The regulation of medical practice in Australia, Canada, United States and Britain

Abstract

Overseas trained doctors (OTDs) are playing an important role as medical officers and specialists in the Australian public hospital system and as general practitioners in ‘area of need’ locations. This role is increasing as a result of the recruiting initiatives flowing from the Commonwealth Government's Strengthening Medicare program. Yet there are no requirements in Australia that these OTDs be first subject to a formal assessment of their medical knowledge, clinical skills and practice performance in a supervised hospital setting. A review of the situation in Canada, the United States and Britain shows that OTDs wishing to practise in these countries first have to undergo such an assessment. The reasons why Australia is different are explored. It is concluded that State and Commonwealth Government concerns about the supply of doctors have overridden worries within the medical profession about the readiness of OTDs to practice in Australia without formal assessment and further training. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s