What is the FLP?

What is the Flexible Learning Program?

A cornerstone of the Curriculum

The FLP is a key component of the RANZCOG Curriculum. It consists of a number of topics, each of which targets a relevant segment of the curriculum and contains specified learning objectives.

Key features of FLP topics

• FLP topics are small and manageable - there are 22 topics in total.
• The FLP is delivered exclusively through the RANZCOG website.
• FLP topics consist primarily of references to up-to-date resources, along with a brief guide to their use.
• Topics will be readily and regularly updated - resources will be added or removed and advice for their use will be reviewed and modified in order to maintain or enhance the educational value of the topic.
• Trainees are able to provide feedback directly to topic facilitators, and receive advice from facilitators, via e-mail.
• Knowledge and skills that trainees achieve in working through the FLP will be assessed in the examinations. There will be no other formal assessment of the FLP.
• Due to the cutting edge nature of its content, the FLP is also a useful resource for Fellows of the College.

How are FLP Topics Structured?

Resource-focused structure

The principal idea behind the format of FLP topics is that references are made to readily available resources, rather than having the actual resources included within the document. The types of resources vary from topic to topic, but usually include the following:

• Basic texts
• Key chapters of more advanced texts
• Major review articles
• Landmark original papers
• Relevant College publications (policies, statements, etc.)

An FLP topic is, however, more than a list of resources. There is logic to the sequence in which the resources are presented and there is brief commentary surrounding the references in order to serve as a guide to their use. The commentary ties everything into a coherent whole.

The FLP is designed as an aid to learning. Trainees will not be assessed on completion of each individual topic. Instead, it is expected that trainees will exercise sufficient responsibility, self motivation and initiative to plan and carry out a suitable multi-year study program that utilises the FLP as an important component in their preparations for the examinations and a subsequent career in obstetrics and gynaecology.

How is the FLP Assessed?

Assessment

Knowledge acquired by working through the FLP is assessed in the examinations. Do take note, however: The FLP is but one component, albeit an important one, in Trainees' preparations for the examinations — it does not constitute the entirety of the knowledge that is examinable. The exam content is defined by the RANZCOG Curriculum.

Remember, also, that the "F" in FLP means "flexible" - the FLP is designed to be easily revised, the aim being to keep topics up-to-date. If you have completed a topic that subsequently undergoes revision, you'll need to access the latest version to read through the new material. The date of the latest revision to each topic will be shown on the FLP download page, as well as on the first page of each topic document. Material in the most recent update, up to one month prior to the examination, will be examinable.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Some words of advice

• Revisions will not be so frequent or drastic that they'll leave you feeling that work done on earlier versions was a waste of time.
• The bulk of FLP study must not be left until the months just before an examination - there simply will not be enough time to complete all the work, let alone do so to a high standard. It is most important that the workload be spread out over a period of years, rather than months.

What are the FLP Topics?

List of FLP Topics

The following is a list of FLP topics. To download the topics you will need to be a member of the College and apply for a
username and password

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