President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr David Morgan

Sydney.  December 6, 2024: The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons will closely monitor the outcome of last week’s Health Minister’s Meeting, specifically discussion regarding the proposed fast-track registration of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs).

ASPS is concerned that the current proposal will essentially create a two-tiered system of specialist registration. The quality of specialist care Australians receive could be compromised, and will effectively be determined by a patient’s postcode.  

Dr David Morgan, President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons said: “We hope the Health Ministers will consider the long-term consequences of hastily implementing these expedited registration processes for SIMG’s, which will lead to the establishment of differing standards across regions.  

“A new system of registration for SIMG’s could result in lower standards of medical care for all Australians, but particularly those in rural and remote Australia.”

Previous concerns that ASPS, and other specialist colleges and societies, have collectively raised about the proposed changes to SIMG pathways are listed below

• Reduced supervision requirements for newly registered international specialists  
• Shortened assessment processes that do not fully evaluate clinical competency  
• Limited oversight of the scope of practice in regional settings  
• Insufficient support structures for SIMGs in regional placements  
• Lack of clear continuing professional development frameworks
• No clear mechanism to ensure SIMGs go to areas of greatest need 

Dr Morgan continued: “All Australians deserve ready access to fully qualified specialists no matter where they live.  Effectively endorsing different standards for different regions is not the answer to our hospital and surgical challenges, especially in remote and rural regions.”

The medical sector has recommended a mentoring program offering enhanced support programs for SIMGs, via Specialist Medical Colleges. This will improve assessment efficiency without compromising surgical standards. 

Morgan said: “We acknowledge that international medical graduates have long been vital to Australia’s healthcare system. By providing structured professional development programs, will ensure SIMGS are better integrated into existing specialist networks in Australia. 

“Rushing registration processes will not solve the problem of a shortage of doctors. We need workable solutions that support international specialists. Additionally we must meet Australia’s high standards, not shortcuts that risk patient safety and professional standards.”

 Morgan concluded: “We urge Government to consider these issues carefully at today’s meeting and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop solutions that maintain high standards while improving access to specialist care across all regions. “

ASPS would like to work with all levels of Government and key stakeholders to propose alternative sustainable solutions and ultimately safely implement a safe program for registering SIMGs.
Ends

For further information contact Sandra Hogg, Mohr PR on +61 403 823 218

Visit Dr David Morgan’s website here.

For a full list of ASPS Council members visit here.

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