When planning a big change in our careers, it is always best to collect information from multiple sources that is comprehensive and accurate. Years ago, when I started my journey to work in Australia as a doctor, I was overwhelmed by different opinions and ambiguous processes. Luckily, I navigated the situation by finding credible sources that steered me in the right direction. In this post, you will find my top 4 recommendations with links I still consult whenever I need more detailed information regarding my career trajectory as an IMG in Australia.
1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency:
AHPRA is the main licensing/skill assessment body for doctors in Australia. Check out their website to gain up-to-date information regarding registration requirements & standards.
2. Australian Medical Council:
The AMC assesses international medical graduates seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia. Their website is a useful resource to check which IMG pathway applies to you, which exams you need to sit & how to proceed with them
3. Emergency Focus:
Sometimes the information on the official websites can be overwhelming & confusing to understand for absolute beginners & people with non-medical backgrounds. Dr Rizwan Qureshi’s videos on YouTube provide all you need to know in easy-to-understand language in bite-sized videos.
4. Pakistani Doctors In Australia:
Despite our best research, sometimes we still require answers to a specific question. The input & advice of people who have been through the same pathways are much appreciated at these times. Pakistani Doctors in Australia is a Facebook group consisting of IMGs from different countries, on various pathways and at different stages of careers in Australia. The group contains a plethora of advice ranging from passing AMC exams to insights on doing well & navigating conflicts at the workplace. If you use the search function icon, there is a 99% chance your question would already be answered by someone else in the past.
So here you have it, a list of the most important websites you should know about and check before making the big career move. If you want more information regarding transitioning to the Australian healthcare system as a medical practitioner, let me know in the comments below. Alternatively, you can reach me at drzia.asma@gmail.com.
Murmurs & Magic 