Pathways

for IMG

GP´s in Australia

01

GUIDE TO BECOMING A GP IN AUSTRALIA

Have you ever imagined yourself pursuing a career as a general practitioner or GP in Australia? If the answer is yes, then you're on the right track. Working as a general practitioner in Australia can be highly fulfilling, as it represents one of the most vital positions in the healthcare system. Whether you're an Australian aiming to become a GP or a general practitioner from another country seeking to relocate or join a GP practice in Australia, the information in this post will be beneficial to you.

02

WHAT IS A GENERAL PRACTITIONER?

In Australia, what is a GP, and how does it differ from a general physician? GPs, also known as general practitioners, undergo specific training in general medicine, enabling them to effectively address a wide range of common health issues throughout a person's life. As they often serve specific communities, GPs have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individuals and families in their locality, allowing them to provide personalized care. It's important to note that while a general practitioner in Australia is equivalent to a general physician in the United States, the roles and responsibilities of a general practitioner and general physician are distinct in Australia.

03

PATHWAYS TO REGISTRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES (IMG´s) AND OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORS (OTD´s)

If you are a doctor trained overseas or an international medical graduate, there are procedures and routes available for you to become a General Practitioner in Australia. You can obtain registration as a medical practitioner through specific pathways designed for internationally trained medical professionals.

04

PATHWAYS TO REGISTRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES (IMG´s) AND OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORS (OTD´s)

Competent Authority Pathway

The route to general registration is accessible to internationally trained individuals, both specialists and non-specialists. The Australian Medical Board has endorsed several international bodies as being eligible to take part in this scheme. Individuals who have finished training or evaluations from an accredited competent organization are qualified to seek a provisional registration visa via this avenue. The approved competent authorities comprise:

  • Educational commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the US (USMLE)

  • General Medical Council (UK)

  • Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)

  • Medical Council of Ireland

  • Medical Council of New Zealand (NZREX)

Internationally trained doctors are required to possess a primary medical or surgical qualification from an authorized training institution recognized by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools. Upon completion of 12 months of supervised practice, individuals undertaking this program will be eligible for temporary registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Specialist Pathway

This pathway is accessible to physicians who have completed their fundamental medical and surgical education at an accredited training institution recognized by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools. To qualify for registration, applicants must have fulfilled all the required training and examination standards to practice in their specialized field in their home country or be within two years of completing their specialized training abroad. Foreign-trained specialists should submit their applications directly to the appropriate specialist medical college for evaluation.

Apply for a visa.

If you possess a valid visa, such as a temporary employer-sponsored visa, you are eligible to practice as an overseas-trained doctor in Australia upon obtaining AHPRA registration.

Undergo skills assessment.

Having a registration with AHPRA serves as evidence of a satisfactory skills assessment for medical doctors, as well as meeting the English language requirements. There are four available options to demonstrate English proficiency, which include the following pathways: [List the pathways without hyperlinks].

  • Primary language

  • Combined secondary and tertiary education

  • Extended education

  • English language test

Applicants from various fields can take the IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT tests.

Get accredited.

Rephrased Prompt:
The National General Practice Accreditation (NGPA) Scheme in Australia is responsible for overseeing the accreditation of general practices. Developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), this Scheme aims to connect GP accreditation with the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme. The NGPA Scheme provides additional choices for practices seeking certification, enhances support programs for implementing accreditation, and aims to enable practices to collect and publicize accreditation performance data for self-assessment in the future. The assessment of practices is based on the Standards of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

05

EMPLOYMENT AND GP JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORS

All doctors who received their first medical registration in Australia after January 1997, regardless of being Overseas Trained Doctors (OTD), International Medical Graduates (IMG), or Foreign Graduates of Accredited Medical Schools (FGAMS), are bound by the regulations outlined in Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act. For General Practitioners (GPs) who are international medical graduates, adherence to Section 19AB entails a mandatory ten-year service in a distribution priority area in Australia, known as the moratorium, in order to qualify for Medicare eligibility. Alecto offers a range of DPA GP job opportunities in Australia. Discover the options available for you today!

06

WHAT DOES A GP DO IN AUSTRALIA AND WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Roles and Responsibilities of a General Practitioner
When patients face health issues, their initial point of contact is usually their GP. General practitioners are responsible for treating minor ailments and injuries and referring patients to specialists for more complex conditions. The primary duties of a general practitioner include:

  • Maintaining comprehensive and updated records of all patient treatments and communications for their personal practice and Medicare.

  • Coordinating and facilitating hospital admissions for patients when necessary.

  • Performing basic medical procedures like administering injections, immunizations, skin cancer removal, wound dressings, sutures, and minor surgeries.

  • Offering guidance on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthcare plans, and other lifestyle factors to aid in recovery from or prevention of illnesses.

  • Providing patient-focused treatment that addresses their health needs and promotes overall wellness.

  • Staying updated on the latest medical treatments and medications used in general practice and primary healthcare.

As a general practitioner, one must possess a deep understanding of medicine and continuously refine the ability to efficiently assess patients. GPs are authorized to offer general health advice and issue prescriptions, often serving as the primary point of contact for patients and managing their overall healthcare needs.

07

HOW DO I BECOME A GP IN AUSTRALIA?

As a prospective GP, your primary focus would involve understanding the process of becoming a GP in Australia and achieving a general practitioner qualification. Here, we delineate the procedures and routes for attaining the status of a general practitioner in Australia:

Specialisation

General Registration and Specialization in Australian Medical Practice

After graduating from medical school and completing an internship, Australian medical graduates are eligible for general registration. To specialize in a specific field, further training, research, and approval from the Medical Board of Australia are required.
In Australia, general practice is recognized as a medical specialty, referred to as 'GP Fellowship'. The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has endorsed the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to administer general practice Fellowship training.
Medical practitioners aspiring to be recognized as vocationally registered (VR) GPs can access the highest value Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items by participating in a formal pathway to GP Fellowship. Formal training is essential in preparing doctors for the diverse and complex responsibilities of GPs within the community.

GP Fellowship Training

To practice as an independent specialist GP and be officially acknowledged, you must achieve fellowship status from either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) or the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). Both fellowships grant Vocational Recognition and registration within the Specialist (General Practice) category by the Medical Board of Australia, enabling unsupervised GP practice across Australia. It's important to note that certain MBS eligibility rules may still be applicable to some physicians.

Pathways to GP Fellowship

Exploring Pathways to Attain Fellowship in General Practice
Achieving your Fellowship in general practice and completing your general practice training can be accomplished through various avenues. The path you choose may be influenced by your individual interests and circumstances. In Australia, multiple pathways exist for pursuing general practice, and there are two medical colleges where you can attain a GP fellowship. It's important to note that while both the ACRRM and the RACGP Fellowships enable you to practice as a GP in Australia, there are distinctions in the specific requirements and processes. Therefore, it is crucial to fully comprehend these variances before determining which college aligns with your aspirations and to proceed with the application accordingly.

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Fellowship Pathways

Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program:

  • The AGPT Program is intended for both recent graduates and experienced doctors seeking a structured, educator-directed learning environment.

  • As the training is government-funded, specific eligibility criteria apply.

  • The training is delivered by one of nine Regional Training Organisations (RTO) located across Australia.

  • For Australian doctors, the AGPT program is the most popular choice for advancing their careers.

Independent Pathway (IP):

  • The IP is well-suited for experienced doctors who prefer self-directed learning.

  • ACRRM manages the application, selection, and enrollment for this pathway.

  • Unlike the AGPT program, the training under IP is self-funded and not under the jurisdiction of RTOs.

  • There are additional costs for exams, applications, membership, etc., but eligible doctors can seek financial support from the Commonwealth.

  • This pathway is open to both international medical graduates and Australian nationals interested in rural general practice.

Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS):

  • The Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS) is a fully funded, four-year aspect of the Independent Pathway led by the college, ultimately leading to an ACRRM Fellowship (FACRRM).

  • yal Australian College of General Practitioners Fellowship Pathways

  • Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program: This is essentially the same program as the one offered at ACRRM.

  • Practice Experience Program (PEP): The RACGP PEP program includes two streams; that is, the PEP Standard Stream and Specialist Stream. The Standard Stream is intended for non-VR doctors who do not have specialist degrees and those who were assessed as non-comparable after undergoing a Specialist stream comparability evaluation. The Specialist Stream is intended for international medical graduates (IMGs) that have a recognised overseas specialty qualification and who want to be eligible for RACGP Fellowship (FRACGP).

  • Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS): The RVTS is a flexible, government-funded program that provides vocational training for medical practitioners in rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander areas across Australia.

Whichever pathway you choose will require you to have experience working in general practice and hospital specialties that are relevant to GP work. You will also have to attend educational workshops, teaching sessions, and invest significant amounts of personal study.

08

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A GP IN AUSTRALIA?

Pathways to Becoming a General Practitioner
Now that you have a basic understanding of the pathways to GP Fellowship, you might be curious about the duration of the journey to become a GP in Australia. Becoming a general practitioner in Australia requires several years of formal education and training, as outlined below:

  • Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine: 4 to 6 years

  • Internship: 1 year

  • Resident Training: 1 to 2 years

  • Medical Specialisation: 3 to 5 years

  • GP Fellowship: 3 years

Considering the timeline above, it's evident that pursuing a career as a general practitioner demands dedication, perseverance, and hard work. However, the ultimate reward is a fulfilling medical career that enables you to make a significant impact while also providing a substantial income. Perhaps, you may even envision establishing your own clinic someday.
For GP career opportunities, Alecto offers a diverse range of options to explore, ensuring that you find the right fit for your aspirations.

09

HOW MUCH DO GP´s EARN IN AUSTRALIA?

Title: Comparative Salaries for General Practitioners in Australia and the UK
If you are contemplating a career as a general practitioner in Australia, it is essential to inquire about the typical earnings for this profession. Based on our most recent GP salary survey conducted in December 2021, the average compensation for full-time Australian GPs who work seven or more sessions per week is $253,000 annually. For part-time GPs working six sessions or fewer per week, the average annual compensation is $194,000.
In the UK, sessional (salaried) GPs receive an annual salary ranging between GBP 61,346 ($106,533.46) and GBP 96,278 ($167,196.37). Upon careful analysis of these figures, it becomes evident that Australian GPs earn higher salaries compared to their counterparts in the UK. This observation aligns with earlier anecdotal evidence from UK GPs who opted to work in Australia due to the superior work-life balance opportunities, indicating that being a GP in Australia is a more favorable choice overall.

10

VISA OPTIONES FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES

Understanding Doctor Visa for IMG´s

If you are a medical graduate from overseas and have received a job offer in Australia, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the optimal visa choices for doctors. You will be required to apply for a visa not only for yourself but also for any accompanying family members.
In most instances, your employer or the recruitment agency responsible for your application will offer assistance and advice in procuring the appropriate visas. For doctors, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) is recommended as it offers a swifter application process for temporary residency.
Alternatively, doctors invited to practice in Australia who fulfill all legal, immigration, and professional criteria have the option to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) for permanent residency after their arrival.
It is important to note that the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian government oversees the processing and assessment of visa applications and ensures compliance with the country's immigration regulations.

11

IMPORTANT MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS IN AUSTRALIA

Important Medical Associations and Institutions in Australia

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): AHPRA is responsible for overseeing the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia.

  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP): The RACGP represents general practitioners in Australia and is responsible for maintaining high standards of clinical practice, education, training, and research in general practice.

  • Australian Medical Association (AMA): The AMA is a professional association for doctors and medical students in Australia.

  • Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA): AMSA is an independent organization representing medical students in Australia. It aims to connect, inform, and advocate for medical students on relevant issues.

  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM): ACRRM, certified by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), is one of Australia's two general practice colleges, along with RACGP.

By obtaining training or certification from these organizations, you can enhance your professional qualifications and expand your opportunities for a successful career as a general practitioner in Australia.

12

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