When Will the New AHPRA Pathway Be Released?
The Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) announced in April this year that they would be introducing a new fast-track registration process for internationally trained specialists like GPs, anaesthetists, obstetricians, and psychiatrists.
There has been a news release in September from AHPRA stating that this new pathway, initially prioritising GPs, is on track to open in October, however subject to Ministerial approval.
This is a potentially exciting initiative which aims to address healthcare shortages by recognising and validating overseas qualifications more quickly, allowing these skilled professionals to start contributing to Australian healthcare sooner.
What Does This Mean for GPs?
It’s difficult to predict what this will mean for GPs and how this may change the current pathway to FRACGP specialist registration however it is anticipated that it should be faster and (hopefully) a cheaper pathway.
It is likely that you will continue to have the requirement to verify documents via the AMC verification process however it will remove the need for the RACGP PEP program and its associated costs. This should then also streamline the Medicare provider number application reducing the processing time.
Until the pathway has been released, we don’t have any further information to share however Transition Medical will be one of the first to know and share how this will affect you.
Should I Wait For the New AHPRA Fast Track Pathway or Apply Now?
This depends on your circumstances and timeframes. If you are eager to get to Australia asap, then I would suggest to continue with current RACGP PEP pathway. Until the new fast track pathway has been approved by Ministers there is no set date for release. There is the possibility that this can be delayed.
If you have time to wait until the end of October then we will know what this means and how to proceed.
Background to the fast track pathway
The new AHPRA fast track pathway is being released in line with recommendations from the Kruk Review into health practitioner regulatory settings which was published in December 2023. The report criticised the lengthy and complex process for overseas trained doctors to enter Australia and published recommendations.
On the back of this report, AHPRA removed the need for overseas trained doctors to undergo an in person identity check in December 2023, allowing GPs to apply for all their paperwork whilst overseas and not wait to start work once they had arrived.
Further Reading
