‘Many, many’ Australian doctors advertising as general physicians without required qualifications

General physicians care for patients with unusual or complex conditions, and see patients in hospital or those who are referred to them. Photograph: Penny Stephens/The Guardian

Some doctors are using the title “specialist general physician” despite not having completed the training required by law, potentially misleading patients with complex and chronic health conditions that require specialised care, physicians say.

After completing a medical degree and postgraduate work experience, graduates can apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) fellowship training program. All RACP trainees complete similar foundational training before choosing areas of advanced training to specialise in such as geriatrics, cardiology, general medicine or other areas.