New Pathway Now Open for Specialist IMGs

The new pathway is available to specialists with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Following the launch of the new pathway on 21st October, we can now share some further information and help answer some of your questions.

Key Points:

• The cost is significantly cheapest: $2,575 ($2,504 for NSW applicants)
• Supervision: You will be supervised for your first six months in Australia
• Processing times for paperwork to be completed will be reduced to 4-6 months rather than 12 months.
• You will get specialist registration on the Expedited Specialist pathway, but you will not get a fellowship.The Medical Board encourages SIMGs to consider applying for fellowship, when you apply, you can give them permission to share your contact details with the relevant specialist medical college. The college can give you information about the process to get fellowship.
• Moratorium: GPs on this pathway will still be subject to the 10-year moratorium unless they meet exemption criteria

There are still some unanswered questions around timelines for receiving a provider number and any possible Medicare restrictions during supervised practice.

For those just starting on the PEP Specialist Pathway, switching to the AHPRA Expedited Pathway may expedite your entry to Australia. If you’re further along in the PEP process, staying on that pathway could provide more certainty and the benefit of RACGP Fellowship. We are here to help, so if you would like to discuss your options please get in touch with  our friendly team on info@transitionmedical.com   +44 (0) 7983 685945

A New Era in Healthcare

We are delighted to share further information about an exciting development for the healthcare system paving the way for  Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs). Set to launch on 21 October 2024, the new Expedited Specialist Pathway offers a fast-tracked route for eligible internationally qualified medical specialists to begin treating patients in Australia. It is designed to reduce paperwork as long as their qualifications are on a pre-approved list maintained by the Medical Board of Australia.

Who Is Eligible?

Medical specialists with certain qualifications from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand will be the first eligible candidates to apply for the pathway.  Other specialist fields such as anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and psychiatry will be added to the accepted qualifications list by December 2024.

How Does the Qualifications Assessment Work?

International qualifications are nominated by Australia’s specialist colleges, such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). These qualifications are then assessed by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) measuring them against an established framework to ensure they are substantially comparable to local qualifications.

To ensure patient safety, all specialists entering via this new pathway must adhere to the same standards as other medical professionals. These include:

•       English language proficiency
•       Criminal history checks
•       Recency of practice requirements

International specialists on this pathway will undergo a six-month supervised period, an orientation to the Australian healthcare system, and mandatory cultural safety education.

Why Was This Pathway Developed?

The Expedited Specialist Pathway is one of the key recommendations from the Kruk Review,  to alleviate pressure on the healthcare workforce by allowing competent, qualified SIMGs to integrate more efficiently into the system.

The traditional Specialist Pathway, which requires individual college assessments, will remain in place for those SIMGs who do not qualify for the Expedited Pathway. Transition arrangements are also available for SIMGs already on the Specialist Pathway who may be eligible for the new expedited process.

What is still to be confirmed?

Although Ahpra have released further information we are still awaiting confirmation of  new pathway fees and processing times. there are also queries around fellowship and how this new system will integrate with Medicare.

Once further guidance is released we will share it on our website.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Expedited Specialist Pathway marks a significant milestone in how international medical specialists are integrated into the Australian healthcare system. By reducing paperwork and streamlining the application processes.

Further reading

AHPRA Release Fast Track Pathway 14th Oct 2024

RACGP PEP Pathway

GP Salary Australia – How much can you earn

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

AHPRA Fast Track Pathway

AHPRA Update

RACGP PEP Pathway

FAQs Moving to Australia

Your PEP Specialist Pathway Journey

Introduction

Supervision and Membership Requirements

Supervised Practice

Educational Activities

Workplace Based Assessments

These help to assess your competence and include areas such as clinical information-gathering and interpretation,
making a diagnosis, decision-making and reasoning, clinical management and therapeutic reasoning. You will complete these while completing your training program.

If you’re a GP thinking about relocating to Australia, you may have many questions. This may be early stages of thinking or you might be ready to move and want to find out more.

Here we answer your most frequent questions regarding working as a GP in Australia

Where can I work? –  All overseas trained GPs are required to work in an areas which is Distribution Priority Area (DPA). This is in place for the first 10 years of your medical registration and you may hear it as your ’10 year moratorium.’

All the GP jobs on our website are suitable for you to apply. The areas where we find jobs are around Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Tasmania, the Central Coast and regional cities such as Busselton, Broome and Rockhampton.  Check out the workforce locator map here to check the geographical classification of any location in Australia.

How long are the contracts? – Generally 2 years, some more rural practices may consider 12 months. 

How long does the paperwork take? – Approximately 9 months from job acceptance to visa approval 

Do I have to work under supervision? Yes initially but just for 6 months if you’re substantially comparable. A period of self -reflection, peer review and clinical case analysis. There are no exams if you are substantially comparable. 

Will my earnings be affected during supervision? – No, in fact while completing the supervision period, you will have access to the full Medicare rebate (A1 rates) This means you bill the same as a vocationally recognised GP whilst working towards FRACGP. 

What is the Practice Experience Program (PEP) Specialist Stream? It provides a pathway for international medical graduates with overseas specialist qualifications to gain Fellowship with the RACGP. Please visit the PEP Specialist Stream webpage for more details.

Will I still get specialist registration? Yes once all Fellowship requirements have been met. 

What is WBA? – Workplace Based Assessment- completed approximately 6 months from commencing employment, provides a framework for evaluating performance and progress in practice. 

What’s does the PEP pathway to Fellowship look like? 

Do I need to sit exams on the PEP Pathway?

If you are considering a move or just want to chat through options we have a dedicated team who will guide you through every step of the whole process. Visit our latest GP jobs or contact us directly for more information. 

Further Reading

RACGP 

Medical Board of Australia

DoctorConnect

Find out more about why Perth is so popular

Emma is currently travelling around Australia, visiting the wonderful medical centres to gain insights into where you could be working and what they seek in GP recruits. We’re committed to keeping you informed about easing your transition into Australia general practice.

During our conversations with GP owners and exploring the changing landscape of general practice, one recurring topic was whether GPs coming to Australia needed to have a specific area of interest While its not mandatory, many clinic owners suggested that it would be useful for an incoming GP to have an area of clinical interest to complement their practice.

Let’s discuss this further.

Do you need to have a clinical interest to practise as a GP in Australia?

The short answer is no. Many traditional general practices seek well-rounded GPs with comparable qualifications and experience and a great team fit into the practice. However, some practices view having a clinical interest as a great way to build your patient base and ensure a consistent workload.

Which Clinical interests are beneficial?

Personal Interest: Pursuing a field of medicine you’re passionate about is an excellent starting point.

Community Needs: Local community demands may vary based on practice location and patient demographics.  However, certain clinical areas are generally in demand across Australia, including;

– Women’s Health and the ability to fit coils and implants is highly desirable
– Chronic disease management
– Minor Surgery
– Dermatology
– Mental Health
– Elderly care including Aged care facilities

Don’t limit yourself to these areas, the GPs I spoke to had wide and varied interests from geriatric care to medical cannabis to sports medicine.

Why do I need a specialist interest?

As mentioned, this is not an absolute requirement however having a specialist interest  can complement general practice in several ways:

Improving Healthcare Access: Managing complex cases within the practice reduces pressure on specialist waiting times and can offer more affordable care options for patients.

Reducing the referrals to Specialists: If a patient presents with a particular condition, the practice will refer the GP surgery to the most appropriate doctor. This allows the patient to be treated within the clinic rather than elsewhere.

As patients currently have the choice of GP and can register with more than one GP practice, going to a preferred doctor with an interest in their care benefits both patient and doctor.

How will it help you in GP in Australia?

Increased earning potential

– Many practices have or are moving to a mixed billing setting where they charge some patients and bulk bill others. It is still very common to bulk bill children, pension, and health care holders. In this scenario, the private fees charged for minor surgery, dermatology, fitting coils, etc are much higher.
– When bulk billing a patient, having an interest in aged care or chronic disease management is excellent and will increase your potential by utilising chronic disease care plans where you can charge approx—$ 300 for a consult. Most practices have robust procedures in place for maximising income from these.

Increased Job satisfaction

– Some GP Owners I spoke to really enjoyed the varied aspects of general practice and being able to do a wide range of procedural work as well as standard family medicine kept his day interesting. Another has built his patient base around medicinal cannabis and any surgical work he can safely and competently do in the practice.

– Continuity of Care: For patients with chronic conditions, seeing a GP with a special interest in their specific health concern can be invaluable. It allows for a more streamlined and personalised approach to managing their ongoing needs, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship.

Building your Patient Base

With the nature of general practice, there is an element of building your patient base which can take between 3 – 6 months. Some practices may have a retiring GP or have had to close their books and are turning patients away. Others may have a huge growth of housing in the area and expect a large increase in patients for your arrival.

In any practice, however, before you arrive, the team will be advertising you as a new doctor. Marketing will be done in the local area to let the patients know you are available for appointments. This can be greatly enhanced if you have any area of interest to complement the team and attract patients who need your specialist care. I found it useful having chats with the Australian doctors (many of whom are UK-trained and have made the transition) and getting their insights into ways to manage your practice in Australia.

Conclusion

Transitioning to general practice in Australia offers autonomy in managing your workload and patient care. Conversations with Australian doctors, many of whom underwent similar transitions, provided valuable insights into navigating the Australian healthcare landscape.

If you would like to find out more or have a chat, please get in touch +44 7983 685945,

You can check out our latest GP Jobs here

A Comprehensive Guide for GPs relocating to Australia

Embarking on a career as a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia is a rewarding journey, but it requires a thorough understanding of the qualifications and processes involved.

This is where Transition Medical come in. We are experts in providing critical advices and assistance in processing GP’s applications to a successful outcome. We provide our help at no charge to you!

About the PEP Program

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) offers the Practice Experience Program (PEP) for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking recognition as a GP in Australia. In this blog, we will delve into the RACGP PEP process, providing you with valuable insights into the steps, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead.

Understanding the RACGP PEP:

 The RACGP PEP is designed for Specialist GPs who hold a recognised medical degree and a comparable GP qualification.

The program aims to assess and develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for practice in the Australian healthcare system.

Key Steps in the PEP Process:

• Comparability Assessment
• Job Approval Check
• Medicare Provider Number Application
• Work Based Assessment
• Awarded Fellowship

Which Documents Do You Need?

The RACGP process is a comprehensive process and best completed with Transition Medical’s guidance. Here are examples of what is required:

• Medical degree, GP certificates, identity documents
• Evidence of 50 hours CPD in the last 12 months
• 10 Completed Clinical case studies
• Letters of support from your recent GP practices

At first glance it may seem quite a lot of paperwork however we break this down for you and following our instructions, it will be completed with minimal inconvenience.

Transition Medical have completed over 40 RACGP successful PEP applications.

How Long does it Take?

The PEP program takes in total around 24 weeks. The medical registration and visa pathway to work in Australia will take approximately 9 months and we suggest getting in touch 12 months before you want to be in Australia.

Conclusion

The RACGP PEP process is a comprehensive and rigorous pathway for international medical graduates aspiring to become General Practitioners in Australia. While it presents its share of challenges, successful completion opens doors to a fulfilling career in General Practice in Australia.

Transition Medical will guide you through the application and make it as smooth as possible to allow you to focus on the excitement of your relocation journey.

Further Reading

Australia GP Salary

Living in Perth, Australia

Top 10 Tips for GPs relocating to Australia

Here at Transition Medical we get asked many questions from GPs new to their Australia job search. As one of the leading UK GP recruitment agencies we have compiled a brief checklist of things you’ll need to have (and think about)!

1. Primary Medical Degree from a recognised university – MBBS, MB ChB, MD, MB BCh, BM etc

2. Language Skills – All overseas trained GPs are required to demonstrate their English competency. This can be proven if English is your primary language, you completed your schooling from a recognised English-speaking country (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa or USA) and your medical qualifications were completed in English. Without this you will need to have successfully completed PLAB or IELTS.

3. Medical Registration – Full, current and unconditional registration from your current authority (i.e. GMC) and unconditional registration from any previous registering authority. You will need a Certificate of Good Standing from each authority over the last 10 years.

4. GP Qualification – The most popular pathway for doctors to work as a GP in Australia RACGP PEP program.The MRCGP and MICGP qualifications are deemed comparable alongside others. If you hold another qualification please do get in touch to discuss your skills and experience.

5. A Job Offer – To work as a doctor in Australia you need to secure medical registration and a suitable employment visa. The first step of this process is to speak to one of our medical recruitment specialists to find you a great GP job in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne or elsewhere. The demand for skilled workers in Australia is very high and we currently have plenty of GP jobs available across Australia.

6. Location – Australia is a large country with a diverse range of culture and climate. It can be daunting when you start your job search so it is important to take some time doing your research and working out the best spot for you and your family. Emma has lived and travelled extensively around Australia and can help guide you in the right direction.

7. Timescales – The medical recruitment process can take some time to navigate through the various stages. You would be wise to allow adequate time for the Australian registration and visa process, we recommend getting in touch approximately 9 – 12 months prior to you arriving to move through all the key stages.

8. Age doesn’t matter – Medical practices are looking for good all-round GPs, so whether you are newly qualified, mid-way through your career or reaching retirement there will be a GP vacancy available for you.

9. Relocation costs – Moving overseas can be a fairly expensive process; you must factor in the cost of your registration and visa application plus flights, shipping and getting yourself established. Many practices will help towards some of these costs however we would recommend that you have some money set aside to comfortably make the move.

10. Finally – When considering working as a doctor in Australia, it may seem a daunting process and you’ll be weighing up the pros and cons of relocating. Many GPs have already made the move and find the working conditions, increased income potential and, of course, lifestyle to be far superior than the UK. Discover what our GPs have to say and why we’re one of the Best Doctor Recruitment Agencies

Further Reading

Find out What life is like for a GP in Australia

What do GPs earn in Australia?

How to find a great Job

Please do get in touch with one of our medical recruitment specialists if you wish to discuss your GP job search further.

Australia Doctor Visa Temporary and PR Visa Options Explained

An important question and consideration when you’re planning to move abroad is which Australia Doctor visa to apply for and if you are planning a permanent move, which PR option is right for you.

Our immigration advisers have put together some information below to help guide you. Please do get in touch to discuss your specific circumstances.

What are my GP Visa options?

As a General Practitioner (GP) you are eligible to move to Australia on either a temporary visa or on a permanent basis as your occupation is currently on the Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Common to all pathways is the requirement that applicants meet the Skill, Health and Character requirements. In the case of GPs, the Skill requirement is evidenced by successful registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). To be able to hold AHPRA registration, you first need to have signed an agreement with a practice in Australia and completed your RACGP PEP comparability assessment.

Permanent Residency Applications

There are several visa pathways to achieving the objective of Permanent Residency (PR). In this short article, we’ll be explaining the pathways in a straightforward way to help you choose the most appropriate option.

In simple terms, there are 2 primary pathways to Permanent Residency which we’ll discuss today. The Skilled Independent visa (sub class 189) which is a points-tested stream and the Employer Sponsored pathway (subclass 186).

The Temporary Resident Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482) 

This is the most common visa to relocate to Australia as a GP. This 482 visa can be granted for up to 4 years.

From a practical perspective GPs can enter Australia much faster by applying for the 482, rather than by applying from the UK for the permanent visa (186). At the time of writing, 90% of applications are assessed in 11 weeks. Current GPs going through the process, we see visa approval in as little as 6 – 8 weeks.

Under the 482-visa, as a GP you can either be employed on a full-time employment contract or you can be an independent sub-contractor and provide your services to the employer on an hourly / weekly pay rate or profit share arrangement. The majority of our GP Jobs are independent contractor agreements offering a percentage of weekly billings.

The 482 visa provides temporary residency status. As the holder of a 482 visa you are free to travel to and from Australia, your family can accompany you and your spouse is free to work or study without restriction. If you have been living in the UK prior to your move, you will be entitled to Medicare health services once enrolled. Until this time when you arrive in Australia, you will need to hold Private health cover.

Direct Entry Pathway (186 Visa only)

This visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, work and live in Australia permanently. At time of writing, he processing time for 90% of visas is 54 weeks. Our Immigration Advisor suggests that it may be around 6 months for a UK doctor to gain approval. A recent UK trained GP had her 186 visa approval in 10 weeks.

Many of our GP practices are happy to provide this sponsorship to allow you to work in Australia on a permanent basis. You should be under 45 to apply for this visa, however there are exemptions to this if you meet this if you have previously held a 482 visa, have been working for the nominating employer for the previous 3 years and can meet the income threshold.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

This is a points-based option for skilled workers. For this application, you need to submit an expression of interest. The eligibility criteria area; you must have a relevant occupation and complete a suitable skills assessment for this. The Skill requirement will again be evidenced by successful registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

You will be required to meet the points test pass mark of 65 and be under 45 years old at the time you are invited to apply. In order to gain enough points, most GPs are required to sit an IELTS English language test.

Further Reading:

PR 189 Skilled Independent Visa

PR 186 Employer Sponsored Visa

For further information or to discuss your circumstances directly please get in touch with one of the team here at Transition Medical. Richard, our Specialist Immigration Advisor and Lawyer is on hand to help.

Further Reading on our blog

Australian Education system

Find out more about working as a GP in Australia

Benefits of working as a GP in Australia