International Medical Graduate claims training limited

Website: http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/articles/BB/0C06BFBB.asp

Date posted: 26.08.10

As quoted in Australian Doctor magazine:

By Louise Wallace

THE 10-year moratorium may limit the areas where international medical graduates can work, but one IMG claims it is also limiting his ability to further his professional training.

Dr Mike Inskip, a Victorian IMG subject to the moratorium, has called on the government to introduce more flexible policies that enable IMGs to work in specialist clinics after hours.

Dr Inskip moved to Australia four years ago to further his study in skin cancer medicine. But since his arrival, he claims he has been "basically barred" from working in skin cancer clinics.

He explained that most skin cancer clinics are off limits to IMGs because most are not located in areas of need.

The 10-year moratorium forces all IMGs to work in areas of need and areas of workforce shortage for up to 10 years before being granted an unrestricted Medicare provider number, which allows them to practise anywhere.

Dr Inskip claims the Skin Cancer College of Australia and New Zealand has done nothing to lobby the government to help IMGs in the same position as himself.

"The message [from the college] basically is: 'If you're an IMG and want to practise skin cancer medicine then think of something else to do, because the doors here are closed for you'," Dr Inskip said.

College president Dr Peter Bourne denied the claims and said IMGs could gain skin cancer experience without having to work in a specialist clinic.

"The college welcomes all participation in the advancement of their skills relating to skin cancer medicine," he said, adding that the college had several online programs that were open to all practitioners.

"The doors are definitely not closed to anyone with an interest in expanding their knowledge and expertise in this area of medicine."

Dr Inskip said he was aware of other IMGS who are interested in studying other subspecialties, such as obstetrics or dermatology, but were also restricted by the moratorium.

 

Last modified: August 27, 2010 1:39 AM

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