Medical Training Review Panel 19th Report

International Medical Graduate Specialists

The international medical graduate specialist assessment process is conducted by ANZCA to assess and make a determination regarding the comparability of the international medical graduate specialist to a fellow of ANZCA.

The ANZCA international medical graduate specialist assessment process commences with application directly to the college (as of 1 July 2014) and proceeds to a paperbased assessment to establish qualifications, training, clinical experience, recency of practice, health systems worked in, and participation in continuing professional development (CPD). Area of Need applicants are also assessed for comparability, as required.

If eligible to proceed, the assessment then includes:

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  a face-to-face assessment interview;
  
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  a clinical practice assessment period; and
  
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  either a workplace-based assessment or the choice of the international medical graduate specialist performance assessment or the final examination.
  

International medical graduate specialist applicants need to provide evidence of their specialist anaesthesia training in relation to duration, structure, content, curriculum, sub-specialty experience, supervision and assessment. The ANZCA international medical graduate specialist assessment process will take into account the college’s training requirements at the time the applicant attained his/her initial post-graduate specialist qualification in anaesthesia.

In relation to the specialist qualification, consideration will be given to the curriculum vitae, references, and details of practice as a specialist anaesthetist. Experience and qualifications must be substantiated by statements and original or certified copies of diplomas from relevant bodies.

Assessment of the specialist’s experience takes into account case mix, use of equipment and drugs and compliance with standards of anaesthesia practice as promoted in the college professional documents. Evidence of participation in CPD is sought, comparable to the college’s continuing CPD program. Continuous involvement in recent years is particularly important.