Overseas Trained DOCTORS

Overseas Trained Doctors

Three areas of assessment

The RANZCOG is responsible for assessing overseas trained doctors who wish to practice as O&Gs in Australia and New Zealand. There are three areas of assessment.

Overseas Trained Specialists

OTS

The assessment process enables Overseas Trained Specialists (OTS) to have their qualifications assessed for recognition leading to possible registration. Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) may be awarded by the College following recognition More ( 179 KB)

For details regarding the criteria under which applicants are assessed, please refer to the document on OTS Competency Standards ( 386 KB).

Subspecialty Training for Overseas Specialists

Overseas Trained Specialists who wish to undertake postgraduate study or training in one of the five subspecialties offered by the College and who are accepted as fellows in a recognised RANZCOG accredited subspecialty unit, may apply to register as a trainee for a period of up to two years. On completion of satisfactory training during this period, they will be awarded a Certificate of Recognised Training (CORT).

The five areas of subspecialty in Australia and New Zealand are:

•  Maternal-Fetal Medicine

•  Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound

•  Urogynaecology

•  Gynaecological Oncology

•  Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Fellows enrolled in the Certificate of Recognised Training, must have their training prospectively approved, pay an annual training fee and submit satisfactory subspecialty training documentation every three months. Overseas specialists registered for this Certificate are not required to complete a Research Project and are not eligible for the subspeciality examinations. Training Supervisors must be certified RANZCOG subspecialists.

Accredited training units are listed in each of the subspecialty handbooks found on the website. Prospective trainees must have commenced their position in Australia or New Zealand before applying to the College for enrollment in this Certificate.

For further information please contact:

Ms Lyn Johnson
Manager Subspecialty and Curriculum Development Services

(t) +61 3 9412 2944
(f) +61 3 9419 7817
(e) ljohnson@ranzcog.edu.au

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for OTS

As from November 2007, the College has an RPL policy which includes a category for OTS candidates who have been assessed as not partially or substantially comparable to an Australian trained specialist and are required to obtain the AMC examination and then apply to enter the RANZCOG specialist training program at Year 1.  This category of candidates may be able to have some previous training recognised towards the specialist training program.  For the RPL policy, click on the document below. 

RPL policy document ( 37 KB)

Area of Need Practitioners

AoN

The Area of Need (AoN) process aims to meet gaps in service delivery, primarily in rural areas where there is an acute shortage of practitioners, including obstetricians and gynaecologists. The process enables hospitals to obtain the services of Overseas Trained Doctors (OTD) quickly if the applicant meets the agreed requirements. Please refer to the Australian Medical Council's (AMC's) booklet AoN Users Guide ( 507 KB Large!)

General information about Area of Need Practitioners can be found in this Quick Guide to the AoN Process ( 297 KB)

Occupational Training Visas

OTV

Occupational Training Visas (OTVs) are available from the Australian Government's Department of Immigration & Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) and allow overseas trained doctors to get training in obstetrics and gynaecology in short-term positions in Australian hospitals (i.e. usually of 12 - 24 months duration) OTV Essential Information Flyer ( 79 KB)

Form A: Application for OTV Approval - Employer ( 118 KB)

Form B: Application for OTV Approval - Doctor ( 124 KB)

For further information on OTVs please contact:

Ms Katherine Goodwin
Administration Officer
RANZCOG
254-260 Albert Street
East Melbourne
Victoria 3002

(t) +61 3 9412 2911
(f) +61 3 9419 7817
(e) kgoodwin@ranzcog.edu.au

Overseas Trained Subspecialists

OTSS

Doctors who have been assessed as eligible for Fellowship (via the OTS process), and who hold a recognised subspecialist qualification from a recognised College or national certifying body can apply for OTSS recognition. Overseas trained subspecialists are directed to consult the Subspecialties Policies and Procedures Manual

OTSS Booklet ( 282 KB)

Appeals Process

Appeals

This document is the policy and guidelines for the RANCOG Appeals Committee (a Standing Committee of Council), which hears appeals in relation to decisions made by or on behalf of the RANZCOG. It took effect on 27 March 2004, when it was approved by the RANZCOG Council, and includes subsequent amendments.
Appeals Procedures ( 80 KB)

Online Orientation Program for Overseas Trained O&Gs

Modules now available for download

The Online Orientation Program has been developed by the College with funding provided by the Federal Government's Department of Health and Ageing. The program is designed specifically for overseas trained doctors who are considering or preparing for practice as obstetricians and gynaecologists in Australia. Through the provision of suitable resources, it aims to help overseas trained doctors develop a strong understanding of the core values and generally accepted practices in O&G that are taken for granted by medical practitioners who have been raised and trained in Australia. More

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