Medical Training Review Panel 19th Report

Role of the National Medical Training Advisory Network

The main role of the NMTAN is to provide policy advice on medical workforce planning and to produce medical training plans to inform government, health and education sectors. The NMTAN develops policy advice about the planning and coordination of medical training in Australia, in collaboration with other networks involved in the medical training space.

The NMTAN is also responsible for production of an annual report on medical education and training, including undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational medical training in Australia.

These functions will be carried out according to five key principles:

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  Training of the medical workforce should be matched to the community’s requirements for health services, including where those services are required geographically and in what specialty.
  
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  Matching supply and demand for medical training should recognise the changing dynamics of the healthcare system over time, including advances in service models and workforce development trends.
  
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  Medical training should be provided in the most effective and efficient way that preserves the high quality and safety of Australia’s current training system and the sustainability of the health service delivery system.
  
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  Training requirements should be informed by relevant and up-to-date information about future service needs.
  
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  Training places for Australian trained medical graduates should be prioritised over immigration of overseas trained doctors to fill workforce gaps in responding to short- and long-term workforce need.