A new fellowship to support overseas trained doctors when they arrive in Australia has been launched by the peak GP body.
The RACGP has opened a fellowship opportunity for members who have navigated the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) to work in Australia.
Introduced by Ahpra in October 2024, the pathway allows doctors from approved countries to apply for registration with the regulator without first being assessed by the RACGP.
The RACGP initially expressed concern about the pathway’s simple paper-based assessments substituting the medical colleges’ evaluations of suitability.
The new fellowship represents a turning point on the College’s stance. It said safeguards were in place to ensure standards were maintained as part of the fellowship.
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The College said the fellowship “recognised equivalence” of overseas trained doctors while ensuring RACGP oversight.
Only doctors who have passed the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) strict assessment process are eligible for the fellowship.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the fellowship would deliver clear benefits to patients and the profession.
“Patients will benefit because GPs who train overseas and meet the MBA’s high standards can now connect more fully with the Australian system,” she said.
“These doctors are already working safely in our communities. By offering them fellowship, we can reduce professional isolation, strengthen their connection to Australian standards, and ensure they have access to ongoing education, mentorship, and resources.”
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Dr Raman said it reinforced the RACGP’s role as the professional home for all GPs in Australia.
“General practice is at the heart of our health system. We need every GP who is practising safely in Australia to feel supported, valued, and connected. That’s what this initiative is about – stronger care for patients, and a stronger profession for the future.”
She also emphasised the College’s ongoing commitment to monitoring and evaluation of the expedited specialist pathway.
“We’ll continue to monitor the expedited pathway and consult with the Medical Board and Government to ensure evaluation remains rigorous and upholds Australian standards, and if issues arise, they are promptly addressed,” she said.
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The AMA recently called for more to be done to ensure international medical graduates (IMGs) practicing in Australia can thrive.
The AMA surveyed its members and published report outlining the lived experiences of IMGs, the systemic barriers they encounter, and opportunities for reform.
Many reported feeling trapped in a complex and confusing registration process and that they often had to work outside of medicine while awaiting registration.
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