Australian IMG

[Spodermin]

I haven't met anyone who has been in a similar position as me, here it goes.

I'm an Australian medical student studying abroad. I want to move back to Australia but I don't want to become a GP, I'm not too fond of primary care.
Up until now, my plan was to go to the US for residency, then move back to oz as a specialist. As of lately, I'm interested in more competitive specialties that are notoriously difficult for IMGs to get into in the US, namely neurosurgery and orthopedics. So I'm thinking about going back to oz for good and forgetting about the US.
What I know is that I need to do the AMC exams to be eligible for the standard pathway. I don't know what restrictions would apply to me in terms of what training I can apply for, having studied medicine abroad. Would the 10 year moratorium apply to me? How difficult is it to get into surgical training?
So many questions, so few answers.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[sean80439]

Average for surgical programs is PGY5. Not sure on the rest.

 

[Domperidone]

I haven't met anyone who has been in a similar position as me, here it goes.

I'm an Australian medical student studying abroad. I want to move back to Australia but I don't want to become a GP, I'm not too fond of primary care.
Up until now, my plan was to go to the US for residency, then move back to oz as a specialist. As of lately, I'm interested in more competitive specialties that are notoriously difficult for IMGs to get into in the US, namely neurosurgery and orthopedics. So I'm thinking about going back to oz for good and forgetting about the US.
What I know is that I need to do the AMC exams to be eligible for the standard pathway. I don't know what restrictions would apply to me in terms of what training I can apply for, having studied medicine abroad. Would the 10 year moratorium apply to me? How difficult is it to get into surgical training?
So many questions, so few answers.

You're considered overseas trained. Similar to how any international students in Australia would be considered IMGs in their home countries. So all of the would apply as you have a non-Australian degree. Training wise after you go through the AMC hurdles and intern year - no barriers, apply to any college if you have the points/selection criteria to get on.

AMC clinical exam spots are limited and full up quickly. if you have to repeat, it's like another year or something. I've no direct experience by the way.

When you finish the AMCs you are then in the lowest priority group for internship. Behind all Australian med school grads including non-Australians. Chances are likely that should you get a paying internship, it will be rural. A few hospitals offer non-paid internships to the desperate - whether legal, no idea but it is being done.