Assessment of overseas-trained doctors—the latest chapter

There have been repeated government promises to establish a nationally consistent assessment system for overseas trained doctors (OTDs). No such assessment has been put in place. As a result, each year, thousands of OTDs are being appointed to practice medicine in Australia without a preliminary systematic test of their medical knowledge and clinical skills calibrated to Australian standards. This article explores why the medical authorities, including the Australian Medical Council and the state Medical Registration Boards allow this situation to continue. It also examines some of the consequences for medical service provision in Australia. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s