If you are medical professional hailing from any country of world and working abroad is in your list goals for a medical career, then Australia should be high on your list, or for all good reasons. Generally, when we talk about moving overseas, first names that come to our mind include Canada, USA, Germany, or several other countries. But through the AMC exam, the Australian Medical Council has ensured an easy registration process for IMGs dreaming of moving abroad, making Australia a top choice.
In this guide, we will tell you why Australia should be the first name to pop in your mind. This has to do with all factors combined, which make Australia the finest choice for international doctors. Here are a few reasons why doctors around the world are choosing the Land Down Under.
High Demand for Doctors
As Australia is grappling with a shortage of medical professionals, especially in rural and regional areas, the Australian government and the Australian Medical Council have started inviting qualified international doctors to fill essential roles across general practice, emergency medicine, mental health, and more.
World-Class Healthcare System
Halthcare system of Australia consistently ranks among best globally. As a doctor, you’ll experience an ethical healthcare set up in Australia, which values cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practice and a high standard of patient care.
Easy Registration Pathways
Thanks to the Australian Medical Council and other regulatory bodies, international medical graduates can now easily move to Australia and set up practice there. The AMC has divided several clear and structured pathways for registration and practice in Australia. Whether you are from a comparable healthcare system or not. There is a suitable pathway, such as the Australian AMC exam pathway, that can help you make the transition smoothly.
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Doctors in Australia enjoy attractive salary packages that go up to 2 Crore INR annually. As a specialist, you can achieve the highest salaries globally when you choose Australia as your working spot. Several additional benefits, such as relocation, allowances, paid leave, bonuses, etc., make life worth living in Australia.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Australia promotes a culture of work-life balance with long paid holidays and an emphasis on relaxation in the holiday season. With flexible working hours, AMC exam-qualified doctors in Australia can enjoy a fulfilling personal and professional life.
Specialisation Opportunities
When you choose become a doctor in Australia, you get chance of continuous learning. Through world-renowned training programs, you can specialise or advance in your field and earn much better salaries.
Pathways to PR and Citizenship
Australia values skilled professionals and offers them easy PR pathways. In fact, you can get a permanent residency in Australia right after completing the AMC exam and the registration process. This will give you additional benefits like free healthcare and education for your children and family.
Welcoming and Homogeneous Communities
In Australia, you’ll find diverse multicultural communities living together for years. You live and work with colleagues, patients, and neighbours from all walks of life and different backgrounds, making you feel at home.
Great Weather and Lifestyle
Australian weather is not extreme, and the clean air and beautiful landscapes make Australia a place worth living.
Global Exposure and Career Growth
Australia can be the starting point to your global career as it connects you with international research opportunities and global collaborations. Once you become a registered doctor in Australia, your career continues to grow and evolve at a global level.
How to Become a Doctor in Australia?
The most common route for international doctors who do not have a specialisation or a degree, matching the competent or specialised pathway of the Australian Medical Council, is the Australian AMC exam. You need to take and clear the AMC written exam and the AMC clinical exam to register as a medical practitioner in Australia. Here are the steps involved in doing so.
- Primary source verification– In this step, you have to submit your qualifications to EPIC (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) for verification.
- AMC MCQ exam– This is the computer-based multiple-choice examination that tests your medical knowledge, and you can take it in your home country.
- AMC Clinical Exam– This is the practical exam that you need to take and clear in the AMC testing centre in Melbourne. Instead of this exam, you can also complete the WBA or the PESCI interview if you are eligible.
- Registration– After clearing both these examinations, you need to apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia and begin supervised practice in Australia.
- Full registration– After completing your supervised practice or internship, you can get complete and unrestricted registration as a medical practitioner in Australia and continue independent practice.
Final Words
The ease of the registration process, combined with the outstanding work prospects and high salaries, makes Australia an outstanding place for building your medical career. Factors such as amazing weather, a homogenous community, additional benefits offered by the government and beautiful landscapes make Australia a great destination to live and work with your family. Therefore, if you are considering moving abroad to establish your medical career, give Australia a serious thought, and let us assure you— you won’t be disappointed!
Start your journey with Academically’s expert-led AMC exam preparation course today and take the first step toward becoming a doctor in Australia.