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New RACGP National IMG Committee calls for members
The long-awaited committee aims to better advocate for overseas-trained doctors, with its recruitment process now open to members.
IMGs are expected to overtake Australian graduates in the general practice workforce by 2033.
A new RACGP committee has been launched specifically to advocate for the interests and concerns of Australia’s international medical graduates (IMGs).
The National IMG Committee’s launch comes as IMGs are expected to overtake Australian graduates in the general practice workforce by 2033.
As the group begins to take shape, recruitment has kicked off through an expression of interest process, closing 18 August, and is aiming to get a broad representation of GPs from across the college.
Former RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda will be the committee’s inaugural Chair. He told newsGP it will be a chance for IMGs to voice their concerns and have greater representation within the college.
‘I’ve been approaching the college to do this committee for a few years and I’m just glad the Board has understood and accepted the challenges that face IMGs in Australia,’ he said.
‘I’ve found over the years that I’ll be the rare IMG that’s been represented on the high level in the college and that’s because IMGs are not represented adequately.
‘We want to increase this representation, knowing they have a big number of our membership, and that big numbers of GPs are IMGs.’
The new committee has several key aims, with the first being to ensure IMG voices are heard and their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
Additionally, it will aim to:
- provide advice on IMGs professional development, career progression, and integration into the Australian healthcare system
- enhance cultural competency training for RACGP members
- contribute to the development of policies that address the specific needs of IMGs.
The committee’s launch
follows a recent study which found GPs’ rural experiences can differ greatly depending on whether they were trained in Australia or overseas.
GPs were asked about their personal, professional, and geographic connectedness, with many IMGs left feeling professional isolation.
Associate Professor Shenouda said he is now excited to see the committee up and running and to increase this feeling of connectedness for Australia’s IMGs.
‘It’s very important that we come with ideas that suit IMGs then we can get solutions a lot easier, because you understand what the issues are,’ he said.
‘A lot of IMGs don’t understand how the college works, so it’s a good opportunity for both sides to learn how things work.’
Any interested members can contact RACGP Acting Head of Member Experience
Kon Kakris for more information.
It is hoped the National IMG Committee will officially be running by the end of this year.
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