Figures given to the Observer by the General Medical Council show that 22, doctors applied to work overseas in the last eight years. It is highly likely this number will rise if there is not a satisfactory agreement made. So if you find yourself falling into this trap and need some direction to find medical work in Australia then the following advice from, Helena Bart, will help you navigate your way through the process.
It is essential that you have: An up-to-date CV. If your medical CV is a bit rusty, there are some excellent sources of information online such as the BMJ website. Ask a friendly senior doctor to eyeball it for you and give constructive feedback. Often one has to be your current supervisor. Find a reliable printer and scanner, the easiest way to send things back and forward is printing them off, and then scanning them in again completed.
Often there is a lot of paperwork for the Australian hospitals which needs filling in and signing, so be prepared for this. Have all your original documents to hand. Have these scanned in as everyone will want copies. This costs money, so phone around and see what you get quoted. You may well need to re-visit your notary public to witness you sign some of your hospital documents.
Some hospitals will also accept scanned notarised documents rather than originals. This process takes at least 3 months and is the starting block for all the ongoing paperwork. The certificate of AMC approval is posted to you, but received about another month after everything is completed.
Most will interview by phone either early in the morning Have any questions you may have ready as well. The main approaches are: 1. They tend to mainly advertise jobs in slightly out of the way places, although they do still have jobs in popular places i. Directly contact hospitals — This requires a rough idea of where you want to work and an up-to-date CV. This worked well for some people, but not everyone. Start early December time and some will be keen to arrange interviews, others will tell you to come back later and some will tell you they have nothing.
