AMC grants accreditation to School of Medicine’s medical programs

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has reaccredited the School of Medicine’s medical programs for a further term ending 31 March 2021.

The School of Medicine offers a four-year graduate-entry medical program.

Previously a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, in 2014 the award changed to a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Continuing MBBS students in Years 2, 3 and 4 were able to transfer to the MD.

The AMC accreditation report found that the medical program is supported by committed and enthusiastic clinical supervisors and provides excellent teaching resources.

It stated that the curriculum is comprehensive and well-integrated, and assessment practices are thorough and well blueprinted. It also highlighted the outstanding co-located academic and clinical facilities at the Gold Coast campus and Gold Coast University Hospital, and the collaborative arrangements with co-located medical schools.

The AMC requires that education providers submit regular progress reports on their accredited medical programs, addressing the accreditation standards.

The School will also be asked to report on areas where conditions have been set on the accreditation or recommendations made to improve areas of the program, including the implementation of strategies being developed to improve Indigenous Health educational expertise in the program, and an overarching First Peoples’ Health (Indigenous Health) curriculum.

Approved accreditation standards

On the basis of the team’s report, the AMC Directors 11 March 2015 meeting agreed that the medical programs of the Griffith University, School of Medicine meet the approved accreditation standards. These programs are: · Doctor of Medicine (MD) · Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) (N.B. accreditation of the MBBS will cease 31 December 2017 as the School will withdraw the MBBS by the end of 2016).

“The accreditation of the MD program to 2021 is a vindication of this highly innovative medical program,” said Dean of Medicine Professor Simon Broadley.

“We are very pleased that the AMC team have commented on and commended the School staff and our clinical partners for their commitment and dedication to the education of our students.

“This accreditation will permit the School to continue to further develop the curriculum and introduce further innovations, particularly in the area of First Peoples Health.

“The School thoroughly enjoyed the collegial approach of the AMC review team and is very pleased to see that many of the innovative developments that have been implemented at Griffith were viewed very positively by the team.”