For specialists
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For an overseas trained specialist (OTS) to be able to work in their specialty in Australia, registration must be obtained from the Medical Board of Australia. To achieve this, their specialist qualifications must be formally recognised by the relevant Australian Specialist Medical College.
To work in private practice, you also need to be recognised as a specialist by Medicare Australia in order to have the right to deliver services that attract specialist rebates under Medicare. Please read Recognition as a specialist under the Medicare section for more information.
Doctors who will be working in a hospital in any capacity (including as a visiting specialist) must also be credentialled by the hospital.
There are 2 pathways for assessment for overseas trained specialists---the Standard pathway and the Area of Need pathway. An OTS may apply for assessment through either pathway or both.
The Standard pathway is for specialists who wish to work independently/unsupervised by gaining recognition from the relevant Australian Specialist College, and registration to practise in their field of specialisation.
The Area of Need pathway (sometimes called the Rural pathway) is for specialists who have been selected as suitable for appointment to a designated Area of Need specialist position.
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) participates in these 2 assessment procedures with the Specialist Medical Colleges.
Because the specialist assessment process may take some time, it is advisable that doctors apply to the AMC for specialist assessment well in advance of relocating to Australia.
It is important to note that you may be required to attend one or more interviews in person in Australia, so you should check this with the relevant Specialist Medical College and the Medical Board of Australia.
In all cases, decisions regarding registration of a medical practitioner rest with the Medical Board of Australia. However, the Board usually acts on Specialist Medical College recommendations.
Applicants should visit the Australian Medical Council’s website for full details of the assessment pathways and for answers to frequently asked questions about specialist assessment. Applicants should also visit the website of the relevant Specialist Medical College for further details about the requirements of individual colleges.