Long case assessments

Trainees must successfully complete at least one local long case assessment and one external long case assessment during the training program. Both assessments use the same marking form. To achieve a pass the trainee must demonstrate proficiency at the level of a specialist pain medicine physician in their first year of practice.

 Local long case assessment

The local long case assessment is held in the training unit and assessed by two FPM fellows.
 
The assessors do not necessarily need to work at the unit or know the trainee but at least one of the fellows must have previously assessed a long case. The patient should be known to one of the assessors but not the trainee and must be invited as opposed to being a waiting list patient.

Guidance notes a have been prepared to support units in the delivery of the local long case assessment. The marking guide is available via the FPM Trainee Support Resources in Learn@ANZCA.
 
The marking form must be submitted via the ePortfolio.
 
Once a trainee has passed a local long case they can sit the external long case assessment.  If they are then unsuccessful at the externally run long case assessment, they must re-sit the local long case assessment and achieve a pass before they can repeat the external long case assessment.

External long case assessment

External long case assessments are usually held in major cities across Australia and in New Zealand twice a year, and once a year in Hong Kong and Adelaide. Trainees need to meet the eligibility criteria and submit their application by the relevant application closing date, which varies for each region in view of the scheduling of these assessments. 

These assessments are limited to trainees who live in the region. In regions where the external long cases are not delivered, trainees are encouraged to contact the faculty prior to applying. Candidates sitting the external long case assessments are advised to complete a rapid antigen test (RAT), if experiencing flu-like symptoms on the day of the assessment. 


Regions
Venue
Assessment date
Application closing date
Application form
QueenslandMS Pain Rehabilitation Centre
Monday 24 March 2025
Friday 21 February 2025
Registration closed
New Zealand
Wellington Hospital
Monday 28 April 2025
Friday 14 March 2025
Registration closed
South AustraliaNorthern Adelaide Local Health Network
Saturday 10 May 2025
Friday 28 March 2025
Registration closed
Western Australia
Joondalup PainScience
Friday 23 May 2025
Wednesday 9 April 2025
Registration link
New South Wales
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Friday 30 May 2025Wednesday 16 April 2025Registration link
Victoria
Austin HealthSaturday 21 June 2025Wednesday 7 May 2025Registration link
Hong KongPrince of Wales (Hong Kong)Saturday 21 June 2025Wednesday 21 May 2025Registration link

Eligibility criteria

Trainees may present for the external long case assessment if by the published closing date, they have:

  • Completed at least one satisfactory ITA.  
  • Completed the physical examination assessment.  
  • Passed one local long case assessment.
  • Applied on the approved form and paid the long case assessment fee.

If unsuccessful at the external long case assessment, a trainee must complete an additional local long case assessment prior to re-sitting the external long case.