International Medical Graduates in Victoria
Finding a job as a medical practitioner
Not all job vacancies in Victoria can be filled with an overseas-trained doctor. Most international medical graduates are not able to immediately obtain full Australian medical registration. This means that they must work in an position. The Victorian Government does not limit any areas under the Area of Need provision.
If you intend to work as a general practitioner (GP/family physician) or as a specialist who treats private patients, the position must be in a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS). The Australian Government determines whether a location is a DWS by assessing doctor–patient ratios. The Department of Health and Ageing has a searchable database of Australian localities that are identified as DWS for general practitioners. You or your employer should contact the Department of Health and Ageing for information regarding DWS for specialists.
Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria was established in 1998 to overcome the shortage of rural doctors and improve access to medical services for rural Victorians. It offers a comprehensive recruitment and placement service for suitably qualified overseas-trained doctors to work as general practitioners in rural and regional Victoria.
The Department of Human Services runs the Victorian Public Sector Health Employment website. This site lists employment opportunities in a range of disciplines in Victorian Government-funded health services.
Doctors seeking public hospital positions (including specialist positions) or internships may also contact the metropolitan or rural hospital of their choice to directly enquire about job vacancies.