Australian policy on overseas-trained doctors

Area of Science:

• Medical Workforce Analysis
• Healthcare Policy
• International Medical Graduates

Background:

• Increasing reliance on overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) in Australian hospitals and general practice since the late 1990s.
• OTDs are often recruited to fill positions in "areas of need".

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the assessment standards for overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) in Australia.
• To compare Australian OTD assessment practices with those in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of recruitment trends and visa status of overseas-trained doctors in Australia.
• Comparison of medical registration and assessment requirements across different countries.

Main Results:

• Most OTDs in Australia are appointed without formal assessment of medical knowledge and clinical skills.
• Registration for OTDs is conditional on working in specific hospital or "area of need" positions.
• A growing diversity of countries of origin for OTDs entering Australia, with a decrease from the UK and Ireland.

Conclusions:

• Australian assessment standards for OTDs differ significantly from those in the US, UK, and Canada.
• Concerns exist regarding the medical knowledge and clinical skills of OTDs practicing in Australia without formal accreditation.
• The changing demographics of OTDs necessitate a review of current assessment and integration policies.