Filipino Doctors planning to practice in Australia

_maldita_ · April 2019

@jaydot1989 hello, ang alam ko lang po na visa na gamit ng IMGs without PR or citizenship is employer sponsored. May kilala po ako na since nursing yung pre-med nya and may experience po sya working as a nurse before mag-med, nagtake sya ng nursing bridging course dito then nagapply for PR after maging RN dito. Sana may ibang members po dito na makakapagbigay ng input regarding visa options for IMGs.

niczandy · June 2019

Hi! I'm planning to take my fellowship in endocrinology in Australia. Do I need to apply first to a hospital before taking the exam? Which pathway should I take?

KarenG · June 2019

Good morning!!! Came across this forum while googling pinoy IMGs. I am a practising GP and cosmetic physician in QLD. Completed my AMCs in 2012 (long time ago) and RACGP fellowship in 2016. I am also a medical educator for doctors preparing for their fellowship exams (through QRME). Recently joined RACGP as an examiner for the fellowship exams. Nine years ago, when I was planning to come to Australia, the pathway was confusing and there was no one to ask about the whole process. It was all too difficult. So hopefully, I could help answer your questions here.

_maldita_ · July 2019

@niczandy said:

Hi! I'm planning to take my fellowship in endocrinology in Australia. Do I need to apply first to a hospital before taking the exam? Which pathway should I take?

Hi, it depends if you are planning to practice here in Australia or not. if you are planning to take fellowship here and then return to the Philippines, yes, you have to apply to hospitals first. If you are planning to practice here, you will have to take the tests first through the AMC standard pathway.

@KarenG said:
Good morning!!! Came across this forum while googling pinoy IMGs. I am a practising GP and cosmetic physician in QLD. Completed my AMCs in 2012 (long time ago) and RACGP fellowship in 2016. I am also a medical educator for doctors preparing for their fellowship exams (through QRME). Recently joined RACGP as an examiner for the fellowship exams. Nine years ago, when I was planning to come to Australia, the pathway was confusing and there was no one to ask about the whole process. It was all too difficult. So hopefully, I could help answer your questions here.

Good morning, welcome to this thread!
I have applied for AGPT for 2020 and have just taken the CAAKT. I'm still waiting for the results and I'm hoping to get an interview with an RTO

edward2414 · July 2019

Hi po, how long does it usually take for them to verify and assess accreditation of medical school? I have already created EPIC profile and have submitted the documents for verification to them last May.

_maldita_ · July 2019

@edward2414 said:

Hi po, how long does it usually take for them to verify and assess accreditation of medical school? I have already created EPIC profile and have submitted the documents for verification to them last May.

Hello, please I have replied to your DM. You may have to check with your medical school if they have received any request to verify your diploma.

IM_MD · July 2019

Salamat po sa thread na ito! Mabuhay kayo!

_maldita_ · July 2019

> @IM_MD said:
> Salamat po sa thread na ito! Mabuhay kayo!

Hello, welcome to this thread!

TinNietus · August 2019

Thank you guys for this thread. Do you guys happen to know of any online courses for the mcq exams? I came across amc adroit, it's quite affordable but it seems to cater more on bangladesh doctors. TIA!

_maldita_ · August 2019

@TinNietus Hi, sorry I don't know of any online courses for the MCQ. When I prepared for my MCQ, I just subscribed to one of the AMC MCQ question banks and practiced answering MCQs online.

keeaye · September 2019

Hello po..I’m a GP planning to work in australia..any tips po on the steps on how to start applying po..Any information would be greatly appreciated..thank you!

carina_MD · September 2019

Hi everyone. I just passed the PLE this Sept. 2019. No working experience yet - no moonlighting, residency, etc. Planning to work ASAP on my dream to settle in Australia in the future. I'd like to summarize what I researched (for my plan) but I have some clarifications in between. Looking forward to your inputs!

STANDARD PATHWAY
1. Apply to AMC, make portfolio (AUD 500)
2. Pass the AMC MCQ exam (Exam fee: AUD 2720)
3. Secure an employment offer
(What happens if I fail to secure an employment immediately? Is there an expiry date to my AMC MCQ passing?)
4. Apply for limited registration
5. Complete 12 months supervised practice
(Is there salary or allowance in this 12-month training already?)
6. AMC Clinical exam (AUD 3,530) OR Workplace-based assessment (AUD 650)
(After completing the 12-month training, what happens if you do not take the Clinical Exam immediately?)
(Is it difficult to do the Workplace-based assessment? As it seems to be the better next-step than the clinical exam)
7. Apply for general registration

Another option I'm looking at is taking the COMPETENT PATHWAY by taking the NZREX (New Zealand Registration Exam) first. I've read somewhere that NZREX has a better passing rate than AMC clinical exam.
1. Take NZREX (Application: NZD 747.50, Exam fee: NZD 4312.50)
2. Do 1-2 years of supervised training in New Zealand
3. Apply to AMC
4. Secure employment in Australia
5. Apply for provisional registration
6. Complete 12 months supervised practice
7. Apply for general registration

I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thank you!

carina_MD · September 2019

Also, do you guys know where I can download free PDF of AMC MCQ review materials?

_maldita_ · October 2019

Hi @carina_MD

That's an excellent summary of the Standard Pathway.

To answer your questions...

"Hi everyone. I just passed the PLE this Sept. 2019. No working experience yet - no moonlighting, residency, etc. Planning to work ASAP on my dream to settle in Australia in the future. I'd like to summarize what I researched (for my plan) but I have some clarifications in between. Looking forward to your inputs!

STANDARD PATHWAY
1. Apply to AMC, make portfolio (AUD 500)
2. Pass the AMC MCQ exam (Exam fee: AUD 2720)
3. Secure an employment offer
(What happens if I fail to secure an employment immediately? Is there an expiry date to my AMC MCQ passing?) - There is no expiry date for the AMC MCQ. You can either secure a job offer after passing the MCQ or after passing the Clinical exam. I would suggest that you clear both MCQ and Clinical exams first before getting a job offer as I have noticed that most people who are on a limited registration (those who are practicing and have not yet passed the clinical exam) find it more difficult to clear the Clinical exam while working as compared to those who are not yet working as a doctor as they have more time to prepare, review and practice/roleplay for the Clinical exam.
4. Apply for limited registration
5. Complete 12 months supervised practice
(Is there salary or allowance in this 12-month training already?) - Yes, starting salary for a resident working in a hospital is around AUD75,000 per year depending on the state you are working in
6. AMC Clinical exam (AUD 3,530) OR Workplace-based assessment (AUD 650)
(After completing the 12-month training, what happens if you do not take the Clinical Exam immediately?)
(Is it difficult to do the Workplace-based assessment? As it seems to be the better next-step than the clinical exam) - **If you do not take the Clinical exam immediately, AHPRA will look for proof of your progress in obtaining a general registration and being stuck with a limited registration means you have to regularly submit performance reports to AHPRA. I did not do a workplace-based assessment but those whom I know that have done it, passed it but you would need to be employed by the hospital accredited to do WBA before you can apply for it. **
7. Apply for general registration

Another option I'm looking at is taking the COMPETENT PATHWAY by taking the NZREX (New Zealand Registration Exam) first. I've read somewhere that NZREX has a better passing rate than AMC clinical exam.
1. Take NZREX (Application: NZD 747.50, Exam fee: NZD 4312.50)
2. Do 1-2 years of supervised training in New Zealand
3. Apply to AMC
4. Secure employment in Australia
5. Apply for provisional registration
6. Complete 12 months supervised practice
7. Apply for general registration

I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thank you!"

Hope this helps!

kingkim · October 2019

Hi @carina_MD , how will you review for the AMC MCQ exam? Do you plan on going to a review center or just do self review? Thank you for your summary as well, it was very helpful.

agosgel · October 2019

Good day, Doc! I just recently passed the PLE and I dream to work in Au. I am planning to review next year for the step 1 in AMEX and then take the exam after. My problem would be the clinicals. I do not have a lot of funds. What would be the best way for me to review for it and pass? Also, I've heard that if you are a FamMed here in the Ph, you don't have to take the clinicals anymore. Is it true, Doc? Thank you very much, Doc!

Harvath · October 2019

Hi all! New to the thread here. I’m more interested in applying to New Zealand rather than Australia, and I’ve read the NZ pathways.

Would like to comment regarding @carina_MD ‘s post.
Regarding the NZREX, you would have to pass any of the ff 4 exams first prior to taking the NZREX:
USMLE, AMC, PLAB or Canada board exam, I forgot the name. Hope this helps.

_maldita_ · October 2019

Hi @agosgel

The best way to review for and pass the clinical exam is to enrol in a clinical exam course and role play with a study partner until you take your exam. I know it is pricey but it is a good investment if you really want to pass this exam.

On my first take of clinical exam, I did not enrol in a course as I need to work part-time and due to financial issues as well. I role-played with a study partner but it did not prepare me enough for the exam and I failed it. I then decided to enrol in a course and that made a huge difference in my performance in the clinical exam and passed it. I don't think I would pass it without taking a course. There would be a few people who can pass the exam without taking one, but your chances of passing greatly increases when you take a course. There are review centres that offer installment.

agosgel · October 2019

Thank you, Doc! I have additional question, Doc, if you won't mind. Hehe. Where do I look for review courses for the clinicals, Doc? Do you have recommendation? Also, what would be the price range? Thank you very much, Doc!

_maldita_ · October 2019

Hi @agosgel, feel free to post questions anytime! It depends on which state you are planning to take the course. In Sydney, we have AMRC and HEAL review centres. I would personally recommend the Filipino-owned AMRC clinical bridging course which helped me pass the clinical exam. Almost all review centres have the same price range which is around AUD 6,000. In Melbourne, they have ARIMGSAS/Alan Roberts and HEAL.

aspiringdoc2020 · January 2020

Hello, im new here, i am currently a pedia resident here in the philippines, i plan of having my fellowship or further training in australia after my residency and go back to philippines for my practice? Is that possible? i just would like to ask the step by step process for me to have training there? Thank you so much for your time.

_maldita_ · January 2020

@aspiringdoc2020 said:
Hello, im new here, i am currently a pedia resident here in the philippines, i plan of having my fellowship or further training in australia after my residency and go back to philippines for my practice? Is that possible? i just would like to ask the step by step process for me to have training there? Thank you so much for your time.

Hi @aspiringdoc2020 ! welcome to our thread! You can do fellowship training here. I believe you have to first find a hospital where you can do your fellowship and go from there. I don't know really know much about this pathway but you can check the AMC website or AHPRA website.

loriiegene · February 2020

Hi! If workplace-based assessment yung pipiliin for part 2, saan pwede mag apply for that? Mahirap ba matanggap for workplace-based assessment na way? Mas mataas daw kasi chances of passing part2?

_maldita_ · February 2020

@loriiegene said:
Hi! If workplace-based assessment yung pipiliin for part 2, saan pwede mag apply for that? Mahirap ba matanggap for workplace-based assessment na way? Mas mataas daw kasi chances of passing part2?

Hi @loriiegene, there's a list of hospitals na accredited for WBA, you can check the AMC website pero there are only a few of them around Australia. Usually yung nakakakuha ng job sa hospitals with WBA is yung mga IMGs who were lucky enough to get a job after passing part1. After working in an Australian hospital for atleast 1 year, magaapply sila to a WBA hospital. Mas mataas passing rate sa WBA as compared sa part 2 pero yung tricky part is getting a hospital job right after passing part 1 kasi most hospital prefer hiring IMGs who already passed both parts 1 and 2.

cutiepie25 · March 2020

Ggraduate palang po ng medschool ang kapatid ko, can she do a 189/190/491 straightaway?

Gusto po nya magresidency sa australia and mag specialization doon, papano po ang steps?

cutiepie25 · March 2020

Balak po namin kasi after ng PLE nya susunod na sya sa Australia. Thanks po sa sasagot!

cutiepie25 · March 2020

Or mas mapapadali kung ulitin nalang nya ung medschool sa Australia? Sorry po sa spam and thanks sa sasagot

IM_MD · May 2020

auzcardio · May 2020

Hi everyone. I'm new on this forum. Question lang po.. Do you know of the success rates of our filipino kababayans using the specialized pathway? Thank you