trainee. Trainees who do not register within the required timeframe will receive one reminder notice, with a copy sent to the relevant Unit Director. Failure to complete registration within two weeks of this reminder will result in the trainee not being registered.
Trainee Requirements
All requirements for the satisfactory completion of the AATP are outlined in the Trainee Guidelines, which are available for download on the Trainee Documentation page of the AGES website.
Trainee Contact
Directors of Training must ensure that trainees are able to attend the AGES Society Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Attendance at the ASM during training is a mandatory requirement.
A trainee meeting will be held in conjunction with the ASM, and attendance is compulsory for all trainees. The Training Representative and Board Liaison are responsible for organising and conducting this meeting, in collaboration with the AGES Board or representatives appointed by the Chair of Education.
Trainees are also expected to attend other AGES meetings, including the Pelvic Floor and Focus meetings, each year. In addition, trainees are encouraged to attend the annual AGES/RANZCOG Trainee Workshop as facilitators. Volunteering for this workshop is expected when it is held in the same state as the trainee’s training site.
Trainee Recognition
Training documentation for each trainee is reviewed every six (6) months by the AGES Education Committee.
Certificates of Recognition are awarded to trainees who have successfully completed all training requirements at the AGES Society Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in the year following completion of training. Attendance at the ASM is expected in order to receive the certificate.
Trainee Sites
Training Site Review
- Unit Directors must inform the AGES Secretariat of any substantial changes to the training program that would materially alter the program or result in it no longer meeting training requirements (for example, a reduction in the minimum number of accredited training supervisors).
- Failure to notify the AGES Secretariat of such changes may result in the unit being removed as an accredited training site. In this circumstance, the unit will be required to reapply for accreditation and submit a full application, including payment of the $3,300 application fee.
- Re-accreditation of a training unit will occur every five (5) years, or earlier where there has been a material change in staffing or services.
Accreditation of New Sites
- Applications for new training sites are reviewed on an annual basis.
- Application forms are available on the AGES website.
- Applications must be received by 1 May in the year prior to advertising the training position.
- A non-refundable application fee of $3,300 is payable at the time of application, regardless of whether the position is approved.
- Outcomes of applications, including site visits where required, will be communicated by 1 August to ensure advertising is aligned with other AGES AATP-accredited sites.
- Accredited positions will commence in the year following advertising and interview.
Training Supervisors & Site Certificates
- Training Site Certificates are reviewed by the AGES Training Committee by 1 November, following completion of one full year of training at the site.
- Certificates of Recognition are awarded to approved training supervisors and are issued electronically.
- Unit Directors are responsible for maintaining an up-to-date record of training supervisors and for notifying the AGES Secretariat of any substantial changes.