Ongoing professional support

One of the biggest issues for overseas trained doctors (OTDs) is that of access to professional support. Professional support encompasses everyday work issues such as referrals, second opinions and advice and access to clinical and procedural medical services, through to the ongoing professional development of the doctor.

OTDs with conditional medical registration should be encouraged and assisted, where possible, to undertake appropriate training to progress their transition to become a fully registered practitioner. This could be, for example, assistance in providing time off to study and sit examinations, such as the Australian Medical Council examinations.

If at all possible, try to assign a professional mentor for your OTD, even if the mentor is located elsewhere and contact must be primarily by phone. Your local Division of General Practice, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, the relevant Specialist Medical College or even your local Rural Workforce Agency may be able to assist in locating an appropriate mentor.