A Milestone Week in Ballarat: MD Program Receives Formal Academic Approval

From 11 to 15 May, several members of the NewMed team enjoyed a highly productive multi-day visit to Federation University’s Mt. Helen campus. The purpose of the visit was to advance the operational and structural integration of NewMed becoming the Federation University School of Medicine.

Throughout the week, the joint teams engaged in intensive, collaborative workshops. These sessions were specifically directed at refining the integrated delivery and service offering, and shaping our comprehensive student support systems ready to go from day one.

 

The highlight of the week occurred on 12 May, when the Federation University Academic Board successfully completed its rigorous course approval processes and formally approved the ND9 MD Program. This academic milestone is a major step forward as we work toward delivering a contemporary, evidence based medical curriculum designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of Australian communities.

AMC Accreditation Workshop and Visit Dates Confirmed

On May 13, Prof. Stephen Tobin, alongside Prof. James Fraser, Prof. Hayder Al-Abuidy, and Dr. Rachelle Levi attended a highly collaborative Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation workshop in Melbourne.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to share insights and establish benchmarks alongside representatives from other medical programs across Australia, including the University of Newcastle Joint Medical Program (JMP) with the University of New England, and Curtin University Medical School. Engaging with peers running successful distributed and regional clinical training models reinforces our shared goal of medical school programs, including outside of major metropolitan centres.

Following the workshop, the official accreditation dates and panel team members for the Federation University School of Medicine evaluation were formally confirmed. With our comprehensive AMC Stage 2 submission currently under active review by the AMC and the appointed accreditation team, we are fully focused on preparations and look forward to welcoming the panel for the site visits in early August 2026.

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Holistic Selection for Postgraduate Medical School

Are you applying to an Australian postgraduate medical school? Be prepared for a comprehensive, holistic selection process that looks far beyond academic transcripts. Medical programs are seeking well-rounded candidates who demonstrate not only intellectual capacity but also the personal qualities essential for a successful career in medicine.

Your GPA and GAMSAT scores provide the foundational academic benchmarks, confirming your ability to handle the rigours of medical training. However, the true holistic assessment begins with your Personal Statements and Portfolio evidence.  This is your chance to articulate your motivations, experiences, and understanding of the profession, revealing your commitment and empathy for people and communities. Your views and achievements can be explored at interviews, including Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) that also evaluate essential attributes like communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning through scenario-based assessments.

Ultimately, holistic selection ensures that successful applicants possess the right balance of scholarly excellence and critical interpersonal skills, demonstrating suitability to be a medical student. By completion of medical programs, this ensures the future medical workforce is capable and compassionate.