Become a Specialist Anaesthetist in Australia: Your Guide to the ANZCA SIMG Pathway

Steps in the SIMG Pathway

1. Primary Source Verification: Begin by having your primary and specialist qualifications verified by the Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) through the AMC's Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) portal.
   
   
2. Application to ANZCA: Submit a complete application package to ANZCA, including:
   
   

• Completed application form
• Curriculum vitae in the ANZCA format
• Evidence of CPD participation for the last three years
• Completed SIMG application fee form
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Certificate(s) of registration status (CORS)
• Copy of your passport
• Statutory declaration or evidence of any name change (if applicable)

1. Preliminary Review: ANZCA will conduct a preliminary review of your application to assess comparability with Australian/New Zealand standards. This includes evaluating your training, qualifications, specialist practice, CPD, and recency of practice.
   
   
2. Interview: If your application passes the preliminary review, you'll be invited for an interview to further assess your comparability. The interview will cover your training, qualifications, specialist practice, CPD, cultural safety, and community awareness.
   
   
3. Clinical Practice Assessment (CPA): Based on your interview outcome, you may be required to complete a period of supervised clinical practice in Australia or New Zealand.
   
   
4. Performance Assessment: You'll need to successfully complete a performance assessment to demonstrate your clinical skills and competency.
   
   
5. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Actively participate in the ANZCA CPD program to maintain your skills and knowledge.
   
   
6. Effective Management of Anaesthetic Crises (EMAC) Course: Complete an EMAC course to enhance your crisis management skills.
   
   
7. Fellowship Application: Once you've successfully met all the requirements, you can apply for Fellowship of ANZCA.
   
   
8. Specialist Registration: After obtaining Fellowship, you can apply for specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) or the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

You can also view the official Handbook for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) here: https://www.anzca.edu.au/getattachment/bd8a08b1-37db-45b8-adc9-f8303da22358/Handbook-for-specialist-international-medical-graduates

Additional Information:

• Area of Need Pathway: In Australia, there's also an Area of Need (AoN) pathway that allows IMGs to work in designated areas with workforce shortages before completing the full SIMG pathway.
• Recency of Practice: If you haven't practiced anaesthesia recently, you may need to complete a return-to-practice program.
• Fees: Various fees apply throughout the SIMG pathway, including application, interview, and assessment fees.
• Support: ANZCA provides assistance and guidance to SIMGs throughout the process.

Ready to pursue your dream of becoming a specialist anaesthetist in Australia or New Zealand?

The ANZCA SIMG pathway offers a comprehensive and rigorous assessment process to help you achieve your goals.

Link to ANZCA website:  https://www.anzca.edu.au/