Despite a consistent demand for GPs and Medical specialists from comparable healthcare systems in Australia, the timelines and processes have been long and off-putting for some medical professionals who want to make the move.
The Kruk review has already brought about some positive changes to the process. For GPs, the RACGP comparability assessment no longer requires 10 case studies and the in-person Ahpra ID checks have also been abolished.
Further to these changes, the Kruk review ‘explicitly recommended the creation of an alternative fast track pathway to specialist registration for eligible medical specialists from countries with comparable healthcare systems.’
The key points are:
- A new process to safely fast-track internationally trained medical specialists into the Australian health system is coming
- GPs, anaesthetists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, and psychiatrists are the priority specialties identified by jurisdictions
- Consultation with specialist colleges is underway to identify the comparable overseas specialist qualifications that will open access to the new pathway, which will sit alongside the existing specialist medical college assessment system.
National Cabinet has put the reform in the sights of Ahpra and the Medical Board and to meet government expectations. The Medical Board and Ahpra have targeted October 2024 as the start date for the expedited specialist pathway for general practice, and December 2024 for an expedited pathway for anaesthetists, obstetricians and gynaecologists and psychiatry.
‘The goals of an expedited pathway would be to have more well qualified, specialist IMGs to better meet the Australian community's medical needs with quicker specialist registration for qualified and competent SIMGs and with fewer barriers.’
Full details can be found here Medical Board of Australia - Medical Board creating fast track process to get more medical specialists to Australia
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