Changing jobs

When applying for conditional medical registration as an overseas trained doctor, it is important to understand that the registration you obtain is usually for an Area of Need (AON) position and is therefore job and location specific.

If you are granted conditional medical registration, you cannot change jobs at a later date without first obtaining permission from the relevant Medical Board, even if that position is with the same employer. The Medical Board will advise if you will be permitted to change to the new position.

If the desired new position is in a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) and you already have a Medicare Provider Number, and the Medical Board grants your application to change position, you will still need to apply for a new Medicare Provider Number. In addition, if you have entered Australia on a Temporary Medical Practitioner Visa, you will have to apply for a new visa before changing jobs. Failure to do so could mean you risk losing your Australian visa.