Skip to main content

How To Become A GP Specialist in Australia


I have been asked to give info about the specializing in GP for IMGs. This is one topic which mostly people are well versed and is considered the easiest pathway. You need to secure a job in DWS area and then apply to AHPRA. You need to have 3 years GP experience to be considered for registration. RACGP Overseas GP assessment is recommended but not mandatory. GPS are funded federally so we have to comply certain Medicare rules. As an IMG you are restricted by generally two restrictions.
One is 19AB that you have to work in District of workforce shortage (DWS) and if you’re a permanent resident or citizen you need to get 19AA exemption which needs you need to be in a 3GA training program which is a bit more competitive and as an IMG it generally means going rurally.
There are three pathways to GP fellowship (GP is a specialist job in Australia). One is independent pathway and other is through a training program and third is ACRRM which is also another 3GA (very competitive)
Independent pathway require 4 year work as a GP as assessed by RACGP out of which one year needs to be in Australia. You don’t need to have general registration to sit the exams. IMGs who have PR and citizenship can’t go through this pathway. This pathway is least supported and mostly you’ve to work and study by yourself. RACGP is making some study modules for this pathway but it’s early stages for that.
3GA program pathway is where PR and citizens can apply. Most of IMGs end up in this pathway as most aussies don’t want to work in rural area. This training program is of 3 years and you work as a registrar in general practice. You get weekly teaching and regular visits by RTO to check your performance.
The exam for both the pathways is similar. First is AKT exam which is like MCQs and then is the dreaded KFP which has Pass Rate of 50-55% and IMGs have even lower pass rate. Once you pass that then is OSCE and if you pass all of them then you apply for fellowship and then to Medicare. One you become a fellow, 19AA restriction don’t impose on you. You can work in any region.
Third is through ACRRM pathway which is highly competitive as they’ve limited seats expect a lot of skills beforehand to consider you. The exams are generally similar but it definitely helps you in becoming a excellent clinician in rural areas where you’ve got very limited support.
In the end, just my two cent about another issues,I have many IMGs saying they can’t go to rural area due to family commitments even if your spouse/partner is working a white collar job and has to leave it to go with you, still you should consider it because GPS positions are very financially secure and will be able to bear the financial burden till you complete your fellowship. Moreover , it’s truly amazing working in the world's 2nd best health system and even if it requires going to rural area to start your career here, you should seriously consider it..
Just An Update: I'm working on a PDF file containing Interview Tips and a Collection of 120-130 Clinical Examination Recalls from the past 10 years or so. I'll upload it later today when it's ready. I don't own all the recalls they are from other respected doctors who passed the exam. Good Luck.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Omnia Mohamed Saeed--- Match 2019

Congratulations to everyone who matched  :) ) and those who didn't hopefully you'll match next cycle! I matched in Internal Medicine, my #1 choice  :) ) First match cycle.. To all the old grads out there, it's never too late  😀 YOG 2010 (2009 without internship) I took the steps throughout many years cuz I was working and travelling a lot..wasnt ready yet to apply for the match till now. Step 2 CK: 260 done in 2011 Step 1: 245 done in 2013 Step 2 CS: Pass in 2014 Step 3: 259 done in 2018 No USCE No research No US-LORs No contacts Non US-IMG, need a visa Continuously practicing medicine since graduation, did 2 years residency in home country n quit (internal med) then started and finished another residency abroad (family med) 4 LORs from non-US doctors - one waived (3 were from FM doctors and one IM doctor!) Applied to only around 90 programs IM (biggest mistake, it was my first match cycle and I did not research well, I only looked through FREIDA which was mis...
Post a Comment
Read more

- Step1 Experience ----267

Hello, My name is Saif Sharayah, I am from Jordan and I graduated from Hashemite University in May 2018. Test date: 22nd of April, 2019 Preparation time: 8-9 months Step1 Score: 267 First of all, you should bear in mind that everybody is different and has a certain goal. With that being said, I am hoping that what I am going to say would benefit as much people as possible. I would like to start by saying that the exam is certainly doable, so let’s get that out of the way. Resources that were worth doing (In addition to firstaid, pathoma and Uworld) based on “MY” experience: -Dr. Turcos Kaplan videos (Biochemistry) -Sketchy Micro (Aids recall, not essential though) -Bnb biostats’ videos followed by Uworld subject review (Can’t recommend this method enough, its golden for biostat) -100 Cases by Conrad Fischer (Ethics) -Anatomy shelf notes + Kaplan Neuroanatomy videos by Dr. White (Anatomy) -BRS physiology (Not essential if you are comfortable with the subject) The above cover...
Post a Comment
Read more

United States Clinical Experience (USCE)

This is really important part of steps journey. I will try my best to explain it in the simplest way. Those days are over when people with triple 99 only used to get residencies .USA hospitals now require some clinical experience inside USA before you apply. Students work under supervision in hospitals and get L.o.Rs. There are 3 forms of USCE ( research is not part of USCE -a big misconception): 1. Electives 2. Externship 3. Clinical Observer Status (Observer-ship) 1 Elective: Doing clinical work in USA while you are not graduating is called elective. Most people do it in 4th yr / final yr vacation or immediately after final year. Each elective comprises of 4 week rotation in which you get one L.o.R. It is the best form of USCE. Some universities offer it free while others have some fees. People who have done step 1 are very likely to get electives for free in good universities. Elective also solves the visa problem as you get a 5 yr visa on basis of electives which helps you later...
Post a Comment
Read more