Internship for international students studying in Australian university

[coolio668]

I'm going to start medical school in Australia next year. I'm from Singapore, I'm keen on staying in Australia to work after my graduation. Although, at this point, I want to keep my options open, as in I don't want to be locked into Primary care, that's not to say i don't want Primary Care, but in case I find interest in other specialties along the way. I know as an International Student I would most likely be put in a rural setting for my PGY1, where reading all forum posts, the general sentiment is that you'll likely be forced into primary care practicing rural medicine and if you wanted to specialise your best bet is tertiary cosmopolitan hospitals. However, what I've read from private hospitals participating in the Junior Doctor Stream they do offer surgical and physician rotations, and I've seen some also offer surgical training positions, of course this is just what I've read on paper, I would like to hear what's the general consensus on the ground, especially from practicing trainees currently in australia. My backup is to go back to Singapore after my studies, where the degree would be recognised, where I've heard that training positions here are mostly handed out to citizens and PRs today. Thanks for the insights.

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[Bella111]

I think ALL internships, whether in a rural or metro hospital, have to involve a set number of weeks of surgery, medicine, and EM rotations. The problem isn't with what you are exposed to during your internship but your limited options for residency because of your PR status. For now, the only training colleges/residency programs that accept applicants without a PR/citizenship are ones that offer IM, anesthesiology, or pathology.

 

[coolio668]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it possible to apply for PR status one way or another while working in an internship? By the time I've gained enough experience to apply for a residency I would get a PR status. I know it's one of those things where in theory sounds good but in reality is not feasible, I'm not sure how it actually works on the ground, need some feedback on this matter. Thanks.

 

[sean80439]

AMA requires 3 10-12 week rotations in EM, surgery(of some speciality), and medicine. Then you get two electives one of which is only 5 weeks to give you vacation. It’s not possible to apply for PR on the physician pathway until you have general registration, other pathways separate from this are your own personal circumstances. Honestly it doesn’t matter all that much. By the time you’d be eligible to apply for a college you’ll have had enough time to get your PR.