Expedited Pathway – Registration Details

This fast-track pathway is designed for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) with an international specialist medical qualification; recognized qualifications from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, effective 21^st October 2024.

Key Points

A minimum period of six months of full-time equivalent supervised practice in the specialty will be completed in Australia.

SIMGs on the Expedited Specialist pathway must complete an orientation to the Australian healthcare system and cultural safety education during their period of supervised practice.

When the Medical Board has granted specialist registration and approved the supervised position, practice may begin.

At the end of the six months of practice, an orientation report, a supervised practice report and evidence of completed assessments must be submitted by the doctor.

Application is then made by the doctor to the Medical Board to have the conditions removed.

 

Eligibility

All IMGs must have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the AMC and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

To be eligible for the Expedited Specialist pathway, SIMGs must have a specialist qualification which is on the Medical Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list.

The current specialties on the list are:

• general practice

The priority specialties next to be considered are:

• anaesthesia
• obstetrics and gynaecology
• psychiatry

 

Application Process

• Apply to the ECFMG to establish an EPIC/MyIntealth account for verification of qualifications.
• Apply to the AMC for primary source verification (PSV) of primary and specialist medical qualifications.
• Check that the qualification appears on the Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list.
• Present a supervised practice plan that includes a nominated supervisor and details of a suitable specialist position for Board approval. This can be submitted at the time of registration application or afterward.
• If seeking a fellowship, apply to the relevant specialist medical college and complete the requirements while on the Expedited Specialist pathway.

 

Requirements

Must meet the requirements of the following approved registration standards:

• English language skills
• Recency of practice
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Criminal history, and
• Continuing professional development

Additionally, the specialist registration requires the doctor to demonstrate competency to practise the specialty in Australia by completing:

• a minimum of six months of full-time equivalent supervised practice approved by the Board, within the specialty in Australia
• a Board-approved orientation to the Australian healthcare system, and
• cultural safety education.

The Board may waive these requirements if they have previously been met.

 

Exemptions

There are exemptions to some requirements outlined in the Registration standard: specialist registration.

You will be exempt from the requirement to complete six months of full-time equivalent supervised practice within your specialty if you have been awarded an approved qualification for the specialty which was completed in Australia or internationally.

If you are qualified for specialist registration through the Expedited Specialist pathway but have not completed the required period of supervised practice, orientation and/or cultural safety education, the Board may impose conditions on your registration.

 

Fees – The Application cost is currently AUD 2,575 (AUD$2,504 for NSW Applicants)

 

Transition arrangements for SIMGs currently registered on the Specialist pathway

The Medical Board will accept applications for specialist registration from SIMGs with a qualification published on the Board’s Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list and who are currently registered on the Specialist pathway.

A SIMG who is currently registered on the Specialist pathway and who is eligible for the Expedited Specialist pathway:

• For those with limited registration: You may apply for specialist registration through the Expedited Specialist pathway upon its opening, or wait until your limited registration renewal is due, surrendering your limited registration once your specialist registration is approved. If supervised practice requirements are unmet, your specialist registration will be conditional to meet those requirements.
• For those with provisional registration: You may continue on the Specialist pathway with provisional registration or apply for specialist registration once the Expedited Specialist pathway opens. If you haven’t fulfilled the supervised practice requirements, your specialist registration will be conditional. Once all requirements are satisfied, you may qualify for general and specialist registration.

 

For more information contact us – info@doctorconnect.health