The Area of Need (AoN) process addresses medical workforce shortages in designated areas. All applications for the AoN pathway are to be made in conjunction with application to the SIMG pathway. If an applicant wishes to undertake an AoN position, they must apply for assessment in both the AoN and SIMG pathways.
All applicants will need to
- Complete the AoN and SIMG application form along with supporting documentation listed in the SIMG application section
- Apply to the Australian Medical Council for primary source verification
- Provide an AoN declaration (issued by the health department in the state or territory in which the position(s) is located).
- Submit application for approval of a position.
- Provide Letter of offer of employment.
- Payment of the AoN application fee.
The college will assess the application to determine whether the applicant is suitable to undertake the proposed position. The outcome of this assessment will be emailed to the applicant and their supervisor, and a copy will be uploaded to the AMC/AHPRA portal.
Once the college has supported the applicant in an area of need position, they may apply for limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
Applicants should also read regulation 23 and the Handbook for specialist international medical graduates for further information.
To Apply
Please refer to the SIMG assessment process page for more information and required documentation for applications.
Forms
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Our SIMG assessment process evaluates the ability of a specialist to practise as an unsupervised specialist anaesthetist and/or pain medicine specialist at a standard comparable to that required of a fellow of ANZCA (FANZCA) or fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA).
The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) expedited specialist pathway is for SIMGs seeking specialist registration in Australia.
The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has introduced a new fast-track registration for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs), enhancing support for New Zealand’s medical workforce.
Applicants who wish to enter a short-term training (STT) position in specialist anaesthesia or pain medicine in Australia must be assessed for the purpose of medical registration. This pathway does not lead to fellowship.
The SPR is prepared for all applicants in Australia and summarises the initial assessment of an SIMG’s suitability to enter the SIMG process.
The clinical practice assessment (CPA) period is the period of supervised clinical practice an SIMG must complete during their individual program.
The SIMG PA is a one-day assessment conducted by two fellows and at times an observer in the SIMG’s actual working environment.
As an SIMG supervisor, you play a vital role in the training, assessment, and welfare of your SIMG and should have a broad understanding of the SIMG program.
Frequently asked questions about ANZCA & FPM SIMG pathways