Australian Medical Council: a view from the inside

Although it has an important role in maintaining medical standards, little is known about the work of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) by members of the medical profession. A non-statutory standards authority, the AMC accredits medical schools in Australia and New Zealand, examines overseas-trained doctors for registration purposes and advises Medical Boards and Health Ministers on registration issues. The AMC, in consultation with Specialist Medical Colleges and others, is currently working on a number of initiatives to ensure standards of medical training and practice, including procedures to recognize new specialties and to accredit externally specialist education and training courses.