ALL FOREIGN DOCTORS WORK UNDER SUPERVISION IN QUEENSLAND

All overseas trained doctors registered in Queensland are required to work under the supervision of senior doctors for at least the first 12 months, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

“The independent Medical Board of Queensland requires them to practice under a supervised clinical practice plan and a supervising senior doctor approved by the board.

“All overseas trained doctors are also subject to annual clinical assessment of their medical competence and skills.

“And their supervising doctor must provide the board with any adverse reports on the doctor as soon as they are identified.”

Mr Robertson was responding to a Monash University study which claims foreign doctors practising in Australia may lack sufficient medical knowledge or skills.

“This study clearly doesn’t recognise the significant reforms Queensland has made to its medical registration requirements for overseas trained doctors post Dr Patel,” he said.

“Overseas trained doctors applying to work in Queensland now face the most stringent registration system in the world.

“They must provide the Medical Board with Certificates of Good Standing from all jurisdictions where they have worked.

“They must provide a comprehensive history of their practice, medical examinations and clinical skills assessment before their application for registration will be considered.

“And their medical qualifications are thoroughly checked by the Board as well as independently verified by the US-based Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates International Credentials Services.

“Special purpose registrants must be qualified to the Australian standard within four years of registration.

“Annual renewal of registration is subject to satisfactory progress in gaining the Australian qualification.

“The Medical Board of Queensland is also developing an international on-line screening exam and verification system by 2008 through the Board’s membership of the Australian Medical Council.”

Mr Robertson said Australia wouldn’t need overseas trained doctors if the Howard Government had trained more local doctors over the past decade.

“We have a national shortage of doctors because the Howard Government has failed to provide sufficient university places for medical students since 1996.

“Australia is paying the price for that decision and that’s why all States are forced to recruit doctors from overseas.”

Mr Robertson said the Howard Government was also dragging the chain over a national medical registration system for doctors.

“An inter-government agreement for a new national registration system has been signed by all States and Territories.

“But it’s been sitting on the Prime Minister’s desk for the last two months waiting for his signature,” he said.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190