Assessment of foreign medical qualifications Professor Peter G. Procopis AM, MBBS, FRACP Member, Medical Board of Australia President, Medical Council of New South Wales

Introduction 87,000 registered doctors in Australia 21,000 (24%) completed their medical degree overseas 7 of the top 10 source countries were developing countries 2

Eligibility and assessments Primary qualification at a training institution listed in IMED Completion of internship (note Canada) Training verified by ECFMG International Credentials Service 3

Pathways to registration Competent authority pathway Specialist pathway Standard pathway 4

Competent authority pathway General Medical Council (GMC), UK: for PLAB examination of UK graduates Medical Council of Canada: LMCC United States of America: USMLE + 2 years of approved residency New Zealand: NZ registration exam + internship Ireland: graduate + internship 5

Specialist pathway For overseas trained specialists recognised as such in their own country: Full specialty recognition – qualifications assessed by Australian Specialty College Area of need specialist – assessed on qualifications of job requirements Training for a limited position for specialists in training or OTS 6

Standard pathway IMGs not eligible under competent authority or specialist pathways. AMC examinations - MCQ - Clinical Workplace based assessments – must have passed AMC MCQ (pilot program 6 accredited sites) Area of need pathway : suitable for position as per PD. Structured clinical interview beforehand. 7

English language proficiency Recognised tests: IELTS, OET, NZREX, PLAB Exemptions: Qualifications taught and assessed in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA Limited registration – demonstration clinical techniques -Research with limited or no patient contact -Supervised training in an appropriately supported environment ensuring patient safety not compromised 8

Challenges Reduced bureaucracy – “lost in the labyrinth” report Are English test requirements too strict? Competent authority pathway for specialists Assessment before starting vs on the job Workforce considerations 9