Last week, we met with AHPRA to discuss the ongoing development of the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway, a route increasingly used by international medical graduates (IMGs) and particularly UK-trained GPs seeking Australian medical registration. As as agency supporting many overseas doctors with their AHPRA applications, the meeting offered valuable insights into improvements, and future developments.
Which Specialties Are Using the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway?
This pathway continues to be dominated by GPs. However, other specialties now engaging with the pathway include:
- anaesthesia
- general practice
- psychiatry
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obstetrics and gynaecology
(Diagnostic Radiology, General Medicine and General Paediatrics to follow)
AHPRA is actively working with specialist colleges to expand the range of recognised comparable specialties, supporting the government’s push to attract more overseas-trained doctors to fill nationwide workforce shortages.
AHPRA acknowledged advised on ongoing improvements to build on the user experience for the IMG doctors, medical recruitment agencies, and employers.
As part of this process, they are developing instructional videos and flowcharts to help navigate the application process as well as evidence checklists to help ensure all documents are submitted to avoid delays.
They are continuing to see an increase in IMG applications and this will continue to grow as the demand continues for GPs in Australia, they are looking at this long term to see where processes can be streamlined and made more efficient.
AHPRA Is Moving Toward a More Efficient IMG Pathway
The meeting clearly showed AHPRA’s commitment to improving:
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The Expedited Specialist Pathway
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IMG doctor experience
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Agent and employer engagement
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Processing speed and accuracy
With system upgrades, clearer guidance, and increased user friendly systems, the pathway is set to become smoother and more predictable—essential given the accelerating demand for overseas-trained doctors across Australia.
