CPD resources and templates

ANZSOM is proud to be working with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to support our members in fulfilling the new CPD requirements. As we collaborate, various resources including templates for CPD planning and for conducting audits to meet Category 2 and 3 CPD activity requirements will be hosted or linked via this page.

Professional Development Planning (PDP)

From 2023 a professional development plan (PDP) is a requirement for all doctors.

Many will be new to the concept of a PDP and ANZSOM has collaborated with the RACP to provide a template customised for Occupational Medicine that will help you formulate your first PDP.

Please note that using this template is not a requirement – it is available to you to use if you find it helpful but is just one option available to you. More information about creating a plan and other templates is available on the RACP site and it is possible to use the template in MyCPD that will automatically reflect whether your planned activities will meet CPD requirements. If you complete a PDP as part of an annual performance review, then that PDP (as long as it covers your CPD) is acceptable.

Download Professional Development Plan template

If you do use this template, please note:

Review the activities suggested and adjust (delete what doesn’t apply and add what is not there) to suit your specific circumstances. Add the dates by which you plan to complete the activity.
The categories for the activities listed are suggestions only and you need to review whether you agree with the category suggested.
Add the number of hours you predict you will spend on each activity and ensure the total the hours will meet requirements. Please note that this template automatically adds up the hours in each category.
You can add activities already completed either in this template or directly into MyCPD or both.
Save the template to a place that is easy to find if you are audited and/or upload to MyCPD.
Enter MyCPD and add the activity ‘planning/maintaining a professional development plan’ and include the time you have spent. You can include in this claim time you spend looking at example activities or researching activities that would be useful for you to complete.
Please remember to keep the evidence of activities you complete - see Guide to evidence.
If you have doubts about the category for a particular activity please contact the MyCPD team:

Annual Conversation

In addition to developing a Professional Development Plan (PDP), some colleges, including the RACP, mandate an Annual Conversation which works hand in hand with the PDP to help guide and inform your professional development. In New Zealand, the Annual Conversation is now a requirement for recertification.

Many ANZSOM members are likely to be required to have an Annual Conversation, while others may find it a useful way of planning their development. Whether it is a mandated or recommended activity, the Annual Conversation contributes to Category 2 Reviewing Performance points, and when combined with your PDP may enable you to meet the minimum 5-hour requirement for Category 2 points.

So, what is an Annual Conversation?

An Annual Conversation is a structured discussion with a peer, colleague, or employer. It is an opportunity to reflect on your development needs and intentions for the year, receive constructive feedback, and explore job satisfaction, self-care and any health and wellbeing issues so you can adjust your practice accordingly.

When is the best time to have an Annual Conversation?

A good time to have the conversation is towards the end of your current CPD year, so you can prepare your next PDP and decide on your activities for the coming year. This way you can use the information you have obtained undertaking activities across the three types of CPD to inform the conversation. The Annual Scientific Meeting in October is an excellent opportunity!

Is there a template for an Annual Conversation?

Yes, the RACP has developed a template, which is accessible on the RACP website (note: if you are not an RACP Member, you can register for guest access).

If you have any feedback regarding any of the templates above, we would be pleased to hear about it so that we can continue with the College to improve support for Fellows and ANZSOM members. Please send feedback through to secretariat@anzsom.org.au