Practical tips for starting a successful national postgraduate course.

Background: Few start national courses, and those that do usually do it once. The aim of this paper is to outline an approach to conduct a successful national postgraduate course.

Methods: The practical tips were derived from personal experience.

Results: The 12 tips identified are: define learning needs and curriculum, create a functioning structure, recruit a committed faculty, obtain legitimacy, promote your course, try out the concept, establish administrative support, use modern techniques and accessories, create course-related social activities, keep all on board, collect ongoing evaluation, and stay in control.

Conclusion: It is hoped that these tips will make it easier for others to take the decisive first step in the exciting task of starting a national course; that is: 'to know the road ahead - ask those coming back'.