AMA seeks better deployment and training of overseas trained doctors

Dr Glasson said OTDs make up over 20 per cent of the medical workforce. The number is higher in rural areas, with up to 30 per cent having trained overseas.

"Without the contribution of overseas trained doctors, it would be almost impossible for Australians to get access to medical care when they need it, especially in rural and remote areas," Dr Glasson said.

"The rules currently covering the recruitment and training of OTDs vary from State to State, and there's no guarantee that these doctors will get access to professional and community support services.

"Many OTDs don't understand their rights and, not surprisingly, may struggle to get established in their local community - personally and professionally.

"National standards must be in place to help with the assessment, recruitment and training of OTDs. They also need more assistance with language and cultural knowledge.

"While we must help OTDs acclimatise and, as a community, make better use of their skills, we cannot continue to use imported doctors as a solution to our chronic domestic medical workforce shortage.

"There are also ethical concerns when a wealthy country like Australia has to recruit from other countries - some developing countries or Third World countries - because we've failed to plan adequately for our own future medical workforce needs.

"Getting it right on OTDs - and other issues such as providing enough standard HECS places for medical students instead of unfunded bonded places - will help us solve the medical workforce problems," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA's Position Statement recommends:

• Ensuring adequate assessment processes are in place for OTDs
• Streamlining OTD assessment processes
• Strong involvement of the Medical Colleges in the assessment of OTDs
• The need for OTDs to have strong language and cultural skills
• Providing OTDs with support including orientation, mentoring, training & supervision, and community facilities and services
• Looking at ethical considerations such as recruiting from under resourced countries in the midst of a world-wide shortage of doctors
• Adequate Government funding for OTD programs

• Encouraging Australian trained doctors to remain in the workforce
• Providing adequate funding to hospitals for specialist positions (and guaranteed teaching time)
• Ensuring available university and college places match future population growth and changes in the delivery of medicine.

"The AMA's plan focuses on more than just numbers. Its about support, standards and ethics, and making sure people in areas where workforce shortages exist can get access to quality medical services," Dr Glasson said.