In the Australian medical system, there is a hierarchical structure of doctors that reflects their levels of training, qualifications, and responsibilities. This structure is generally similar to that of other Western countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
It's important to note that this hierarchy is not rigid, and doctors may move between levels depending on their training and qualifications. Additionally, some doctors may have dual roles, such as working as both a consultant and a clinical academic or researcher.
The doctor hierarchy in Australia is as follows:
Medical Students
These are individuals who are currently enrolled in medical school and are completing their undergraduate medical education.
Interns
After completing medical school, doctors must complete an intern year of supervised clinical practice before becoming fully registered as medical practitioners. During this year, interns work in a hospital setting, rotating through various specialties and gaining practical experience.
Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)
These are doctors who have completed their intern year and are in their second year of postgraduate training. RMOs work under the supervision of more senior doctors and are responsible for the day-to-day management of patients in hospital.
Registrars
These are doctors who are in the later stages of their postgraduate training and have completed several years of clinical experience. Registrars work under the supervision of consultants and are responsible for managing complex cases, performing procedures, and providing supervision and guidance to more junior doctors.
Consultants/Specialists
These are doctors who have completed their postgraduate training and have obtained a specialist qualification in a specific field, such as surgery, neurology, or psychiatry. Consultants are responsible for managing patients with complex medical conditions, providing expert advice to other healthcare professionals, and teaching and supervising junior doctors.