How a new AMA Federal Working Group is standing up for international medical graduates
Dr Maha Selvanathan
Chair, AMA IMG Working Group
I moved to Australia many years ago, after completing my medical studies in Russia and my internship in Malaysia (my home country). Having already completed my training, I thought the hard part was over – but gaining employment as a doctor in Australia was not that easy.
Bureaucratic hurdles and red tape necessitated several trips back home to complete paperwork, and I endured many setbacks before I finally made it to employment. So I know first-hand how hard it is for international medical graduates (IMGs) trying to navigate that seemingly never-ending maze.
Over time, I’ve seen very few (if any at all) improvements to the IMG visa and employment processes. And even when those hurdles are crossed, IMGs face many challenges in the workforce – including exploitation, discrimination, and difficulties in establishing themselves in the community without a support network.
The AMA has responded to these challenges by creating an IMG Working Group which I hope can be a real catalyst for change. I’m proud to have been elected as Chair after the group’s inaugural meeting in June 2024.
Australia is a fabulous country for overseas-trained doctors looking to advance their career. We are experiencing a considerable workforce shortage, especially in rural areas. In many cases, IMGs are highly sought after to help address doctor shortages in these areas.
While Australia is dependent on IMGs to fill workforce gaps, we lack adequate support systems or safety nets for them. IMGs are often placed into a job in a community with no orientation or guidance, and it can lead to burnout.
“ IMGs face many bureaucratic challenges before they can work as a doctor in Australia. And even when those hurdles are crossed, they encounter other challenges in the workforce as well as difficulties in establishing themselves in the community without a support network.
As someone who has worked in Armidale (NSW) for many years now, I am a strong advocate for rural healthcare. While it’s challenging, of course, it’s extremely satisfying and rewarding. But there are major issues that must be addressed, and the AMA’s IMG Working Group is dedicated to unearthing and pursuing solutions to these problems.
By establishing an IMG Working Group, the AMA is telling all overseas-trained doctors in Australia that they are extremely valued here, and that someone is looking out for them. The AMA has long advocated for IMGs – but the IMG Working Group will ensure this support is further solidified, and that new policies and reforms will be pursued.
Reforming the employment pathways for IMGs is an obvious place to start. All too often, I hear about the red tape preventing IMGs from starting a career in Australia, and I’ve experienced it myself. I have a friend who is trained as a neurosurgeon, currently working at a supermarket. These kinds of stories are all too common.
Visa processes and employment practices must be reviewed, and efforts must be made, to ensure IMGs have equal opportunities that lead to long-term employment, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Exploitation is one big issue we are urgently working to address. When seeking work in Australia, many IMGs will look past low wages and poor conditions – either because they’ve already struggled to get their foot in the door here, or because they’re simply unaware of the benchmarks.
Job-seeking resources must be made available for IMGs. Primary health networks (PHNs), general practices, medical colleges, local governments and other medical stakeholders all have important roles to play in ensuring IMGs are welcome in Australia. Some of these problems were discussed at the AMA’s Rural Medical Training Summit held in Canberra last year. PHNs can play a greater role in supporting IMGs and establishing support groups to connect overseas-trained doctors if they are feeling bullied, exploited, or otherwise struggling with their wellbeing.
As the IMG Working Group Chair, I look forward to being at the front of the AMA’s efforts to improve outcomes for all overseas-trained doctors. And I hope I can encourage more IMGs to engage with the AMA at state, territory and federal levels to ensure we can create a better system for all.