The Specialist IMG pathway is for overseas-trained specialists and subspecialists who have a qualification in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and want to practice in Australia.

Applicants can apply for assessment via one of the RANZCOG Specialist IMG pathways.

The RANZCOG SIMG pathways are a comparability assessment of an applicant’s specialist training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development to that of an Australian and New Zealand trained O&G.

What are the SIMG Pathways?

The Generalist Obstetrics and Gynaecology SIMG pathway

Doctors applying for the Generalist O&G SIMG pathway should have the skills suitable for practice in a metropolitan or rural setting. A Generalist O&G would be able to undertake at consultant level: Antenatal clinics, Gynaecology Outpatient clinics, Emergency O&G, Caesarean section lists and Gynaecological theatre lists.

Am I eligible for the Generalist Pathway?

To be eligible to apply for the RANZCOG Generalist O&G pathway you must have:

A primary degree in medicine and surgery
Have completed a specialist training program that:
- Is a structured post-graduate course of at least five years duration with published standards that are comparable to that of the RANZCOG Training Program.
- Has been a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, ongoing formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by RANZCOG trainees.
- Entry into the program was via a competitive process.
- The program was accredited against published standards by an external body and was subjected to assessment for re-accreditation at regular intervals.
Registration as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, post-training.
Participated in a continuing professional development program since obtaining a specialist qualification;
Meet the Medical Board of Australia’s English Language requirements.
Demonstrate recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice;
A certificate of Good Standing covering at least the last two years of practice;
A certificate of specialist registration in your country of specialist training; and have submitted your primary, specialist and any relevant additional qualification for primary source verification via the AMC portal.

The Academic and Common Scope of Practice SIMG pathway

Doctors applying for the Academic and Common Scope of Practice SIMG pathway should have experience in research, teaching and academic leadership as well as those skills necessary to independently manage at consultant level: Obstetrics, Emergency Gynaecology and Common Office Gynaecology.

Am I eligible for the Academic and Common Scope of Practice Pathway?

To be eligible for the Academic and Common Scope Practice Pathway, doctors must meet all of the above criteria for the Generalist Pathway and:

Currently hold an academic appointment of at least 0.5 EFT at professorial level at an Australian or New Zealand university or are on an academic pathway that would be reasonably expected to lead to an appointment at this level in an Australian or New Zealand University;
Have completed a PhD level research degree at a THES top 400 University; and
Have had at least forty peer-reviewed publications (PubMed) following completion of the PhD, within the preceding five years.

The Subspecialist and Common Scope of Practice SIMG pathway

Doctors applying for the Subspecialist and Common Scope of Practice pathway will be assessed across the relevant Subspecialty Scope of Practice as well as the Common Scope of Practice. It is expected that an internationally trained Subspecialist would have the ability to independently manage at consultant level: Antenatal clinics, Gynaecology Outpatient clinics, Emergency O&G with ‘back up’ for the more complex surgical cases and Caesarean section lists, as well as the Scope of Practice in the relevant Subspecialty.

RANZCOG subspecialties include:

Certification in Gynaecological Oncology (CGO)
Certification in Maternal and Fetal Medicine (CMFM)
Certification in Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU)
Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI)
Certification in Urogynaecology (CU)

Am I eligible for the Subspecialist and Common Scope of Practice Pathway?

To be eligible for the Subspecialist and Common Scope Practice Pathway, doctors must meet all of the above criteria for the Generalist Pathway and must ensure that:

The O&G training program must have covered the RANZCOG Common Scope criteria;
They have completed a subspecialist qualification from a recognised College or national certifying body and subsequent experience in one of the five recognised RANZCOG Subspecialties; Gynaecological Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrical & Gynaecological Ultrasound, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Urogynaecology.
Recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice, within 12 months prior to applying for the SIMG pathway.
Have completed a specialist training program that:
- Is a structured post-graduate course of at least three years duration with published standards that are comparable to that of the RANZCOG sub-specialist training program.
- Has been a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, on-going formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by RANZCOG trainees.
- Entry into the program was via a competitive process.
- The program was accredited against published standards by an external body and was subjected to assessment for re-accreditation at regular intervals.

What is the Assessment Process?

The RANZCOG SIMG assessment process has two parts- an initial paper based assessment and a follow up interview.

The paper based assessment is conducted by Fellows of the College who are on the SIMG Assessor Panel. The assessment will determine if an applicant is eligible to attend an SIMG assessment interview and is based on the information provided in the application.

The SIMG Assessment Interview is conducted by members of the SIMG Assessment Panel, including a Community Representative. The aim of the interview is to explore the specialist training, experience and continuing professional development as documented in an application, as well as to gain insight into the applicant’s understanding of the Australian healthcare system and culture.

What are the Assessment Outcomes?

At the end of your interview you will be assessed as either substantially, partially or not comparable.

Substantially Comparable

If you are assessed as substantially comparable you may be required to undertake a period of supervised specialist practice of up to 12 months. The duration of this period of supervised practice is recommended by the SIMG Assessment Committee. An equivalent number of months of CPD activities must be completed concurrently. During the final months of the supervised practice period SIMGs will be required to complete a multi-source feedback assessment.

Partially Comparable

If you are assessed as partially comparable you will be required to complete prospectively approved, supervised practice, various In-Hospital Clinical Assessment (IHCA) modules, workshops, and Written and Oral exams.

Not Comparable

If you are assessed as not comparable you will need to consider the option of obtaining the AMC certiﬁcate and then applying to enter the FRANZCOG Training Program at Year 1.

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Our team offer General Practitioners assistance with finding jobs and a career pathway, and Medical Facilities to find a new Medical Practitioner. We also help with the full application process with AHPRA, RACGP, ACRRM, Department of Health, Medicare including 19AA & 19AB. If we can help, please contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au.

People Medical Consulting are a team of professionals with a passion for guiding those specialising in the Medical industry to find their career pathway and settle into Australia. Working with both Australian trained and Overseas trained professionals, we have extensive experience in Recruitment of General Practitioners and Document Assistance for those requiring support with RACGP, AHPRA, 19AA and 19AB Medicare Exemptions.