Disclaimer The material presented in this Guide, distributed by PMCV, is presented as an information source only. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of matters presented herein. Readers are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information. The information does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal advice from appropriate advisers and representative bodies should be sought on particular matters. The Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria does not accept liability to any person for the information or advice contained in this Guide, or incorporated into it by reference, or for loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance upon the material contained in the Guide. Please note: Information in this Guide may need to be updated from time to time. If you have a hard copy of this Guide it is important to consult the electronic version on the PMCV website www.pmcv.com.au to access the most current information. Please note: An International Medical Graduate (IMG)/Overseas Trained Doctor (OTD) is defined as a “medical practitioner who has completed their primary medical degree from a country outside Australia”. For the purpose of this document the term IMG will be used.

Contents

Section 1: First Step - Obtaining Medical Registration............................................... 1 This section outlines the categories of medical registration available to IMGs in Victoria under the Health Professions Registration Act (HPRA) 2005 and the associated eligibility criteria.

General Registration................................................................................................. 1

Provisional Registration ............................................................................................ 2

Specific Registration - Supervised Training .................................................................. 2

Other categories of Specific Registration ..................................................................... 5

Specialist Registration ........................................................................................... 5

Teaching or Research Registration .......................................................................... 6

Area of Need Registration ...................................................................................... 7

Section 2: Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) IMG National Assessment Process ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

This section provides information on the new IMG national assessment process and the implementation of the three main assessment pathways to general registration that build on the existing Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations pathway

The Competent Authority (CA) pathway .....................................................................10

The Standard pathways ...........................................................................................14

The Specialist pathway ............................................................................................16

Section 3: Computer Matching................................................................................. 17 This section provides information on the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV) Computer Matching service, in particular the eligibility criteria for IMGs wishing to participate in either the:

Intern Match ..........................................................................................................17

HMO Match ............................................................................................................22

Basic Physician Training (BPT) Match .........................................................................28

Section 4: Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).............................................. 32

This section provides information relating to other common IMG issues and questions raised in the consideration of employment in the Victorian public hospital system.

Residency and Visas................................................................................................32

National English Language Proficiency Requirement for IMGs ........................................34

Medicare Provider Number Restrictions ......................................................................36

Section 5: Useful Contacts....................................................................................... 38

Section 6: General information and resource links for IMGs.................................... 39

A selection of websites and resources that may be of interest to IMGs seeking employment in the Australian healthcare system.

Section 7: Acronyms................................................................................................ 41

Section 1: First Step- Obtaining Medical Registration

Q. What kind of Medical Board registration is available for IMGs in

Victoria?

A. There are severaltypes of registration available to IMGs in Victoria under the

Health Professions Registration Act (HPRA) 2005:

• General Registration: Section 6(1)

Granted to allow medical practitioners to practise independently in Victoria within

the limits of their training and competence.

IMG Eligibility

IMGs are eligible to apply to the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria

(MPBV) for general registration in Victoria if:

• They are an AMC graduate1 and have completed 12 months of broad based

supervised training in Australia, which has included rotations of at least 10

weeks in medicine, 10 weeks in surgery and 8 weeks in emergency

medicine, or

• They are an AMC graduate*, have completed 12 months supervised training

in Australia and can demonstrate broad competence to at least the level of

an Australian intern at the end of first year, or

• They are from a Competent Authority and have completed 12 months of

approved supervised training in Victoria.

(NB: Further information relating to Competent Authorities is provided in Section

2: COAG National Assessment Process for IMGs)

Full particulars of General Registration eligibility and process requirements are

set out on the MPBV website: 2

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations.

2 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/6_1_Guidelines_General.pdf

1

2

• Provisional Registration - AMC Graduates1: Section 9(1)

Granted to allow AMC graduates, who have been offered a position in a

Victorian teaching hospital to complete at least 12 months of approved

supervised training - a prerequisite for general registration in Victoria.

Note: The 12 months supervised training required must be broad based and

include at least 10 weeks in medicine and surgery and eight weeks in

emergency medicine.

Full particulars of Provisional Registration for AMC graduates are set out on

the MPBV’s website 2

• Specific Registration - Supervised Training: Section 7(1)(d)(i)&(ii)

Granted to IMGs not yet qualified for provisional or general registration to

undertake supervised training in Victoria.

Full particulars of Specific Registration for AMC graduates are set out on the

MPBV’s website 3

Q. How can I gain Specific Registration to undertake supervised

training?

A. To obtain specific medical registration in Victoria you need to first obtain a

supervised training position in a Victorian Public Hospital. The hospital will then

‘sponsor’ your application to the MPBV for “Specific Registration” by providing

details of undertakings in regards to your supervision and training.

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations 2 http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/9_ANZ_Guidelines_Provisional.pdf 3 http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_d_Guidelines_Supervised_Training.pdf

3

Q. How can I increase my chances of obtaining a supervised training

position in a Victorian hospital?

A. Visit the websites of Victorian hospitals – generally all vacancies are

advertised, and some hospitals have facilities for automated alerts when a

position appears that suits your skills. The Department of Human Services

(DHS) has a detailed list of all metropolitan and rural public hospitals and health

services via the following links:

Metropolitan hospitals 1

Rural Hospitals 2

Ensure that you have all the prerequisites for Specific Registration as listed

below, including: verification of your medical degree, evidence that you meet the

English language requirements or have successfully passed a suitable English

language test, and evidence that you have passed the AMC Multiple Choice

Question (MCQ) examination.

There are unique application procedures for each hospital.

Generally emailing, mailing or dropping off your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to a

hospital is not an efficient use of your time, especially if no vacancies exist at

that hospital. City hospitals are very popular with local graduates, so vacancies

may be more likely to appear in outer metropolitan and rural centres.

Q. What are the prerequisites for Specific Registration for supervised

training?

A. To be eligible to apply for the first time for specific registration in Victoria, you

will need to provide evidence that:

• you have a degree in medicine; and

• you have completed an internship (or equivalent) outside Australia, and

1 https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/Metrohos.htm 2 https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm

4

• you are in good standing with the medical registration authority with which

you are currently/were last registered; and

• you have obtained or sought, primary source verification of your degree in

medicine through the Education Commission for Foreign Medical

Graduates International Credentials Service (EICS); and

• you meet the requirements of the policy “National English Language

Requirement for IMGs” 1

and

• you have an offer of a position from a Victorian teaching institution that

provides training under appropriate supervision; and

• you have not been granted in excess of 60 months of specific registration or

equivalent elsewhere in Australia (including the period of registration you

are applying for); and

• you have passed the AMC MCQ examination (applicable for ‘Standard

pathway’ applications from 1 July 2008).

Full particulars of Specific Registration - Supervised Training eligibility and

process requirements are set out on the MPBV website 2

Q. What assessment pathways are available for an IMG wishing to

progress from Specific Registration towards gaining General Registration

with the Medical Practitioners’ Board of Victoria?

A. (i) The current AMC assessment process requires the passing of both the

AMC MCQ and clinical examinations and completion of 12 months of

approved supervised training as the prerequisite for General Registration.

(ii) The staged implementation of a nationally consistent assessment

process for IMGs has begun. Details and components of this assessment

process are outlined in Section 2 of this document - COAG IMG National

Assessment Process

1 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf; 2 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_d_Guidelines_Supervised_Training.pdf

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Other categories of Specific Registration

Specialist Registration

• Specific Registration - Specialist Registration: Section 7(1)(f)

Granted to eligible IMGs not qualified for general registration to practise

independently in Victoria within a medical specialty.

This form of registration offers an IMG an alternative pathway to independent

practice registration from the general registration pathway via Australian Medical

Council (AMC) examinations and requires the applicant to have specialist

qualifications that are recognised by an Australian specialist college.

Q. How do I know if my specialist qualifications are recognised in

Australia?

A. If you have specialist qualifications obtained overseas and you wish to explore

the specialist registration option, you need to apply to the AMC for an

assessment of your specialist qualifications – see Guidelines for Recognition of

Overseas Trained Specialists on the AMC website 1

Q. What are the prerequisites for Specialist Registration?

A. To be eligible to apply for the first time for specialist registration in Victoria,

you will need to provide evidence that:

• you have a degree in medicine; and

• you have completed an internship (or equivalent) outside Australia, and

• you are in good standing with the medical registration authority with which

you are currently/were last registered; and

• you have obtained or sought, primary source verification of your degree in

medicine through the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

International Credentials Service (EICS); and

• you meet the requirements of the policy “National English Language

Requirement for IMGs” 2;

1 www.amc.org.au 2 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf

6

and

• you have evidence of recognition of specialist qualifications either by way of

an award of College Fellowship, or by way of certification issued by the AMC

that you are recognised as a specialist and eligible for specialist registration

in Australia, and

• three written references from professional colleagues, commenting on your

character, abilities and suitability for independent, specialist practice.

Q. If I have current specialist registration in another State or Territory in

Australia and would like to register in Victoria, what do I need to do?

A. You can apply for specific registration under section 7(1)(f) of the Act by way

of the mutual recognition process

Full particulars of Specific Registration - Specialist Registration eligibility

and process requirements are set out on the MPBV website 1

Teaching or Research Registration

• Specific Registration - Teaching or Research Registration: Section

7(1)(a)

Granted to an IMG not qualified for general registration to undertake a program

of teaching or research. Registration granted is normally for a specific

assignment of teaching or research that involves a clinical component and that is

for a limited period of time.

1 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_f_Guidelines_Specialist.pdf

7

Q. I am in Victoria to undertake a medical teaching or research position.

How do I obtain registration for this purpose?

A. You may apply to the MPBV for Specific Registration under section 7(1)(a) of

the Act for this purpose. With your application you must also provide:

• Details of the nature, time and location of the demonstration

• The name of the registered medical practitioner responsible for coordinating

the demonstration

• Certified copy of your primary degree

• Certified copy of evidence of completion of internship or equivalent

• Certificate of Registration Status/Good Standing from the last medical

registration authority with which you are/were registered, dated within the

last three months Certified copy of photo identification

• Passport size photograph

• Evidence of compliance with English language testing requirements or,

where appropriate, an application for exemption from these requirements.

Full particulars of Specific Registration - Teaching or Research eligibility and

process requirements are set out on the MPBV website 1

Area of Need Registration

• Specific Registration- Area of Need Registration: Section 7(1)(c)

Granted to an IMG not qualified for general registration to provide medical

services as an Area of Need Specialist or as an Area of Need General Practitioner.

Q. What is an Area of Need (AON)?

A. An Area of Need (AON) is any position/location where there is a lack of

specific medical practitioners or where there are medical positions that remain

unfilled even after recruitment efforts have taken place over a period of time.

1 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_a_Guidelines_Teaching_Research.pdf

8

Q. What are the prerequisites for AON Specialist Registration?

A. To be eligible to apply for specific registration as an AON Specialist, you must

provide evidence that you have met the requirements of the AMC Assessment

Process for AON Specialists.

Key requirements of the Assessment Process are:

(a) that you have a job offer as a specialist, and

(b) you have support for your appointment as an AON Specialist from the

relevant Australian specialist college, and

(c) you have support from the DHS that there is an identified need for the

services of a specialist at the location/s for which registration is sought.

You will find a User’s Guide to the Assessment Process on the AMC’s website 1

Q. What are the prerequisites for AON General Practitioners

Registration?

A. To be eligible to apply for AON registration to work in general practice, you

must provide evidence that you have an offer of an appropriate position that has

access to a provider number under the Health Insurance Act 1973.

Categories of Eligibility

You must fall within one of the following categories:

(a) you have general practice training, postgraduate qualifications and

experience equivalent to a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of

General Practitioners (RACGP), or

(b) you have been accepted into a Scheme administered by the Rural

Workforce Agency, Victoria (RWAV), i.e. the Victorian Overseas Trained

Doctors Rural Recruitment Scheme (CPAC Scheme) or the Rural Locum

Relief Program (RLRP), or

(c) you have successfully completed an assessment of general practice skills

authorised by the MPBV.

1 http://www.amc.org.au/images/publications/AONUsersGuide.pdf

9

Full particulars of Specific Registration - Area of Need eligibility and process

requirements are set out on the MPBV website 1

Q. Is there a ceiling on the period of specific registration that the MPBV

will grant to eligible IMGs?

A. The MPBV may grant specific registration under section 7(1) of the Act to a

maximum of 60 months. In calculating the period of available registration, grants

of equivalent registration in other States/Territories of Australia are taken into

account.

1 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_c_Guidelines_Area_of_Need.pdf

Section 2: Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) IMG

National Assessment Process

As part of the COAG health reform initiatives, the staged implementation of a

nationally consistent assessment process for IMGs has begun.

This process has been developed in consultation with representatives of state

and territory medical boards, health departments, specialist medical colleges, the

Australian Medical Council (AMC), the Australian Medical Association

(AMA), postgraduate medical councils and consumer representatives.

Q. What are the pathways to General Registration available to IMGs

through the new assessment process?

A. The new assessment process complements, and adds to the existing AMC

examinations pathway and consists of three main pathways:

1. The Competent Authority pathway

2. The Standard pathway

3. The Specialist pathway

The Competent Authority (CA) pathway

IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who have completed training and

assessment through AMC designated and approved Competent Authorities are

eligible to apply for ‘advanced standing’ towards the AMC certificate. If the AMC

grants advanced standing status to the individual, he or she is not required to sit

the AMC Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) or AMC clinical examinations,

but is required to undertake workplace based assessment whilst completing an

approved period of supervised training in the Australian health system. On

completion of these requirements, a candidate may be awarded the AMC

certificate and granted general registration.

10

11

Q. What are the AMC approved Competent Authorities?

A. Currently, the following countries are designated Competent Authorities:

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• United States

• New Zealand

• Ireland

The AMC has accredited these courses and assessment as being substantially

equivalent to Australian courses of study and assessment leading to the award of

MBBS (or equivalent). Other countries may be approved in the future.

Q. What eligibility criteria are required to progress through the

Competent Authority (CA) assessment pathway?

A. To view the listed examinations/accreditation processes currently endorsed by

the AMC for each CA, for the purposes of awarding advanced standing towards

the AMC certificate please refer to the CA Model ‘Self Assessment’ via the

following link on the AMC website 1

Q. I am still having difficulty determining whether I am eligible for the

CA pathway. Is further assistance available?

A. Yes, the Medical Practitioners’ Board of Victoria (MPBV) has developed a

step by step IMG Self Assessment Questionnaire to assist in the process of

determining eligibility to proceed through the CA pathway. This tool is available

on the MPBV website via the following link 2

1 http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/ca 2 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/img-assess.php

Competent Authority (CA) Assessment pathway – Some frequently asked

questions (FAQs)

Please note: It is recommended that the information detailed above is read prior

to viewing the following FAQs

Q. Is an IMG eligible if he/she has only the basic qualification (e.g. PLAB

exam but no GMC approved supervised training/USMLE but no GME

completion/NZREX but no rotations)?

A. No, must have ALL the requirements (basic qualification PLUS prescribed

supervised training/internships/residency.)

Q. Is an IMG eligible if registered in the UK but no PLAB PLUS supervised

training?

A. No, Must have sat and passed PLAB PLUS supervised training approved by the

GMC or have a degree from GMC accredited University in the UK PLUS supervised

training approved by the GMC.

Q. Is an IMG eligible if he/she is a UK graduate but has not completed

supervised training in the UK or approved by the GMC?

A. No, must have all the requirements for general (full) registration in the UK –

accredited degree PLUS supervised training approved by the GMC.

Q. Is an IMG eligible if he/she is a UK graduate but completes

supervised training in Australia?

A. Yes provided the supervised training in Australia has been approved by the

GMC.

Q. How do I know if the training I have done is approved by the GMC?

A. You will need to provide evidence from the GMC that you have completed the

12 months training.

12

Transitional Provisions

Q. If an IMG is CA eligible and currently registered and working in

Victoria, can they get the AMC certificate immediately?

A. Yes, provided the CA eligible IMG is currently registered and working and can

complete the application supplying evidence of satisfactory completion of 12

months supervision in Australia that has been signed off by the MPBV.

Q. If a CA eligible IMG has completed less than 12 months registration

and supervised practice in Australia can they get an AMC certificate?

A. No, they must complete 12 months supervised practice, but can apply for

advanced standing towards the AMC Certificate

Q. If a CA eligible IMG is registered and working in a supervised position

AND has applied for the AMC MCQ or clinical examination, can they get a

refund?

A. Yes, A full refund will be available to any IMG who is eligible to proceed under

the CA assessment process.

Q. If a CA eligible IMG has previously sat an AMC MCQ or clinical

examination, are they entitled to a refund?

A. No, a refund will not be paid for examinations that have already been

completed.

Q. If an IMG fails the CA supervised assessment, are they still eligible to

proceed with the AMC examination?

A. Yes, the CA assessment does not preclude an IMG proceeding through the

AMC examination process at a later date.

13

14

(Further information relating to the Transitional pathway for IMGs currently

working under supervision in Victoria, including application forms can be

accessed via the following link on the MPBV website 1

The Standard pathway

This pathway is designed for IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who are

not eligible for registration under the CA pathway. Doctors who have not

obtained qualifications from authorities presently on the AMC Competent

Authority list will be required to undertake either:

• the AMC MCQ and AMC clinical examinations (current pathway) or

• the AMC MCQ plus workplace based assessment (scheduled for staged

implementation from July 2008)

It is recommended that regular updates on this pathway be reviewed via the

AMC website 2

The Standard Assessment pathway – Some frequently asked questions

(FAQs)

Q. I have contacted the Australian Medical Council and am waiting to sit

the AMC examinations, is there a program to assist me in preparing for

these exams?

A. Yes, in Victoria the following organisations conduct bridging programs to help

IMGs prepare to sit the AMC examinations.

Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation (VMPF) 3

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 4

Monash University 5

1 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/content.php?sec=170) 2 www.amc.org.au 3 www.vmpf.org.au 4 www.racgp.org.au/protd/amc 5 www.med.monash.edu.au/general-practice/teaching/amcprogram.html

15

Generally, courses run from between 4 to 20 weeks. There are 2 types of

bridging courses offered: one that prepares candidates to sit for the AMC MCQ,

and the other to prepare candidates for the AMC clinical examination. There is an

Australian Government loan scheme for participants of the AMC bridging course

program called “FEE-HELP”, which is available to eligible permanent resident

doctors. It covers the fees for bridging courses. For more information, visit the

website of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 1

Q. Is it true that from 1 July 2008 the new Standard pathway

assessment process for IMGs will include a mandatory MCQ examination

pass prior to obtaining specific registration?

A. Yes, applications for registration received from 1 July 2008 must include

evidence of successful completion of the AMC MCQ.

Q. If I have applied for registration prior to 1 July 2008, do I need to

complete the mandatory MCQ examination pass prior to obtaining

specific registration?

A. No, if your application has been received by the Medical Board before 1 July

2008, but your registration is not effective until after 1 July 2008, you will be

granted a period of 6 months registration and be expected to successfully

complete the MCQ by 1 January 2009.

Q. If I obtain registration prior to 1 July 2008, do I need to complete the

mandatory MCQ examination pass requirement?

A. No, the mandatory MCQ examination pass requirement takes effect from 1

July 2008. Therefore, all registrations granted prior to 1 July 2008 do not require

this mandatory assessment component. Registrants will, of course, still need to

comply with the MPBV policy that limits the period of specific registration to 5

years.

1 http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/Quickfind/InternationalStudents/BridgingCoursesForOverseasTrainedProfessionals.htm

16

For further information and updates relating to the process and requirements of

the Standard pathways it is suggested you regularly check both the AMC 1 and

the MPBV2 websites.

The Specialist pathway

This pathway is designed for Overseas Trained Specialists (OTS) applying for

specialist positions that meet the eligibility for registration under the specialist

pathway. This pathway is intended for the range of available specialist positions.

New applicants for registration as OTS and occupational trainees on the Specialist

pathway will require college certification and be formally affiliated with a College

approved training program. Doctors who are currently registered (pre 1 July

2008) in the post-graduate trainee category will continue to be eligible for

extension of registration for up to five (5) years, providing they demonstrate

progress towards full registration via AMC or College pathways.

If new applicants do not meet the criteria for the specialist pathway from 1 July

2008, they will need to apply for registration through the CA or Standard

pathway.

Full particulars of Specific Registration - Specialist Registration eligibility

and process requirements are set out on the MPBV website 3

1 www.amc.org.au 2 www.medicalboardvic.org.au 3 http://medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/7_1_f_Guidelines_Specialist.pdf

17

Section 3: Computer Matching

Q. What is the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV)

Computer Matching Service?

The PMCV administers the Computer Matching Service for Victorian hospitals who

offer Intern, Hospital Medical Officer (HMO), and Basic Physician Training

(BPT) and to candidates applying for these posts. The Service is conducted on

behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS), Victoria.

The Computer Matching Service is a preference based system; it is purely a

mathematical process, which uses computer processes to match the preferences

of both candidates and hospitals/health services.

Intern Match

IMG Eligibility Criteria

As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the

Intern Match:

• Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen, and

• Australian Medical Council (AMC) graduate1, and

• Required to undertake 12 month of supervised training.

In addition, you will need to provide documentation to support and verify your

eligibility for the Intern Match:

• A certified copy of your AMC Certificate, and

• Evidence of Australian citizenship/permanent residency

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations

18

Registration for the Intern Match

The Intern Match opens in mid February every year. Please refer to the Schedule

of Dates which is available on the computer matching website 1

If you are eligible to participate in the Intern Match, you need to register for a

username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences

and nominate referees online. Please visit 2

Q. How does the Intern Computer Matching Service work?

General Eligibility Criteria

Q. Who is eligible for the Intern Computer Match?

A.

1) VPR - Australian Trained (Permanent Resident) Graduates of Victorian

Medical Faculties

2) Non-VPR – Other candidates who are eligible for the Intern Match,

including:

• AMC Graduate3 (Permanent Resident or Australian citizen) who

requires a 12 months supervised placement

• Australian Trained (Permanent Resident or Australian citizen) Graduate of

an Interstate Medical Faculty

• New Zealand Medical School Graduate (Permanent Resident or New Zealand

citizen)

• Temporary Resident Medical Graduate of a Victorian Medical Faculty (i.e.

international full-fee student)

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au 2 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm 3 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations

19

• Temporary Resident Medical Graduate of an Interstate Medical Faculty (i.e.

international full-fee student)

i) All eligible candidates submit their preference rank order of hospitals online

via the Computer Matching Service.

(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the

Computer Matching Service.

(Please note: The preferences of participating candidates and

hospitals remain confidential.)

(iii) The Match is run within the following guidelines:

• The VPR & Non-VPR Match occurs simultaneously; with VPR graduates

guaranteed an Intern position in Victoria.

• A computer algorithm matches both candidate and hospital preferences,

matching the highest possible preference of each candidate against the

hospital rankings of candidates.

For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate

preferences refer to 1

The number of positions available for Non-VPR candidates depends on the

number of VPR graduates participating in the Match

• Positions for Non-VPR are generally distributed across all parent hospitals.

Q. I have completed both the AMC MCQ and clinical examinations but

have not yet been issued with my AMC certificate. Am I still eligible to

apply for the Intern Match?

A. Yes, if a certificate has not yet been issued you can submit a letter from the

AMC stating that you have satisfied the requirements but the certificate is

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm

20

not yet available and/or copies of your MCQ and Clinical examination

results.

Q. I have passed the MCQ component of the AMC examinations. Can I get

a position in a Victorian hospital through the Computer Match?

A. If you are registered as an AMC candidate and have passed the MCQ, you may

like to contact hospitals directly regarding the availability of positions.

However, you will not be able to apply for an Intern position offered during the

Computer Matching process as you are not an AMC Graduate1.

A list of hospitals in Victoria offering pre-vocational posts can be found in the

Hospital Directory section of the Computer Matching website at

http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/hospitaldirectory/index.cfm

Q. I am not a permanent resident of Australia but I will have passed

both AMC examinations prior to the closing date of the Intern Match. Will

I be eligible to apply for the Intern Match?

A. No. The eligibility criteria state that you must be an Australian permanent

resident / citizen to participate in the Intern Match.

Q. I am an Australian permanent resident and will have passed both the

MCQ and clinical examination prior to the closing date to enter the

Intern Match. Will I be eligible to apply for the Intern Match?

A. Yes, if you have passed both examinations and can provide documentation

that you have satisfied all AMC requirements before the closing date refer to the

Schedule of Dates 2 you are eligible to apply for the Intern Match.

Q. Can I apply directly to hospitals for intern or HMO positions and not

use the PMCV computer matching service?

A. All Intern and most HMO positions are allocated via the computer matching

process. However, throughout the year some hospitals may have positions which

become available. Please contact hospitals directly outside the matching dates.

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations.

2 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm

21

(Note: some rural hospitals, including; Bairnsdale Regional Health Service,

Central Gippsland Health Service, Echuca Regional Health, Latrobe Regional

Health, Mildura Base Hospital, Northeast Wangaratta, South West Healthcare,

Swan Hill District Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Western District

Health Service, Wimmera Health Care Group, and Wodonga Regional Health

service may offer HMO positions at PGY2/3 level outside of the Matching

Service.) A list of rural public hospitals can be accessed via the following link 1

Q. I participated in the Match but was not matched to any of my

preferences, what should I do now?

A. Any unmatched candidates can apply directly to hospitals in that Match. The

contact information for hospitals is available on the computermatching website 2

1 https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm 2 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm

22

HMO Match

IMG Eligibility Criteria

As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the

HMO Match:

• An Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen

• An AMC graduate1

• Satisfied the requirements of an intern year and eligible for GENERAL

Medical Registration with the Medical Practitioners Board of

Victoria (MPBV)

In addition, you will need to provide documentation to support and verify your

eligibility for the HMO Match:

• A certified copy of your AMC Certificate, and

• Evidence of Australian citizenship/permanent residency

Registration for the HMO Match

The HMO Match opens in mid March each year. Please refer to the Schedule of

Dates which is available on the computer matching website 2

If you are eligible to participate in the HMO Match, you need to register for a

username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences

and nominate referees online. Please visit 3

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations 2 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au

233 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm

Q. How does the HMO Computer Matching Service work?

General Eligibility Criteria

Q. Who is eligible for the HMO Match?

A.

• Australian Trained (Permanent Resident/Australian citizen) Graduate of a

Victorian Medical Faculty

• Australian Trained (Permanent Resident/ Australian citizen) Graduate of an

Interstate Medical Faculty

• Temporary Resident Medical Graduate of a Victorian medical faculty who has

satisfied the requirements of a supervised 12-month placement (i.e. intern

year)

• Temporary Resident Medical Graduate of an Interstate medical faculty who

has satisfied the requirements of a supervised 12-month placement (i.e.

intern year)

• New Zealand Medical School Graduate (Permanent Resident or a New

Zealand citizen)

• AMC Graduate1 (who has obtained Permanent Residency/Australian

citizenship and is eligible for General Registration)

(i) Eligible candidates submit their rank order of hospital preferences online via

the Computer Matching website.

(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the

Computer Matching website

(Please note: The preferences of participating candidates and

hospitals remain confidential.)

(iii) The Match is run within the following guidelines:

24

1 An IMG is deemed an AMC graduate once they have successfully completed (passed) both the AMC MCQ and Clinical examinations

• A computer algorithm matches both candidates and hospitals preferences.

• Candidates are matched to their highest available hospital preference on

their Candidate's Priority List that includes them within the quota boundary

of the hospital preference list at any time during the matching procedure.

For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate

preferences refer to 1

Q. I have completed both components of the AMC examinations and I am

an Australian permanent resident. Can I apply for a HMO position

through the PMCV Matching Service?

A. To be eligible to apply for a HMO position through the Match you also need to

be eligible for General Registration from the MPBV (i.e. you have satisfied the

core requirements of a 12-month supervised training post or an intern year in

Victoria or equivalent).

Q. Can I apply directly to hospitals for intern or HMO positions and not

use the PMCV computer matching service?

A. All Intern and most HMO positions are allocated via the computer matching

process. However, throughout the year some hospitals may have positions which

become available. Please contact hospitals directly outside the matching dates.

(Note: some rural hospitals, including; Bairnsdale Regional Health Service,

Central Gippsland Health Service, Echuca Regional Health, Latrobe Regional

Health, Mildura Base Hospital, Northeast Wangaratta, South West Healthcare,

Swan Hill District Hospital, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Western District

Health Service, Wimmera Health Care Group, and Wodonga Regional Health

service may offer HMO positions at PGY2/3 level outside of the Matching

Service.) A list of rural public hospitals can be accessed via the following link 2

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm

252 https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/directories/ruralHos.htm

26

Q. I have been granted advanced standing towards the AMC certificate

via the Competent Authority pathway. Can I apply for a HMO position

through the PMCV Matching Service?

A. To be eligible to apply for a HMO position through the Match you will need to

have satisfactorily completed 12 months workplace based assessment before the

beginning of the HMO year (beginning of February each year).

Q. I participated in the Match but was not matched to any of my

preferences, what should I do now?

A. Any unmatched candidates can apply directly to hospitals in that Match. The

contact information for hospitals is available on the computermatching website 1

For the HMO Match only, unmatched positions will be published online and

registration to the website is not required.

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm

27

Basic Physician Training (BPT) MATCH (BPT2 Match and BPT3+ Match)

IMG Eligibility Criteria

As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the

BPT2 Match:

• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside

Australia or New Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and

completed a minimum of 1 year of fulltime medical employment in

Australia; or

• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside

Australia or New Zealand and who have been assessed by the RACP to

undertake the FRACP exams. **

As an IMG, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the

BPT3+ Match:

• Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside

Australia or New Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and

completed a minimum of 2 years of fulltime medical employment in Medical

practitioner who has obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia

or New Zealand and who have been assessed by the RACP to undertake the

FRACP exams. **

** Help note: IMGs who have been assessed by the RACP fall under Section 7

(1)(f) of the Health Professions Registration Act (HPRA) 2005;

occupational trainees entering via the specialist recognition pathway will not be

required to sit the AMC exams.

28

Registration for the BPT Match

The BPT Match opens in mid March each year. Please refer to the Schedule of

Dates which is available on the computer matching website 1

If you are eligible to participate in the BPT Match, you need to register for a

username and a password to register your details, submit hospital preferences

and nominate referees online. Please visit 2

General Eligibility Criteria

Q. Who is eligible for the BPT2 Match?

A.

• Australian-trained medical graduate holding "general" medical registration

and completed a minimum of 2 years fulltime medical employment post

MBBS graduation;

• IMG (i.e. Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary

medical degree outside Australia or New Zealand) holding "general"

medical registration and completed a minimum of 1 year of fulltime

medical employment in Australia; and

• IMG (i.e. Medical practitioner who has obtained their primary

medical degree outside Australia or New Zealand) and who have

been assessed by the RACP to undertake the FRACP exams.

Q. Who is eligible for the BPT3+ Match?

A.

• Australian-trained medical graduate holding "general" medical registration

and completed a minimum of 3 years fulltime medical employment post

MBBS graduation;

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au

292 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/index.cfm

• International Medical Graduate (i.e. Medical practitioner who has

obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia or New

Zealand) holding "general" medical registration and completed a

minimum of 2 years of fulltime medical employment in Australia;

and

• International Medical Graduate (i.e. Medical practitioner who has

obtained their primary medical degree outside Australia or New

Zealand) and who have been assessed by the RACP to undertake the

FRACP exams.

Q. How does the BPT Computer Matching Service work?

A.

(j) Eligible candidates submit their rank order of hospital preferences online via

the Computer Matching website.

(ii) Hospitals submit their list of rank order of candidates online via the

Computer Matching website

(Please note: The preferences of participating candidates and

hospitals remain confidential.)

(iii) The Match is run within the following guidelines:

• A computer algorithm matches both candidates and hospitals preferences.

• Candidates are matched to their highest available hospital preference on

their Candidate's Priority List that includes them within the quota boundary

of the hospital preference list at any time during the matching procedure.

For more details on how the computer algorithm matches hospital and candidate

preferences refer to 1

301 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/about/matchingprocess.cfm

Q. What if I am not eligible to participate in the BPT Match?

When the number of BPT positions exceeds the number of candidates in the BPT

Match the excess positions are offered by the hospital outside of the matching

service. These excess positions are offered to candidates who do not meet the

eligibility criteria for participation in BPT Match. Please contact

hospitals/consortia for more information on applying for these excess posts 1.

31

1 http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/hospitaldirectory/index.cfm

Section 4: Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Residency and Visas

Q. If I am NOT an Australian resident, what can I do to get a work Visa?

A. You will only be able to obtain a working Visa if you have been successful in

obtaining a position in an Australian Hospital, and then your employer will

sponsor you generally on a 457 Business Visa. The Hospital will provide all the

required documents that you need to complete, and generally your documents

will be forwarded to the Immigration Department by the Sponsoring Hospital

together with the Hospitals’ sponsorship details.

Q. What are the conditions of the 457 working visa?

A. The primary visa holder must work full time hours and must only work and

earn income from the sponsoring Employer. The partner of the primary visa

holder has more flexibility and does not have to work and can have more than

one employer.

Q. How long do I have to be on a 457 working visa before I can apply for

Permanent Residency

A. To be sponsored by your Employer you must show you have held a 457 visa

for 2 years or have worked continuously in the nominated occupation or have a

salary over $165,000 per annum. However please note there are exceptions to

this requirement. Regional employers do not have to meet some of the

requirements.

To apply independently you need to meet the point system and you need to work

12 months in 24 months prior to application in the nominated position.

Q. Do I need to have English testing to apply for Permanent Residency.

A. If you hold a passport other than UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand you

will need to have a valid English test in the last 2 years for General Skilled

Migration. Providing you have current Registration you are not required to have

current English language testing for Employer Sponsored Scheme.

32

Q. What types of Permanent Residency are available?

A. There are main visa types in order to obtain Permanent Residency

General Skilled Migration - an IMG is able to apply for this visa

independently as soon as they get valid medical registration. This is independent

of your Employer and once the visa is ready to grant the applicant must travel

offshore in order to receive the visa grant. This visa is based on a point system

Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) – an IMG can be sponsored by

their Employer. The applicant must have a minimum contract of 3 years. There

is no point system but generally the applicant must have worked for a minimum

of 12 months with the Employer. Please note the ENS requirements are more

flexible for medical staff employed in a regional hospital.

Q How long does it take to gain Australian Citizenship?

A. Citizenship is available after a person has lived in Australia for 4 years. Of the

4 years, 3 years can be on working visa or student visa but in the last 12 months

the applicant must hold permanent residency and live 9 months of the 12 months

in Australia. It is important to sit the Australian Values Test and this can be done

at anytime after permanent residency is granted.

Further information on visas and living in Australia is provided via the

Department of Immigration and Citizenship website 1

For immigration purposes, if you are a doctor seeking permanent residency you

must hold general medical registration or specialist registration.

33

1 www.immi.gov.au

National English Language Proficiency Requirement for IMGs

Q. Does English language proficiency testing apply in Victoria?

A. Yes. IMGs applying for registration in Victoria must be able to communicate

effectively with patients, other medical practitioners and health professionals to

maintain professional standards. The Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria

(MPBV) has determined that the International English Language Testing

System (IELTS) is an appropriate language-testing model to ensure this.

All IMGs applying for registration in Victoria for the first time must provide

evidence of competency in speaking and communicating in English. This means

they must have:

• Completed the IELTS examination (academic module) and gained a

minimum score of seven in each of the four components or

• Gained a pass in each of the components of the Occupational English

Test (OET) administered by the Centre of Adult Education with grades A or

B only or

• Passed the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) in the

United Kingdom or

• Passed the English language proficiency component of the New Zealand

Registration Exams (NZREX)

Results must have been obtained in one sitting and within two years prior to

applying for registration in Victoria, with the following exceptions:

• An IELTS (or approved equivalent) Test Report Form more than two years

old will be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by

proof that a candidate has actively maintained employment as a medical

practitioner in a country where English is a native or first language

• An applicant can provide evidence of secondary education in English one of

the following countries – Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United

Kingdom, USA, South Africa

34

The Board has the discretion to exempt an applicant from the above

requirements in “special circumstances”, which may include:

• Performance of a demonstration in medical techniques or

• Undertaking research which involves limited or no patient contact or

• Undertaking postgraduate study or training while working in an

appropriately supported environment which will ensure patient safety is not

compromised.

Full details of the policy “National English Language Requirement for IMGs” can

be viewed via the following link 1

35

1 http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au/pdf/NationalENGLangProfPolicy1Jul07.pdf

Medicare Provider Number Restrictions Q. Are there Medicare provider number restrictions I need to know about as an IMG working in Australia? A. All IMGs who first started working as a doctor in Australia after 1996 are

subject to Medicare provider number restrictions under Section 19AB of the

Health Insurance Act 1973.

Q. What is section 19AB of the Act?

A. Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 restricts access to Medicare

provider numbers and requires IMGs to work in a District of Workforce Shortage

for a minimum period of ten years, in order to access the Medicare benefits

arrangements. This ten year period starts from the date of issue of permanent

residency or the date of first medical registration in Australia, whichever is later.

If you are willing to take up a hard-to-fill position as a general practitioner

(GP/family physician) in Australia, you may be eligible to participate in the 5 year

scheme, which shortens the 10 year restriction to 5 years or less.

Q. What is the “ten year moratorium”?

A. This is the short hand name that is frequently applied to the restrictions under

section 19AB of the Act.

Q. If section 19AB of the Act applies to me, how do I gain access to the

Medicare benefits arrangements?

A. You will need to apply for a section 19AB exemption which is approved by the

Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA). To do this, you will need to apply

for a Medicare provider number from Medicare who will apply to the DOHA for a

section 19AB exemption on your behalf.

Q. Are there any other Medicare provider number restrictions that apply

to IMGs working in Australia?

A. IMGs are also subject to a second type of Medicare provider number

restriction under section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act 1973 if they first

worked in Australia as a doctor after 1 November 1996. This restriction requires

36

them to meet one of the following requirements in order to be issued with a

Medicare provider number and therefore provide services that attract Medicare

rebates. You must:

• have postgraduate qualifications as a specialist or General Practitioner

(GP) which are recognised by the relevant Australian Specialist Medical

College. For overseas trained specialists (OTS), this means completion

of the standard pathway for specialist assessment in Australia. For GPs, this

means Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General

Practitioners (FRACGP). If you have postgraduate qualifications in

general practice from a country other than Australia, you must complete the

standard pathway for GP assessment in Australia to meet the requirement

for FRACGP; or

• be on an approved postgraduate training program in Australia. Approved

training programs are offered by the Australian Specialist Medical Colleges 1

and lead to Fellowship of the College. The approved training program for

general practitioners is the Australian General Practice Training Program 2;

or

• be on an Australian approved workforce program (either the Rural Locum

Relief Program (RLRP) 3 in which positions are typically located in Rural,

Remote or Metropolitan Area classifications 4--7, or on the Approved

Medical Deputising Service Program) 4.

If you require further information on Medicare provider number restrictions, you

can phone the Workforce Regulation Information Line in the Department of

Health and Ageing on 02 6289 5903, email 19AB@health.gov.au or by

facsimile 02 6289 1352.

1 http://www.health.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/work-SMC 2 http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/work-Australian%20General%20Practice%20Training%20Program 3 http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/work-Rural+Locum+Relief

37

4 http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/work-Approved%20Medical%20Deputising%20Service%20Program

Section 5: Useful Contacts

Postgraduate Medical Council of

Victoria

+613 9419 1217

pmcv@pmcv.com.au

http://www.pmcv.com.au

Australian Medical Council

+612 6270 9777

+612 6270 9797

http://www.amc.org.au/

Victorian Medical Postgraduate

Foundation

+613 9415 1177

http://www.vmpf.org.au

For information on VMPF Bridging

Courses to assist in preparation for

the Australian Medical Council (AMC)

examinations.

Medical Practitioners Board of

Victoria

General telephone: +613 9655 0500

Registration Department: +613

9655 0555

http://www.medicalboardvic.org.au

Department of Immigration and

Citizenship

http://www.immi.gov.au

For information on visas, immigration

issues and living in Australia.

Department of Human Services

http://hnp.dhs.vic.gov.au/wps/portal

Australian Medical Association

(Victoria)

For advice on employment contracts

Phone: +613 9280 8722

amavic@amavic.com.au

Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria

For advice on finding a position as a

GP or medical specialist in rural

Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9349 7800

http://www.rwav.com.au/

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing - Doctor

Connect Website

http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au

General information for IMGs wanting to practice medicine in Australia.

38

Section 6: General information and resource links for IMGs

• PMCV ‘Working in Victoria’s Public Hospitals: An Orientation

Manual for International Medical Graduates’

This resource has been developed as an Orientation manual for hospital

based IMGs, with a focus on orientation to the Australian health care

system.

The manual is updated annually and covers topics such as working in a

Victorian hospital, legislation and professional practice, Australian

society, personal and professional supports and settlement information

for IMGs and their families.

The manual is available for download from the PMCV website

www.pmcv.com.au. A CD-ROM or hard copy of the manual is also

available to IMGs and other interested Victorian public hospital staff from

PMCV. All enquiries imgsadmin@pmcv.com.au

• New Aussie Docs

http://www.newaussiedocs.org/index.htm

An additional website guide to assist IMGs settle into work in Australia.

• Over the Seas & Into the Bush: Overseas Trained Doctors in Rural

Australia (Rural Health Education Foundation)

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/719/719.html

This program provides a general overview of what IMGs need to know about

Australian medical culture and how the Australian healthcare system works. A

free DVD copy of this program can be ordered via the above link.

• The Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association (ADTOA)

http://www.adtoa.org.au/

The Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association (ADTOA) is the peak

national organization of International Medical Graduates in Australia,

representing Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are Overseas

Trained Doctors (PROTDs).

39

• IELTS Worldwide http://ielts.org/

For all information relating to the International English Language Testing

System (IELTS)

• Occupational English Test (OET)

http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/

For all information relating to the OET

• Talking Medicine

Talking Medicine is designed to help busy doctors, medical researchers and

students to improve their fluency in English and build confidence in

understanding and speaking English in medical contexts

http://www.talkingmedicine.com/

• 6 minutes

6 minutes is an online newsletter and website for Australian doctors, including

general and specialist practitioners.

http://6minutes.com.au

• My Medical Career

My Medical Career is an online career planning portal for Australian medical

students and junior doctors which aims to assist the process of selecting and

achieving a career which best suits your interests, skills and lifestyle needs.

http://www.mymedicalcareer.com.au

40

Section 7: Acronyms

ADTOA Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association

AMA Australian Medical Association

AMC Australian Medical Council

AON Area of Need

BPT Basic Physician Training

CA Competent Authority

COAG Commonwealth of Australian Governments

CV Curriculum Vitae

DHS Department of Human Services

DOHA Department of Health and Ageing

EICS International Credentials Services of the United States Educational

Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

FRACGP Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

FRACP Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians

GMC General Medical Council

GME Graduate Medical Education

GP General Practitioner

HMO Hospital Medical Officer

HPRA Health Professions Registration Act

IELTS International English Language Testing System

IMG International Medical Graduate

MBBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

MCQ Multiple Choice Question

MPBV Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria

NZREX New Zealand Registration Examination

OET Occupational English Test

OTD Overseas Trained Doctor

OTS Overseas Trained Specialists

PLAB Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board

PMCV Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria

RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

RACP Royal Australasian College of Physicians

RLRP Rural Locum Relief Program

RWAV Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria

UK United Kingdom

USA United States of America

USMLE United States Medical Licensing Examination

VGPR Victorian Graduate Permanent Residents

VMPF Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation

41

42