The RACGP has just announced a new fellowship option for IMGs that took the Expedited Specialist Pathway.
The RACGP has announced much needed support for overseas-trained GPs via a new Fellowship option.
The option will be available for members who have completed the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) and have trained in the UK, Ireland or New Zealand and already met the substantially equivalent standards of Australian-trained GPs by the MBA.
The RACGP said the fellowship addresses a gap “that left many practising without access to the support, education, and professional networks that Fellowship offers”.
“Patients will benefit because GPs who train overseas and meet the MBA’s high standards can now connect more fully with the Australian system,” said RACGP vice president Dr Ramya Raman.
“These doctors are already working safely in our communities. By offering them Fellowship, we can reduce professional isolation, strengthen their connection to Australian standards, and ensure they have access to ongoing education, mentorship, and resources.
“This is about building a stronger, more connected GP workforce – without compromising safety or quality.”
Safeguards have also been outlined by the college:
- Only doctors who have passed the MBA’s strict assessment process are eligible;
- The Fellowship recognises equivalence, matching foreign training levels with Australian standard counterparts and does not reduce RACGP oversight;
- New Fellows gain access to CPD, supervision opportunities, and evidence-based resources;
- Orientation and mentorship support ensures safe integration into Australian general practice, with a priority for patient safety.
Dr Raman reiterated the RACGP stance that the college’s role was to act as a professional home for any GP in Australia.
“General practice is at the heart of our health system,” Dr Raman said.
“We need every GP who is practising safely in Australia to feel supported, valued, and connected.
“That’s what this initiative is about – stronger care for patients, and a stronger profession for the future.
“We’ll continue to monitor the expedited pathway and consult with the Medical Board and Government to ensure evaluation remains rigorous and upholds Australian standards, and if issues arise, they are promptly addressed.”
The AMA released a report recently outlining the struggles facing IMGs as a collective that mentioned how these GPs are a valuable asset in addressing workforce shortages.
“I want to be very clear to patients and with the medical profession that we won’t compromise on our very strong standards that we have here in Australia,” federal Health Minister Mark Butler said about maintaining standards for the fast-tracked pathway.
