How To Start Working As A Doctor In Australia

Australia’s healthcare sector offers lucrative Job opportunities to all medical experts. This country is considered an attractive destination for those who want to excel in the medical field.

You can start your medical career in such an environment where the working schedule is calm, as it gives you more reason to take pride in your job.

If you need to earn more as a medical professional, this article explores seven ways to start working as a doctor in Australia.

How To Start Working As A Medical Doctor In Australia

1. Complete Your Medical Degree in Australia

To start working as a medical doctor in Australia, you need to complete your medical degree in the country.

This is considered one of the straightforward paths whereby you can apply to any Australian university.

Taking this route offers several advantages: familiarity with the Australian healthcare system, networking opportunities, and automatic recognition of your qualifications.

You also get high-quality education and clinical experience in the medical landscape 

2. Pursue Specialist Training Through a Fellowship Program

After your basic medical training, the next step to start working as a doctor in Australia is to propose a fellowship program in the country.

By doing this, you can specialize in and establish yourself in the country. Major specialist colleges like the Royal Australasian College of Physicians offer the best training programs across various medical specialties.

Note that the duration of this fellowship program is usually three to six years to complete.

3. Gain Entry Through the Competent Authority Pathway

The Competent Authority Pathway was primarily established for international medical graduates who have completed their training in countries with comparable healthcare systems.

These countries may include the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. Once you’ve obtained your primary medical qualifications and completed an internship in any of these countries, your chances of eligibility will be higher than those who haven’t.

As a result, you will be able to work in Australian hospitals under supervision, typically for 12 months before being able to practice independently across the country. 

4. Undertake the Standard Pathway for International Medical Graduates

If you trained in country that is not recognized under the Competent Authority Pathway, you can also be offered an alternative route for registration to start working as a doctor in Australia.

Candidates that fall under this category are required to pass the AMC (Australian Medical Council) examinations so that their medical knowledge and clinical skills will be assessed to determine their alignment with Australian standards.

5. Explore Opportunities in Rural and Remote Areas

If you want to start working as a doctor in Australia through another means, it’s easier to take advantage of several opportunities in rural and remote areas.

This is because the country usually faces a persistent shortage of doctors in these areas, and it could be your best shot to showcase your skills and expertise in the medical field.

Apply through the various initiatives and programs set by the county’s government to attract doctors for employment. 

6. Engage in Medical Research and Academia

This is specialized for those moving to a new phase in medical knowledge. The best option here is to pursue a career in medical research or academia because they will find it easy to enter the medical field.

This will give them the leverage to start working as a doctor in Australia while working in research institutions.

Some of these institutions offer PhD programs and postdoctoral positions in various medical specialties 

7. Volunteer or Undertake Observerships to Gain Experience

It may not be a direct path to start working as a doctor in Australia, but it can be a valuable way to gain exposure to the Australian healthcare system and build professional networks.

You can opt-in for short-term positions offered by hospitals and other healthcare systems. They usually target both local and international medical graduates.

As a result, you can familiarize yourself with the Australian medical practices.

Conclusion

When you begin to work as a doctor in Australia, you get to build a rewarding medical career that offers various pathways with unique advantages. Whatever the route might be, get ready to excel as a professional medical expert.

FAQs

Is PLAB accepted in Australia?

Yes, the PLAB exam is recognized in several countries, including Australia. However, each country, including Australia, may have its specific requirements for medical registration.

Is it easy to move to Australia as a doctor?

Moving to Australia as a doctor involves multiple steps. You need medical registration, a job offer, and a suitable visa.

The process, including securing registration and immigration, can take up to 18 months.

How can a foreign doctor work in Australia?

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who have passed recognized exams or completed training through an approved competent authority can apply for assessment under the Competent Authority Pathway.

IMGs should apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia for provisional registration.