Overseas-Trained Doctor Jobs in Western Australia

Jump to:

• • Why Go Through Rural Health West to Become an IMG Doctor in Australia?
  • Assessment for Working as an IMG Doctor in Australia
  • Five Year International Medical Graduates Recruitment Scheme
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Find International Medical Graduate Jobs in Australia

Current Vacancies

Why Go Through Rural Health West to Become an IMG Doctor in Australia?

Our knowledgeable staff provide a free and personalised doctor recruitment service in Western Australia for experienced International Medical Graduates. To find you the perfect job in WA, we offer the following:

• A clinical assessment with a Rural Health West Medical Advisor to understand your experience and expertise. They will also help you prepare for a Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI), if applicable.
• Assistance, if required, with applications and assessment for the Australian Medical Council (AMC), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), or Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
• Administration assistance with your applications for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and Medicare.
• Assistance with immigration and visa referrals.
• Orientation and support on arrival. We deliver two free orientations to all doctors new to rural WA.
  • Rural Health West Group Orientation – This includes a comprehensive orientation with an experienced Rural Health West medical advisor delivered via webinar. It is suited to doctors new to Australia, and covers topics including the Australian healthcare system, Australia’s legislation and professional practice requirements, professional development, cultural diversity, and the social context of care.
    • Welcome to Rural WA with Rural Health West – This is a short, individualised presentation delivered by a member of the Workforce Solutions team via Microsoft Teams. Rural Health West’s services are discussed in detail, and we share how these services can benefit you in your new practice, community and home life.
• Ongoing family support, professional development opportunities and locum cover.

Assessment for Working as an IMG Doctor in Australia

Your recruitment pathway for medical registration as an IMG doctor in Australia will depend on your individual qualifications and experience.

To work in family medicine in WA, you must be eligible for one of the following registration pathways. The following links will allow you to carry out your self-assessment check:

• Expedited Specialist Pathway – For those with an international specialist medical qualification on the Medical Board’s Expedited Specialist Pathway Accepted Qualifications List.
• Specialist Pathway – For those with family medicine and/or general practice postgraduate qualifications recognised by the RACGP or ACRRM.
• Competent Authority Pathway – For those who are medical graduates from an approved competent authority.
• Standard Pathway – Candidates are required to pass the AMC Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination.

Please note that in addition to joining a registration pathway, all candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary English language skills to be an IMG doctor in Australia. For more information, please visit the Ahpra website.

If you have conducted your self-assessment and meet the requirements of that pathway, you can apply for a job online now!

If your working experience is primarily hospital based, please refer to the Western Australian Department of Health and WA Country Health Service (WACHS) for current vacancies.

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, provides incentives to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced doctors in Australia who have completed their medical training overseas.

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:

• be in an area classified as rural or remote.
• be located in an area considered to be a Distribution Priority Area (DPA).

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a GP in Australia as an IMG?

As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), you can become a GP in Australia by following a set pathway that usually involves assessment of your qualifications and experience, obtaining necessary registrations and fulfilling required service terms. Key steps include:

• Undergoing a clinical assessment and structured interviews such as the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI).
• Passing necessary examinations like the AMC MCQ examination for the Standard Pathway.
• Joining recognised training programs and earning a Fellowship with either the RACGP or ACRRM.
• Meeting the criteria for necessary visas, registrations and obtaining the appropriate Medicare provider number under relevant schemes.

What opportunities are there for foreign medical graduates in Australia?

There are a variety of opportunities for foreign medical graduates in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas where there is strong demand for medical professionals. These opportunities often include positions in general practice. This is where foreign medical graduates can make a significant impact in communities by addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations.

What are the benefits of remote work for doctors in Western Australia?

Remote work for doctors in Western Australia has several benefits. These include a great work-life balance, which ensures you can fulfill both personal and professional commitments. You also get to work in some of WA’s most beautiful and diverse locations. Additionally, working in rural areas means providing essential medical care to underserved communities.

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.