Supervisor development and support

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AOA is grateful to the many members who give their time and expertise to train the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. Effective training, supervision, and assessment safeguard patients and ensure every graduate meets the high standards of the AOA 21 curriculum. 

AOA supports trainers in their roles as teachers, supervisors, assessors, and role models through a comprehensive, accessible online development program. Details and access are outlined below.

Further opportunities for face-to-face and facilitated online engagement is planned over time.

Quick access links

  • These resources are available only to enrolled users and AOA members with an assigned AOA training role.
  • To access them, you will need to log in to the LMS first.
  • For enrolment support or access issues, please contact training@aoa.org.au
  • All training completed is CPD-eligible.

All consultants working with trainees must complete the four AOA 21 trainer foundation modules:

  • Teaching and Training: Trainee Rotations, A Planned Approach
  • Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA)
  • Giving Effective Feedback
  • Helping underperforming trainees

These modules are available via the LMS.

  • They may be completed as a refresher, or for the first time for those new to training.
  • They are equivalent to the RACS Foundation Skills for Surgical Educators (FSSE). AOA members who complete them are exempt from FSSE, but those who complete FSSE must still complete the AOA WBA workshop.

The trainee supervisor (TS) role description, updated in 2025, outlines key responsibilities.

A dedicated guide is currently in development to support this role and assist in fulfilling these responsibilities. 

In the meantime, TSs are encouraged to revisit the four AOA 21 foundation modules as a refresher and to explore relevant modules from the DoT Guide (below). 

The director of training (DoT) role description, updated in 2025, outlines key responsibilities. 

An online guide has been developed to support directors of training in fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.   It comprises ten modules, supporting the implementation of key policies and processes, alongside practical guidance, insights, underpinning rationale, and the principles of competency-based education and assessment.  

The Guide is designed for flexible use, either as a structured sequence or as a targeted reference, depending on need. 

Thank you for your commitment to culturally competent and safe healthcare environment.

Respectful Behaviour in Orthopaedics (RBO) – If It’s Broken, Let’s Fix It.  

  • An AOA-developed two-hour advanced online course designed to support leaders in orthopaedic training in recognising and addressing unacceptable behaviours.
  • Mandatory for AOA 21 trainee supervisors and directors of training (except those who have completed advanced training with RACS); highly recommended for all AOA 21 trainers.
  • Developed in line with the RACS Building Respect, Improving Patient Safety (BRIPS) initiative.
  • Equivalent to RACS one-day face-to-face advanced course in Operating with Respect.

Access RBO course

Please contact any of the following: 
  • Your regional training committee chair
  • Your AOA regional manager
  • The AOA 21 education and training team via training@aoa.org.au
  • The chief education and training officer
  • The dean of education
  • The chair of education and training 
Contact details are available here. 

Reminder

Courses and resources designed to support AOA trainers are available only to enrolled users or those with an assigned AOA training role. To access them, you will need to log in to the LMS first. For enrolment help or access issues, please contact training@aoa.org.au