Can you practise medicine in Australia?

An International Medical Graduate must first secure a suitable position to be able to apply for limited medical registration. And employers will not consider an applicant who does not meet the basic requirements specific to the appropriate pathway to limited registration.

So, if you are serious about working Down Under, you need to understand the basics about registration and employment criteria.

Since 1 July 2010 nationally consistent pathways have determined the registration of medical practitioners. The Board is supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which is responsible for the registration and accreditation of ten (10) health professions across Australia.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who do not qualify for general or specialist registration must be eligible to apply for limited registration through one of the following pathways:

Specialist pathway - for applicants who have fulfilled all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training

Consequently qualifications, training and experience must first be assessed by Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the relevant specialist college, to determine the equivalence of overseas training with Australian training, with a view to establishing eligibility for specialist registration in Australia. The assessment processes include a paper-based assessment and panel interview with the relevant specialist college.

It is often recommended that overseas trained specialists commence assessment of their specialist qualifications before applying for positions in Australia. These applications for specialist assessment are complex and expensive. Wulff Medical Consulting is experienced and knowledgeable in the processing of all applications associated with medical employment in Australia, and we can provide assistance with your application for specialist assessment.

Competent Authority pathway - for non-specialist applicants who have completed specified training and assessment through approved overseas competent authorities

Not sure if this applies to you?

Do you have a primary medical degree from the UK, Canada, USA, Ireland or New Zealand?

Have you completed the equivalent licensing exams, such as the PLAB I and II, NZREX, USMLE, LMCC?

AND

Have you completed a full year of supervised practice in this country so that you are eligible for full and unconditional registration with the licensing authority in that country?

Then you may be eligible to apply to AMC for a Certificate of Advanced Standing (this is not an AMC certificate). To become eligible for an AMC certificate, the applicant must undertake a workplace-based performance assessment while working under supervision, but is not required to sit the AMC MCQ or clinical examinations.

Applications for a Certificate of Advanced Standing are not nearly as complicated as those for specialist assessment. However, if you would prefer to take advantage of our expert assistance and appoint Wulff Medical Consulting as your exclusive recruitment agency, we are happy assist with your application free-of-charge.

Standard pathway - for non-specialist applicants who are not eligible for registration under the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways

These applicants must first pass the AMC Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) examination. Information about times and locations of the exams is available from the AMC website.

The AMCMCQ is offered at regular intervals and many overseas locations. To become eligible for an AMC certificate, the applicant must also pass the AMC clinical examination.

Additional information / Employment criteria

In addition to meeting registrations requirements, it can be difficult to be considered for a medical position in Australia if you do not possess experience in a health system similar to Australia. Employers receive many more applications than they need, especially for junior positions, and preference is given to IMGs with recent clinical experience in health systems similar to Australia.
This preference for experience in a health system similar to Australia is of less significance for specialist applicants. However, overseas trained specialists are recommended to commence assessment of their specialist qualifications before applying for positions in Australia so that potential employers can be assured of your future eligibility for registration under the specialist pathway.
Non-specialist applicants and general practitioners may also be required to participate in a Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI).
Final approval of medical registration is at the discretion of the medical board.

Elements common to all Pathways

Primary Source Verification. All IMGs must have their medical qualifications independently verified. This process is administered Australian Medic al Council (AMC) for the assessment of qualifications by the International Credentials Service of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States (EICS verification).

Evidence of English language proficiency. All medical practitioners seeking registration, regardless of country of origin, are required to validate their English language proficiency according to the English language skills registration standard. This provides an objective measure to determine whether the applicant's language skills are appropriate to the professional requirements of Australian medical practice.

Orientation. All IMGs will be expected to undertake orientation to the health system, workplace and culture in order to work successfully in the Australian health environment. Employer Workplace orientation enhances an IMG's ability to work safely and with confidence in their new position. Structured orientation aims to familiarise the doctor with the physical, administrative and clinical work environment.