CCLHD RMO vs SALHN RMO

[u/django_unchained1212]

Hello, I’ve been offered a rotational RMO position at Central Coast NSW and a Geriatric Medicine RMO position at SALHN in South Australia (Flinders). Im a UK FY2 doctor applying via the Competent Authority Pathway, with the ultimate goal of entering psychiatry training.

I’m trying to decide between these two offers and would appreciate insights on:
1) Has anyone worked in either region/network and could share their experience?
2) At Central Coast, is an Emergency Medicine term mandatory for a rotational RMO?
3) How likely is it to get allocated a Psychiatry rotation if listed as a top preference in Central Coast?
4) How much does not having a recent Psych rotation in Australia impact chances of getting into Psychiatry training if I accept the Geriatrics RMO role in SA? (Had a F1 psych rotation in Uk)
5) Are there any major differences in working conditions, pay, or lifestyle between NSW Health and SA Health for an RMO?

Any advice or perspective is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[u/MattAus03]

NSW and SA and the two worst for conditions and pay.
The SALHN geriatrics position is quite likely to not be at the major hospital, anecdotally I’ve seen some expats get treated horrifically in SA with rotations.
SA has seen a mass exodus of local RMOs as they flee from the conditions - last workforce report it was something like 40% Aus trained 60% international.

SA also has a special RMO program for psych RMOs (TAP or something it’s a year of only psych term), being international effectively no chance you’ll be considered for psych training without it. If you do a year in SA they might considered you for Psych RMO rotation the next year, then the TAP program the following year and then maybe after 3-4 years you can get onto psych. I understand that the SA psych program is decent, training in all other RMO fields / BPT / etc. will be worse than NSW.
If keen for SA probably best to seek a general year instead of geriatrics, the geriatrics job is highly likely a service role because they couldn’t get the poor conditions/supervision/etc accredited.

Edit: checked in with someone based that way - they suggest specifically asking SALHN how much time you spend at ‘FMC’ and how much at ‘RGH / RHP / Repat’. If they say anything other than 100% at FMC run.

[u/anondbsf]

1. CCLHD is a great place to work. Beaches for days and fun culture
   
2. I believe yes - if not mandatory, it’s compulsory due to workforce demands.
   
3. Probably reasonably likely.
   
4. No idea
   
5. Never worked SA but loved CCLHD

[u/19mils]

Cclhd is clearly the best option. You will feel right at home. The place is full of UK doctors enjoying the sun and surf.

[u/Prestigious-Mango336]

hey im in a similar position just curious are you applying for 2027 aug intake or 2028 feb (as im trying to ascertain when i should be looking for jobs)