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The information does not constitute professional advice and should not be
relied upon as such. Formal advice from appropriate advisers and
representative bodies should be sought on particular matters.
The Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria does not accept liability to any
person for the information or advice contained in this Guide, or incorporated
into it by reference, or for loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance
upon the material contained in the Guide.
Please note:
Information in this Guide may need to be updated from time to time. If you
have a hard copy of this Guide it is important to consult the electronic version
on the PMCV website www.pmcv.com.au to access the most current
information.
Please note:
Section 7: Acronyms................................................................................................ 41
Section 1: First Step- Obtaining Medical Registration
IMG Eligibility
IMGs are eligible to apply to the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria
(MPBV) for general registration in Victoria if:
• They are an AMC graduate 1 and have completed 12 months of broad based
supervised training in Australia, which has included rotations of at least 10
weeks in medicine, 10 weeks in surgery and 8 weeks in emergency
medicine, or
• They are an AMC graduate*, have completed 12 months supervised training
in Australia and can demonstrate broad competence to at least the level of
an Australian intern at the end of first year, or
• They are from a Competent Authority and have completed 12 months of
approved supervised training in Victoria.
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations.
2
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/6_1_Guidelines_General.pdf
1
• Provisional Registration - AMC Graduates 1 : Section 9(1)
Granted to allow AMC graduates, who have been offered a position in a
Victorian teaching hospital to complete at least 12 months of approved
supervised training - a prerequisite for general registration in Victoria.
Note: The 12 months supervised training required must be broad based and
include at least 10 weeks in medicine and surgery and eight weeks in
emergency medicine.
Full particulars of Provisional Registration for AMC graduates are set out on
2
the MPBV’s website
Full particulars of Specific Registration for AMC graduates are set out on the
3
MPBV’s website
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations
2
http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/9_ANZ_Guidelines_Provisional.pdf
3
http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_d_Guidelines_Supervised_Training.pdf
2
Q. How can I increase my chances of obtaining a supervised training
position in a Victorian hospital?
A. Visit the websites of Victorian hospitals – generally all vacancies are
advertised, and some hospitals have facilities for automated alerts when a
position appears that suits your skills. The Department of Human Services
(DHS) has a detailed list of all metropolitan and rural public hospitals and health
services via the following links:
1
Metropolitan hospitals
2
Rural Hospitals
Ensure that you have all the prerequisites for Specific Registration as listed
below, including: verification of your medical degree, evidence that you meet the
English language requirements or have successfully passed a suitable English
language test, and evidence that you have passed the AMC Multiple Choice
Question (MCQ) examination.
1
https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/Metrohos.htm
2
https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm
3
• you are in good standing with the medical registration authority with which
you are currently/were last registered; and
• you have obtained or sought, primary source verification of your degree in
medicine through the Education Commission for Foreign Medical
Graduates International Credentials Service (EICS); and
• you meet the requirements of the policy “National English Language
1
Requirement for IMGs”
and
• you have an offer of a position from a Victorian teaching institution that
provides training under appropriate supervision; and
• you have not been granted in excess of 60 months of specific registration or
equivalent elsewhere in Australia (including the period of registration you
are applying for); and
• you have passed the AMC MCQ examination (applicable for ‘Standard
pathway’ applications from 1 July 2008).
1
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf;
2
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_d_Guidelines_Supervised_Training.pdf
4
Other categories of Specific Registration
Specialist Registration
1
www.amc.org.au
2
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf
5
and
• you have evidence of recognition of specialist qualifications either by way of
an award of College Fellowship, or by way of certification issued by the AMC
that you are recognised as a specialist and eligible for specialist registration
in Australia, and
• three written references from professional colleagues, commenting on your
character, abilities and suitability for independent, specialist practice.
1
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_f_Guidelines_Specialist.pdf
6
Q. I am in Victoria to undertake a medical teaching or research position.
How do I obtain registration for this purpose?
A. You may apply to the MPBV for Specific Registration under section 7(1)(a) of
the Act for this purpose. With your application you must also provide:
• Details of the nature, time and location of the demonstration
• The name of the registered medical practitioner responsible for coordinating
the demonstration
• Certified copy of your primary degree
• Certified copy of evidence of completion of internship or equivalent
• Certificate of Registration Status/Good Standing from the last medical
registration authority with which you are/were registered, dated within the
last three months Certified copy of photo identification
• Passport size photograph
• Evidence of compliance with English language testing requirements or,
where appropriate, an application for exemption from these requirements.
1
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_a_Guidelines_Teaching_Research.pdf
7
Q. What are the prerequisites for AON Specialist Registration?
A. To be eligible to apply for specific registration as an AON Specialist, you must
provide evidence that you have met the requirements of the AMC Assessment
Process for AON Specialists.
1
You will find a User’s Guide to the Assessment Process on the AMC’s website
Categories of Eligibility
You must fall within one of the following categories:
(a) you have general practice training, postgraduate qualifications and
experience equivalent to a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of
General Practitioners (RACGP), or
(b) you have been accepted into a Scheme administered by the Rural
Workforce Agency, Victoria (RWAV), i.e. the Victorian Overseas Trained
Doctors Rural Recruitment Scheme (CPAC Scheme) or the Rural Locum
Relief Program (RLRP), or
(c) you have successfully completed an assessment of general practice skills
authorised by the MPBV.
1
http://www.amc.org.au/images/publications/AONUsersGuide.pdf
8
Full particulars of Specific Registration - Area of Need eligibility and process
1
requirements are set out on the MPBV website
1
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_c_Guidelines_Area_of_Need.pdf
9
Section 2: Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) IMG
National Assessment Process
IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who have completed training and
assessment through AMC designated and approved Competent Authorities are
eligible to apply for ‘advanced standing’ towards the AMC certificate. If the AMC
grants advanced standing status to the individual, he or she is not required to sit
the AMC Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) or AMC clinical examinations,
but is required to undertake workplace based assessment whilst completing an
approved period of supervised training in the Australian health system. On
completion of these requirements, a candidate may be awarded the AMC
certificate and granted general registration.
10
Q. What are the AMC approved Competent Authorities?
A. Currently, the following countries are designated Competent Authorities:
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• United States
• New Zealand
• Ireland
The AMC has accredited these courses and assessment as being substantially
equivalent to Australian courses of study and assessment leading to the award of
MBBS (or equivalent). Other countries may be approved in the future.
1
http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/ca
2
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/img-assess.php
11
Competent Authority (CA) Assessment pathway – Some frequently asked
questions (FAQs)
Please note: It is recommended that the information detailed above is read prior
to viewing the following FAQs
Q. Is an IMG eligible if he/she has only the basic qualification (e.g. PLAB
exam but no GMC approved supervised training/USMLE but no GME
completion/NZREX but no rotations)?
A. No, must have ALL the requirements (basic qualification PLUS prescribed
supervised training/internships/residency.)
12
Transitional Provisions
13
(Further information relating to the Transitional pathway for IMGs currently
working under supervision in Victoria, including application forms can be
1
accessed via the following link on the MPBV website
This pathway is designed for IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who are
not eligible for registration under the CA pathway. Doctors who have not
obtained qualifications from authorities presently on the AMC Competent
Authority list will be required to undertake either:
• the AMC MCQ and AMC clinical examinations (current pathway) or
• the AMC MCQ plus workplace based assessment (scheduled for staged
implementation from July 2008)
1
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/content.php?sec=170)
2
www.amc.org.au
3
www.vmpf.org.au
4
www.racgp.org.au/protd/amc
5
www.med.monash.edu.au/general-practice/teaching/amcprogram.html
14
Generally, courses run from between 4 to 20 weeks. There are 2 types of
bridging courses offered: one that prepares candidates to sit for the AMC MCQ,
and the other to prepare candidates for the AMC clinical examination. There is an
Australian Government loan scheme for participants of the AMC bridging course
program called “FEE-HELP”, which is available to eligible permanent resident
doctors. It covers the fees for bridging courses. For more information, visit the
1
website of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/Quickfind/InternationalStudents/BridgingCoursesForOversea
sTrainedProfessionals.htm
15
For further information and updates relating to the process and requirements of
1
the Standard pathways it is suggested you regularly check both the AMC and
the MPBV 2 websites.
This pathway is designed for Overseas Trained Specialists (OTS) applying for
specialist positions that meet the eligibility for registration under the specialist
pathway. This pathway is intended for the range of available specialist positions.
New applicants for registration as OTS and occupational trainees on the Specialist
pathway will require college certification and be formally affiliated with a College
approved training program. Doctors who are currently registered (pre 1 July
2008) in the post-graduate trainee category will continue to be eligible for
extension of registration for up to five (5) years, providing they demonstrate
progress towards full registration via AMC or College pathways.
If new applicants do not meet the criteria for the specialist pathway from 1 July
2008, they will need to apply for registration through the CA or Standard
pathway.
1
www.amc.org.au
2
www.medicalboardvic.org.au
3
http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_f_Guidelines_Specialist.pdf
16
Section 3: Computer Matching
Intern Match
As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the
Intern Match:
In addition, you will need to provide documentation to support and verify your
eligibility for the Intern Match:
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations
17
Registration for the Intern Match
The Intern Match opens in mid February every year. Please refer to the Schedule
1
of Dates which is available on the computer matching website
If you are eligible to participate in the Intern Match, you need to register for a
username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences
2
and nominate referees online. Please visit
2) Non-VPR – Other candidates who are eligible for the Intern Match,
including:
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au
2
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
3
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations
18
• Temporary Resident Medical Graduate of an Interstate Medical Faculty (i.e.
international full-fee student)
i) All eligible candidates submit their preference rank order of hospitals online
via the Computer Matching Service.
(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the
Computer Matching Service.
• The VPR & Non-VPR Match occurs simultaneously; with VPR graduates
guaranteed an Intern position in Victoria.
• A computer algorithm matches both candidate and hospital preferences,
matching the highest possible preference of each candidate against the
hospital rankings of candidates.
For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate
1
preferences refer to
The number of positions available for Non-VPR candidates depends on the
number of VPR graduates participating in the Match
• Positions for Non-VPR are generally distributed across all parent hospitals.
Q. I have completed both the AMC MCQ and clinical examinations but
have not yet been issued with my AMC certificate. Am I still eligible to
apply for the Intern Match?
A. Yes, if a certificate has not yet been issued you can submit a letter from the
AMC stating that you have satisfied the requirements but the certificate is
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm
19
not yet available and/or copies of your MCQ and Clinical examination
results.
Q. I have passed the MCQ component of the AMC examinations. Can I get
a position in a Victorian hospital through the Computer Match?
A. If you are registered as an AMC candidate and have passed the MCQ, you may
like to contact hospitals directly regarding the availability of positions.
However, you will not be able to apply for an Intern position offered during the
Computer Matching process as you are not an AMC Graduate 1 .
A list of hospitals in Victoria offering pre-vocational posts can be found in the
Hospital Directory section of the Computer Matching website at
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/hospitaldirectory/index.cfm
Q. Can I apply directly to hospitals for intern or HMO positions and not
use the PMCV computer matching service?
A. All Intern and most HMO positions are allocated via the computer matching
process. However, throughout the year some hospitals may have positions which
become available. Please contact hospitals directly outside the matching dates.
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations.
2
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
20
(Note: some rural hospitals, including; Bairnsdale Regional Health Service,
Central Gippsland Health Service, Echuca Regional Health, Latrobe Regional
Health, Mildura Base Hospital, Northeast Wangaratta, South West Healthcare,
Swan Hill District Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Western District
Health Service, Wimmera Health Care Group, and Wodonga Regional Health
service may offer HMO positions at PGY2/3 level outside of the Matching
1
Service.) A list of rural public hospitals can be accessed via the following link
1
https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm
2
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
21
22
HMO Match
As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the
HMO Match:
In addition, you will need to provide documentation to support and verify your
eligibility for the HMO Match:
The HMO Match opens in mid March each year. Please refer to the Schedule of
2
Dates which is available on the computer matching website
If you are eligible to participate in the HMO Match, you need to register for a
username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences
3
and nominate referees online. Please visit
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations
2
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au
3
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
23
Q. How does the HMO Computer Matching Service work?
(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the
Computer Matching website
1
An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the
AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations
24
• A computer algorithm matches both candidates and hospitals preferences.
• Candidates are matched to their highest available hospital preference on
their Candidate's Priority List that includes them within the quota boundary
of the hospital preference list at any time during the matching procedure.
For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate
1
preferences refer to
Q. Can I apply directly to hospitals for intern or HMO positions and not
use the PMCV computer matching service?
A. All Intern and most HMO positions are allocated via the computer matching
process. However, throughout the year some hospitals may have positions which
become available. Please contact hospitals directly outside the matching dates.
(Note: some rural hospitals, including; Bairnsdale Regional Health Service,
Central Gippsland Health Service, Echuca Regional Health, Latrobe Regional
Health, Mildura Base Hospital, Northeast Wangaratta, South West Healthcare,
Swan Hill District Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Western District
Health Service, Wimmera Health Care Group, and Wodonga Regional Health
service may offer HMO positions at PGY2/3 level outside of the Matching
2
Service.) A list of rural public hospitals can be accessed via the following link
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm
2
https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm
25
Q. I have been granted advanced standing towards the AMC certificate
via the Competent Authority pathway. Can I apply for a HMO position
through the PMCV Matching Service?
A. To be eligible to apply for a HMO position through the Match you will need to
have satisfactorily completed 12 months workplace based assessment before the
beginning of the HMO year (beginning of February each year).
For the HMO Match only, unmatched positions will be published online and
registration to the website is not required.
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
26
27
Basic Physician Training (BPT) MATCH (BPT2 Match and BPT3+ Match)
As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the
BPT2 Match:
• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside
Australia or New Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and
completed a minimum of 1 year of fulltime medical employment in
Australia; or
• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside
Australia or New Zealand and who have been assessed by the RACP to
undertake the FRACP exams. **
As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the
BPT3+ Match:
• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside
Australia or New Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and
completed a minimum of 2 years of fulltime medical employment in Medical
practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia
or New Zealand and who have been assessed by the RACP to undertake the
FRACP exams. **
** Help note: IMGs who have been assessed by the RACP fall under Section 7
(1)(f) of the Health Professions Registration Act (HPRA) 2005;
occupational trainees entering via the specialist recognition pathway will not be
required to sit the AMC exams.
28
Registration for the BPT Match
The BPT Match opens in mid March each year. Please refer to the Schedule of
1
Dates which is available on the computer matching website
If you are eligible to participate in the BPT Match, you need to register for a
username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences
2
and nominate referees online. Please visit
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au
2
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm
29
• International Medical Graduate (i.e. Medical practitioner who has
obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia or New
Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and completed a
minimum of 2 years of fulltime medical employment in Australia;
and
• International Medical Graduate (i.e. Medical practitioner who has
obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia or New
Zealand) and who have been assessed by the RACP to undertake the
FRACP exams.
(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the
Computer Matching website
For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate
1
preferences refer to
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm
30
Q. What if I am not eligible to participate in the BPT Match?
When the number of BPT positions exceeds the number of candidates in the BPT
Match the excess positions are offered by the hospital outside of the matching
service. These excess positions are offered to candidates who do not meet the
eligibility criteria for participation in BPT Match. Please contact
hospitals/consortia for more information on applying for these excess posts 1 .
1
http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/hospitaldirectory/index.cfm
31
Section 4: Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How long do I have to be on a 457 working visa before I can apply for
Permanent Residency
A. To be sponsored by your Employer you must show you have held a 457 visa
for 2 years or have worked continuously in the nominated occupation or have a
salary over $165,000 per annum. However please note there are exceptions to
this requirement. Regional employers do not have to meet some of the
requirements.
To apply independently you need to meet the point system and you need to work
12 months in 24 months prior to application in the nominated position.
1
www.immi.gov.au
33
National English Language Proficiency Requirement for IMGs
Results must have been obtained in one sitting and within two years prior to
applying for registration in Victoria, with the following exceptions:
• An IELTS (or approved equivalent) Test Report Form more than two years
old will be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by
proof that a candidate has actively maintained employment as a medical
practitioner in a country where English is a native or first language
• An applicant can provide evidence of secondary education in English one of
the following countries – Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United
Kingdom, USA, South Africa
34
The Board has the discretion to exempt an applicant from the above
requirements in “special circumstances”, which may include:
• Performance of a demonstration in medical techniques or
• Undertaking research which involves limited or no patient contact or
• Undertaking postgraduate study or training while working in an
appropriately supported environment which will ensure patient safety is not
compromised.
Full details of the policy “National English Language Requirement for IMGs” can
1
be viewed via the following link
1
http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf
35
Medicare Provider Number Restrictions
Q. If section 19AB of the Act applies to me, how do I gain access to the
Medicare benefits arrangements?
A. You will need to apply for a section 19AB exemption which is approved by the
Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA). To do this, you will need to apply
for a Medicare provider number from Medicare who will apply to the DOHA for a
section 19AB exemption on your behalf.
Q. Are there any other Medicare provider number restrictions that apply
to IMGs working in Australia?
A. IMGs are also subject to a second type of Medicare provider number
restriction under section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act 1973 if they first
worked in Australia as a doctor after 1 November 1996. This restriction requires
36
them to meet one of the following requirements in order to be issued with a
Medicare provider number and therefore provide services that attract Medicare
rebates. You must:
1
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/work-SMC
2
http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/work-
Australian%20General%20Practice%20Training%20Program
3
http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/work-
Rural+Locum+Relief
4
http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/work-
Approved%20Medical%20Deputising%20Service%20Program
37
Section 5: Useful Contacts
38
Section 6: General information and resource links for IMGs
• Over the Seas & Into the Bush: Overseas Trained Doctors in Rural
Australia (Rural Health Education Foundation)
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/719/719.html
This program provides a general overview of what IMGs need to know about
Australian medical culture and how the Australian healthcare system works. A
free DVD copy of this program can be ordered via the above link.
• The Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association (ADTOA)
http://www.adtoa.org.au/
The Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association (ADTOA) is the peak
national organization of International Medical Graduates in Australia,
representing Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are Overseas
Trained Doctors (PROTDs).
39
• IELTS Worldwide http://ielts.org/
For all information relating to the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/
For all information relating to the OET
• Talking Medicine
Talking Medicine is designed to help busy doctors, medical researchers and
students to improve their fluency in English and build confidence in
understanding and speaking English in medical contexts
http://www.talkingmedicine.com/
• 6 minutes
6 minutes is an online newsletter and website for Australian doctors, including
general and specialist practitioners.
http://6minutes.com.au
• My Medical Career
My Medical Career is an online career planning portal for Australian medical
students and junior doctors which aims to assist the process of selecting and
achieving a career which best suits your interests, skills and lifestyle needs.
http://www.mymedicalcareer.com.au
40
Section 7: Acronyms
ADTOA Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association
AMA Australian Medical Association
AMC Australian Medical Council
AON Area of Need
BPT Basic Physician Training
CA Competent Authority
COAG Commonwealth of Australian Governments
CV Curriculum Vitae
DHS Department of Human Services
DOHA Department of Health and Ageing
EICS International Credentials Services of the United States Educational
Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
FRACGP Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
FRACP Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
GMC General Medical Council
GME Graduate Medical Education
GP General Practitioner
HMO Hospital Medical Officer
HPRA Health Professions Registration Act
IELTS International English Language Testing System
IMG International Medical Graduate
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
MCQ Multiple Choice Question
MPBV Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria
NZREX New Zealand Registration Examination
OET Occupational English Test
OTD Overseas Trained Doctor
OTS Overseas Trained Specialists
PLAB Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
PMCV Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria
RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
RACP Royal Australasian College of Physicians
RLRP Rural Locum Relief Program
RWAV Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria
UK United Kingdom
USA United States of America
USMLE United States Medical Licensing Examination
VGPR Victorian Graduate Permanent Residents
VMPF Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation
41
42