The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomes the clear recommendations contained in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing's 'Lost in the Labyrinth' report on the inquiry into registration processes and support for overseas trained doctors.
The RACGP acknowledges the vital role international medical graduates (IMGs) play in the health and wellbeing of patients and the healthcare system in Australia, and recognises the red tape and obstacles they often face when trying to practise medicine in Australia.
RACGP Censor-in-Chief Dr Jennie Kendrick said the report clearly identifies the roles and responsibilities of specialist medical colleges – such as the RACGP – and other medical organisations in improving systems to reduce the red tape facing IMGs.
"While the RACGP is currently analysing the implications of the report findings, we are committed to working with key organisations identified in the report, especially the Medical Board of Australia, the Australian Medical Council and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, to ensure the best possible outcomes for IMGs and the Australian community.
"The RACGP recognises the importance of actively engaging IMGs through Pathway to Fellowship processes and values the current IMG involvement on the Board of Censors, various National Standing Committees, Faculty Boards and the annual RACGP International Medical Graduate Forum initiated in 2007," said Dr Kendrick.
Other RACGP initiatives underway that support the report's recommendations include the current comprehensive review of the RACGP's Fellowship pathways. The review aims to streamline administrative processes towards achieving Fellowship and considers flexibility in assessment models while maintaining high standards. This includes review of the RACGP Practice Based Assessment models currently available, which are relevant to the workplace-based assessment recommendations highlighted in the House of Representatives' report.
"Success will require careful planning and close coordination between organisations, specialist medical colleges and IMGs to streamline processes while meeting the RACGP's commitment to setting the standards for high quality care, education and training for Australian general practice.
"This is an exciting opportunity to clarify what has been a longstanding and often frustrating process for many organisations, but above all, for IMGs in Australia. The time is now right for coordinated change," concluded Dr Kendrick.
The RACGP's submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing - Inquiry into Registration Processes and Support for Overseas Trained Doctors (February 2011) is available at www.racgp.org.au/reports/41192.