International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program

(IMG Program previously known as ROVE (Rural Outreach Vocational Education))

International Medical graduates make up about 50% of the GP workforce within our Division boundaries. These doctors have bridged an ever widening gap in service capacity in this region and have been able to provide culturally sensitive primary care to our increasing population of people from non English speaking backgrounds.  GVGPs in partnership with Bogong Regional Training Network have recognised the importance of International Medical Graduates through the development of special engagement strategies and educational programs.

International recruitment, engagement of temporary resident doctors and permanent GPs under the Rural Locum Relief Program and Victorian Overseas Rural Recruitment scheme are key features of the Divisions workforce activities Our experience includes all facets of the engagement and retention processes from advertising, contract support, relocation, medical registration, provider number allocation, settling in arrangements and educational support.

The IMG Program is fundamentally a program to help International Medical Graduates in their endeavours to gain their RACGP Fellowship. But can also be relevant to other areas such as the AMC exam

Examples of training that can be provided include:

• Australian Language Idioms related to General Practice
• Computer Skills.
• Exam Preparation
• Clinical Training Visits
• Role Plays
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Case Studies
• Special Skills areas (i.e. dermatology, mental health, woman’s health etc)
• Resources (textbooks ,CD-ROMs ,DVDs)
• Mock written exams

 We are now also able to offer you 1:1 Communications tutoring with an English Second Language Tutor if this is desired or needed by yourself, this is a direct result of recognising the vital part  Communication skills has played in hindering  IMGs passing the Fellowship Exam.

Bogong, whilst recognizing the need for autonomy within the IMG Program, also sees many opportunities to combine IMG Program initiatives with its traditional GP Registrar Training programs. IMG Program participants can attend Bogong workshops on specific topics, such as rural emergency skills training, whilst some Bogong registrars can also benefit from the Cultural Communication tutoring

Bogong also recognizes the needs of the GP supervisors of IMGs. IMG Medical supervisors can be nominated by each individual doctor and these doctors may not be involved in the more traditional registrar program, often needing additional support in their supervisory role. These Supervisors are encouraged and supported to attend the Bogong quarterly Supervisor’s meetings – an integral part of Bogong’s traditional program. There are also a number of tools for assessing competencies in communication, record review and procedural skills, feedback forms and others that are accessible on the Bogong website.

The IMG Program also offers group training sessions in conjunction with the REPP (Rural Exam Preparation Program). The REPP program had traditionally been delivered by the Goulburn Valley Division of General Practice with support from both North East and Border (Albury-Wodonga) Divisions of General Practice. A close working relationship and the non-exclusion of differing program participants has seen the programs work together seamlessly for the benefit of all participants. You also do not necessarily have to be working in General Practice to attend most IMG Program training events or functions, hospital based Doctors may also benefit from this program.

Contact Peter Wyman, Project Officer:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it