IMGs put to the test for area-of-need jobs

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[b:0e295e73a4]IMGs put to the test for area-of-need jobs [/b:0e295e73a4] [b:0e295e73a4]12-Apr-2006[/b:0e295e73a4]

[b:0e295e73a4]By Heather Ferguson[/b:0e295e73a4]

SOME international medical graduates are expected to face a clinical examination before being allowed to work as rural GPs in Victoria, under a more rigorous policy being finalised by the state’s medical board.

The proposed policy will mean all IMGs wanting to work as area-of-need GPs have to undergo a structured interview with the state’s Rural Workforce Agency.

Depending on their experience and the level of supervision they will receive in their intended rural general practice, some IMGs will then be required to complete an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

At present there is no formal testing for IMGs wanting to work as GPs in Victoria. An individual’s registration is based on a review of their curriculum vitae by practices or recruiting agencies, and assessment of their relevant general practice experience by the RACGP.

Under the new policy, the college will continue to assess IMGs’general practice experience.

Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria president Dr Joanna Flynn said the proposed policy —expected to go before the board later this month — was similar to those in NSW, Tasmania and SA.

With an increase in the number of practices directly recruiting IMGs it would ensure any doctors coming to work in Australia had the appropriate clinical skills and knowledge, she said.

The Victorian board is also developing a policy on the supervision of IMGs who do not have a permanent form of medical registration. This will clarify who can supervise IMGs and the requirements — ranging from very close supervision to remote supervision — depending on the applicant’s circumstances.