The first step to getting registered as a doctor in Australia is to complete the primary source verification process to verify your medical qualifications.
Since 2015 this process has been completed through the use of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) system called Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EPIC).
The process allows doctors around the world to confirm their qualifications through an internationally recognised system, which are then sent to relevant authorities such as the Australian Medical Council.
ECFMG has recently announced that this process will be changing and replaced by their new process and identity MyIntealth from late 2023. MyIntealth is a new online platform that has been designed to integrate and support members of the ECFMG and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). It will consist of a number of resources for the international healthcare community and part of that will include a system for online verification of medical qualifications.
What does this mean for those GPs looking to move to Australia?
Unitl the changes, the process through EPIC will remain the same. If you are in the process of getting your verification through EPIC at the time of the transition, ECFMG will communicate with you directly in relation to what you may need to do. We understand at the current time that all completed verifications will still remain valid.
For those commencing the registration process after August 2023, the AMC have advised that the new MyIntealth process will be acceptable in Australia. The AMC is currently advising that they will share more updates on what their new process as things change. The change was supposed to occur in August 2023 however as of Mid-August, the transition has not yet occurred. Please keep an eye on this page for further updates.
We know from experience that whenever there is a change to any part of the registration process, there will be a period where delays can be expected and there may be a level of uncertainty due to teething problems. EPIC have also advised that there may be a period of time when verification services are unavailable, we do not know how long this timeframe may be. Therefore, if you are planning to commence the registration process soon, it’s best to start ASAP to minimise any further delays and possibly complete your verification prior to the system changes. You don’t need to have secured a job in order to complete this step and it’s not costly, so it’s a great one to get started on.