In order for overseas-trained doctors or former overseas medical students who are permanent residents or Australian citizens to practice long term in Australia, their qualifications must be assessed as acceptable by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). OTDs without recognisable specialist or general practice qualifications are required to sit and pass a multiple choice question examination and a clinical examination and complete a period of supervised medical practice under the direction of a State Medical Board. The period of unsupervised work is normally 12 months, but as State registration requirements vary, there may be some disparity in supervision requirements. Contact details for the State and Territory Medical Registration Boards.
Overseas-trained specialists who meet basic eligibility criteria are able to apply through the AMC for assessment of specialist skills by a relevant Specialist Medical College in Australia. Training and experience of applicants is assessed against the training and examination programs of the relevant College and the standard required for admission to Fellowship of that College.
When overseas-trained specialists are assessed as competent to practice in Australia as specialists, they are granted formal recognition and their eligibility to apply for registration with conditions (registration limited to the designated field of specialty) in any State or Territory is confirmed with the Medical Registration Boards by the AMC.
In some States and Territories, overseas-trained general practitioners can seek recognition from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) that their overseas qualifications or experience meet the standard required for award of Fellowship as an alternative to undertaking the AMC examination. General practitioners assessed through this process are able to obtain registration with conditions (registration limited to the field of general practice).
The AMC contact details are as follows:
Australian Medical Council
PO Box 4810
KINGSTON ACT 2604
AUSTRALIA
Ph (64) (02) 6270 9777
Fax (64) (02) 6270 9799
Website http://www.amc.org.au/
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