Specialist International Medical Graduates    

Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) who wish to practice in the speciality of Medical Administration in Australia or NZ must apply directly to the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) for an assessment of their comparability to an Australian/NZ trained specialist. RACMA’s SIMG assessment process evaluates the training, qualifications and experience of the SIMG for comparability with an Australian/NZ trained Medical Administrator. The specialist pathway for Medical Administration allows for an assessment of specialist recognition to be able to register and practise as a specialist medical administrator.

The primary source verification of medical qualifications is mandated under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (National Law) for all IMGs seeking registration in any category in Australia. The Australian Medical Council (AMC) provides details on primary source verification of the medical credentials of SIMGs applying for registration to practice medicine in Australia.

Applying

Before an SIMG can apply for assessment by RACMA, an applicant must register and establish an AMC portfolio and apply for primary source verification at https://www.amc.org.au/assessment/psv

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to the RACMA for specialist assessment, the applicant must have the following:

• a primary medical degree (MBBS) issued by a medical school approved by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and verified through EPIC;
• completed formal postgraduate training in a field of specialist medical practice recognised in Australia;
• the AMC verification of their existing overseas training and qualifications through the ECFMG International Credential Services and EPIC); and 
• completed the RACMA SIMG application form, accompanied by required documentation and fees. 

The RACMA policy on this assessment is ‘Assessing International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Seeking Specialist Recognition and RACMA Fellowship’ can be found here.

To apply for assessment by RACMA under the specialist pathway, download the Application for Assessment of Comparability in Medical Administration form.

SIMG Assessment

The assessment of comparability is conducted by the RACMA SIMG Assessment Panel, appointed to review the applicant’s training and experience, and determine the applicant’s comparability as per the definitions set by the Regulatory Authority and the College standards of practice. 
Should a panel interview be granted, the SIMG Assessment Panel will explore with the applicant their experience and scope in medical management, identify gaps and areas of training need and seek further clarification to determine the level of comparability based on the evidence presented and performance of the applicant at the interview. The Panel may request additional evidence from the applicant to substantiate claims.  Further details on the process of assessment, please see the policy for ‘Assessing International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Seeking Specialist Recognition and RACMA Fellowship’.

SIMG Fees

For more information regarding SIMG applications fees, refer to the current RACMA Fees Schedule.

More information

For International Medical Graduate enquiries at RACMA, please email IMG@racma.rick.brightlabs.com.au or contact the RACMA Office on +61 3 9824 4699. 
For information on EPIC and primary source verification please refer to the AMC website at http://www.amc.org.au/assessment/psv
For further information refer to the Specialist Pathway information available on the Medical Board of Australia’s website here.