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Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme

What is The Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme?

The Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme (the Scheme), previously the Five Year Overseas Trained Doctors Scheme, improves access to doctors in rural and remote areas. The incentive is designed to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced IMGs who have completed their medical training overseas. It aims to increase the supply of doctors to work in these rural areas where their services are needed the most.

Scheme Objectives

The objectives of the Scheme are to:

  • provide incentives that attract appropriately qualified and experienced IMG doctors working in general practice. This helps Australia meet the current and future community needs for general practice medical services in rural and remote areas.
  • increase the supply of appropriately qualified IMG doctors in rural and remote Australia.
  • enhance the professional development, skills and knowledge of IMG doctors in Australia.
  • bring a degree of stability to the provision of general practitioner (GP) services in rural and remote communities.

The Scheme offers a reduction in the ten-year moratorium on Medicare provider number restrictions under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act). The Delegate to the Minister for Health will grant an exemption without geographical restrictions to participating doctors who have satisfied the following requirements:

  • completed the required term of service in a location deemed eligible for the Scheme.
  • attained Fellowship with either the RACGP or ACRRM.
  • attained permanent residency and/or Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for Locations and Medical Practices

Locations and medical practices must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the services of an IMG doctor participating on the Scheme:

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Medical Graduates

This Scheme applies to IMG doctors who are restricted under section 19AB of the Act in accessing Medicare benefits arrangements. IMGs wishing to participate in the Scheme must meet the following criteria:

  • have recognised general practice training and qualifications; or
  • provide evidence they are eligible to be assessed for Fellowship of RACGP (FRACGP) or Fellowship of ACRRM (FACRRM) within two years of commencing on the Scheme;
  • hold or obtain appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia;
  • hold or intend to gain permanent residency or Australian citizenship; and
  • provide at least seven sessions a week as part of their placement.

Application Process for Doctor Recruitment in Australia Under the Scheme

You can find more information about the Scheme application process for doctor recruitment in Australia by contacting the Rural Health West Recruitment team. Simply email [email protected].

Rural Health West will assess your application to review eligibility of both practice and applicant. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.

Enrolment on the Scheme commences on the date that the acceptance letter and agreement are approved and signed by Rural Health West’s Chief Executive Officer or approved delegate. There are no circumstances in which acceptance on the Scheme can be backdated.

Applicant Guidelines

For more information on the Scheme applicant guidelines, please view the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Find International Medical Graduate Jobs in Australia

We’re ready to guide you towards a fulfilling job as an International Medical Graduate in rural Western Australia. Our friendly team will provide you with the support you need for every part of your IMG job search, including navigating medical registrations and settling into your new community. You can make a significant impact in areas that truly need it. View our current vacancies below and submit your application today! If you need any assistance regarding remote work for doctors in WA, please do not hesitate to contact us.