The AMC Specialist Pathway is for international medical graduates (IMGs) in one of the following categories:
overseas-trained specialists applying for assessment of comparability to the standard of a specialist trained in that specialty in Australia (Specialist recognition)
overseas-trained specialists applying for an area of need specialist level position in Australia (Area of need)
Specialist assessment for the AMC Specialist Pathway
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery from a training institution recognised by the AMC and have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training, can apply for assessment under this pathway (specialist recognition or area of need).
Short-term training for the AMC Specialist Pathway
An internationally qualified specialist or international specialist-in-training can undertake short-term training in Australia without having to obtain an AMC Certificate or to undergo afull comparability assessmentby the relevant specialist medical college.
The IMG applies directly to the relevant college for a training position by using the form AAMC–30 Application for assessment by a medical college, available on the Australian Medical Board’s website.
Primary source verification for the AMC Specialist Pathway
Medical registration for the AMC Specialist Pathway
The outcome of a specialist medical college’s assessment of applications made for any category associated with the Specialist Pathway will determine the type of registration an IMG may apply for through the Medical Board of Australia (the Board), which makes the final decision on whether to grant registration.
Short-term training process for the AMC Specialist Pathway
An internationally qualified specialist or international specialist-in-training can undertake short-term training in Australia without having to obtain an AMC Certificate or to undergo a full comparability assessment by the relevant specialist medical college.
The IMG applies directly to the relevant college for a training position by using the form AAMC–30 Application for assessment by a medical college, available on the Board’s website
The specialist medical college assesses the suitability of the training position for the applicant.
The IMG applies to the Board for limited registration for postgraduate training or supervised practice.
AMC Specialist Pathway – Recognition
International medical graduates (IMGs) apply directly to the specialist medical college for the Specialist Pathway using a college-specific application form available on the college website.
directly to the relevant specialist medical college for an assessment of comparability against the criteria for an Australian-trained specialist in the same field of specialty practice.
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery from a training institution recognised by the AMC and have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training, can apply for assessment under this pathway (specialist recognition or area of need).
Following assessment, IMGs must apply to the Board for registration.
The AMC has no role in processing applications for registration or in granting registration.
AMC Specialist Pathway – Area of need
International medical graduates (IMGs) apply directly to the relevant specialist medical college for the Specialist Pathway using a college-specific application form available on the college website.
directly to the relevant specialist medical college for an assessment of their qualifications and relevant experience against the specified requirements of a position in a confirmed area of need.
IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery from a training institution recognised by the AMC and have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training, can apply for assessment under this pathway (specialist recognition or area of need).
Area of need is determined by the relevant state or territory health authority (neither the AMC, nor the specialist medical college, nor the Board has any role in determining which areas are designated area of need).
IMGs working in an area of need should apply to the Board for registration in the relevant category.
If a position is approved as an area of need position, the employer matches applicants for area of need positions against the position description and selection criteria, and selects a suitable applicant.
The applicant and the employer complete the relevant documentation, including the visa application, where necessary.
