Recognition of international training

RANZCOG welcomes doctors, specialists and subspecialists from around the world to apply for recognition to practice in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Introduction

The College offers a number of different pathways for international medical graduates interested in training and working in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

These pathways can be grouped into three main categories:

International medical graduates (IMGs) — for international doctors seeking to undertake further training in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

Specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) — for international specialists and subspecialists seeking to work in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

Short-term training (STT) in a medical specialty — for international specialists (or doctors nearing completion of specialist training) seeking to gain short-term experience in Australia only.

For more information on these pathways, please see the corresponding sections below.


International medical graduates (IMGs)

If you’ve completed undergraduate medical training outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for one or more of the training pathways outlined below.

Fellowship of RANZCOG specialist training

The Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) training program is the only means through which a medical professional in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand can become a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Training involves 184 weeks (four years) of Basic Training, followed by an additional 92 weeks (two years) of Advanced Training.

Basic Training includes:

rotation through a minimum of two different hospitals, with at least 46 weeks in a hospital other than your ‘home’ or ‘base’ hospital, and 23 weeks in a rural hospital

logged clinical work in obstetrics and gynaecology resulting in attainment of prescribed competency levels in specified procedures

utilisation of resources through the RANZCOG e-learning platform

formative and summative assessments, including three-monthly appraisals and six-monthly assessment reports

experience in gynaecological oncology

Advanced Training involves completion of relevant Advanced Training Modules (ATMs), and a focus on:

extending your expertise in obstetrics and/or gynaecology

developing your research expertise

developing your expertise in areas of special interest

For more information on the FRANZCOG training program, including the National Trainee Selection Process, please see our Fellowship of RANZCOG Specialist Training page.

Non-accredited registrar training

Non-accredited registrar training provides IMGs with experience working in a metropolitan or suburban hospital in Australia. It’s an alternative option for international doctors who are not eligible for the FRANZCOG specialist training program.

While some IMGs use this pathway to successfully apply for the FRANZCOG program, it’s important to note that non-accredited registrar training:

is organised entirely by the employing hospital and does not include any formal assessment by RANZCOG

cannot be counted towards the FRANZCOG qualification under the RANZCOG Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

does not guarantee selection into the FRANZCOG training program

For information about appropriate registration and visa requirements, please contact the Medical Board of Australia in the state or region in which you wish to work.

Certificate and Procedural training

The College offers a three-tier structure of qualifications to equip IMGs with experience in office-based and/or hospital-based obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

Each qualification builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the preceding qualification, as outlined in the table below. These qualifications can be undertaken separately or concurrently.

QualificationTraining periodScope of practice
Certificate of Women’s Health (CWH)Minimum:
approx. 3 months

Maximum:
2 years
Office-based practice

Shared antenatal and postnatal care of low-risk patients

Family planning
RANZCOG Associate Training Program (Procedural) (PTP)Minimum:
approx. 6 months

Maximum:
2 years
Hospital-based practice

As per CWH, plus:

Shared antenatal and postnatal care of moderate risk patients

Normal-risk intrapartum obstetrics

Assisted deliveries

Basic gynaecological procedures
RANZCOG Associate Training Program (Advanced Procedural) (APTP)Minimum: approx.
12 months

Maximum:
2 years
Hospital-based practice

As per PTP, plus:

More complex intrapartum obstetrics, including lower segment caesarean section (elective and emergency)

Laparotomies in emergency gynaecological situations

Basic ultrasound scanning

For more information on these three qualifications, please see our Certificate and Procedural Training page.


Specialist practice in Australia (SIMGs AUS)

If you’ve completed specialist or subspecialist qualifications outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you can apply for a comparability assessment of your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development.

In Australia, you must apply to RANZCOG for this assessment via one of the specialist international medical graduate (SIMG) pathways outlined below.

More information on these SIMG assessment pathways can also be found in the RANZCOG Regulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).

Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway

Overview

Pathway to Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG)

Requirements

Broad base of skills suitable for practice in an urban or provincial setting

Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:

antenatal clinics

gynaecology outpatient clinics

emergency obstetrics and gynaecology

Caesarean section lists

gynaecological theatre lists

Eligibility criteria

In general, to apply via the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway, you must have:

a primary degree in Medicine and Surgery

completed a specialist training program that:

is a structured post-graduate course of at least five years duration, with published standards that are comparable to that of the FRANZCOG training program

has a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, ongoing formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by FRANZCOG trainees

has a competitive selection process

has been accredited against published standards by an external body and assessed for reaccreditation at regular intervals

results in registration as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology

participated in a continuing professional development (CPD) program since obtaining a specialist qualification

met the Medical Board of Australia’s English language requirements

demonstrated recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice

a certificate of good standing covering at least the last two years of practice

a certificate of specialist registration in your country of specialist training

submitted your primary, specialist and any relevant additional qualifications for primary source verification

Resources

Please follow the links below for more information:

Academic and common scope pathway

Overview

Pathway to Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG)

Requirements

Experience in research, teaching and academic leadership

Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:

obstetrics

emergency gynaecology

common office gynaecology

Eligibility criteria

In general, to apply via the the academic and common scope pathway, you must:

have met all of the general eligibility criteria for the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway (see above)

have completed a PhD-level research degree at a Time Higher Education (THE) top-400 university

have published at least 40 peer-reviewed papers (PubMed) following completion of your PhD, within the preceding five years

currently hold an academic appointment of at least half of the full-time equivalent (0.5 FTE) at professorial level at an Australian or New Zealand university or are on an academic pathway that would be reasonably expected to lead to an appointment at this level in an Australian or New Zealand university

Subspecialist and common scope pathway

Overview

Pathway to Certification in your chosen subspecialty

Requirements

Delivery of comprehensive care across the scope of practice in one of the following subspecialty areas:

Gynaecological Oncology (CGO)

Maternal and Fetal Medicine (CMFM)

Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU)

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI)

Urogynaecology (CU)

Knowledge and skills at a consultant level in:

antenatal clinics

gynaecology outpatient clinics

emergency obstetrics and gynaecology

‘back-up’ in more complex surgical cases

Caesarean section lists

Eligibility criteria

In general, to apply for assessment via the academic and common scope pathway, you must have:

met all of the general eligibility criteria for the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway (see above)

met RANZCOG Common scope criteria

completed a subspecialist qualification from a recognised College or national certifying body and gained subsequent experience in one of the five recognised RANZCOG subspecialty areas

recency of practice in the relevant scope of practice, within 12 months prior to applying for the SIMG pathway

completed a specialist training program that:

is a structured postgraduate course of at least three years duration, with published standards that are comparable to that of the RANZCOG subspecialist training program

has a documented and systematic in-training assessment system incorporating regular, ongoing formative and summative performance-based assessments, examinations and other assessments comparable to those undertaken by RANZCOG trainees

has a competitive selection process

has been accredited against published standards by an external body and assessed for reaccreditation at regular intervals

Resources

Please follow the links below for more information:

Area of need (AoN) pathway

Overview

Pathway designed to meet gaps in service delivery, usually in a rural area

Assessment by RANZCOG takes into account your qualifications and relevant experience against the specified requirements of a position in a confirmed area of need (as determined by the relevant state or territory health authority)

Please note that the area of need (AoN) pathway does not lead to specialist (Fellowship) or subspecialist (Certification) recognition by RANZCOG.

However, SIMGs can apply for assessment via the AoN pathway, and one or more of the three specialist recognition pathways, at the same time.


Apply (SIMGs AUS)

How to apply

To apply to RANZCOG for a comparability assessment, you must:

1

Undertake primary source verification of your medical qualifications with the Australian Medical Council

2

Complete the following document:

Please nominate one of the following pathways:

Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology

Academic and common scope

Subspecialist and common scope

Area of need

3

Complete and attach a logbook, using the following template:

4

Submit your application form and logbook to RANZCOG, including payment details for the application fee.

Please note that if you’re applying from the UK, you should submit a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) as evidence of your specialist qualification. Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG), or the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP), is not considered to be a stand-alone specialist qualification.

Application

Preliminary assessment

At least one member of the SIMG Assessment Committee will assess your application to determine if you meet the requirements to progress to an interview.

Interview

Interim assessment

If the SIMG Assessment Committee deems that your application is ‘eligible for interview’, you will be invited to attend an interview to further explore:

your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development

your understanding of the Australian healthcare system and culture

Please see assessment outcomes below to learn more about the progress of your application after the interview.

Australian pathways data

Please follow the link below to the Medical Board of Australia website for more information and statistics on SIMGs within the Australian healthcare workforce.


Assessment outcomes (SIMGs AUS)

Based on your assessment interview, RANZCOG will issue one of the three outcomes detailed below.

Substantially comparable

If your qualification and experience are assessed as substantially comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, the SIMG Assessment Committee will direct you to complete a period of supervised specialist practice for up to 12 months.

Prior to commencing supervised practice, you must:

nominate a Fellow of RANZCOG to act as your training supervisor

complete the relevant Prospective Approval of Training Form:

submit your application to the SIMG team (simg@ranzcog.edu.au), including payment details for the application fee

During your supervised practice, you must:

submit the relevant formative appraisal form every three months:

provide contact details for 8–10 colleagues who will contribute to a multi-source feedback (MSF) assessment of your professional competence, which will be facilitated by your training supervisor

the SIMG team (simg@ranzcog.edu.au) will contact you approximately six weeks prior to the conclusion of your supervised practice

complete an equivalent period of continuing professional development (CPD) as an Educational Affiliate of the College

for more information, please contact the CPD team (cpd@ranzcog.edu.au)

Partially comparable

If your qualification and experience are assessed as partially comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, the SIMG Assessment Committee will direct you to complete a period of supervised practice for 12–24 months, which may include a combination of the assessment requirements outlined below.

More information on these assessment requirements can be found in the RANZCOG Regulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).

Generalist obstetrics and gynaecology pathway

In general, SIMGs on this pathway will need to complete the following requirements:

A minimum period of six months (FTE) and a maximum of twenty-four months (FTE) of prospectively approved, supervised training whereby the SIMG trainee is certified as possessing the competencies expected of an Australian-trained specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in the generalist obstetrics and gynaecology scope of practice or the academic and common scope of practice

Assessment of Procedural and Surgical Skills (APSS) Ultrasound B

Colposcopy APSS

an approved communication skills workshop

Fellowship of RANZCOG written examination (maximum of three attempts)

Fellowship of RANZCOG oral examination (maximum of three attempts)

Other assessment(s) the College may require from time to time

Please follow the links below for relevant forms and resources:

Academic and common scope pathway

For SIMGs on this pathway, the period of supervised specialist work may comprise up to 0.5 FTE in an academic post at professorial level, with the remaining FTE component in clinical practice.

Subspecialist and common scope pathway

For more information on the assessment requirements for this pathway, please see our subspecialist training page, or refer to the RANZCOG Regulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).

Please follow the links below for relevant forms and resources:

Not comparable

If your qualification and experience are assessed as not comparable to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist, you may wish to consider applying for the Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) specialist training program from Year 1.

For more information on applying for the FRANZCOG training program, please see the above section for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).


Additional information (SIMGs AUS)

Certification

On successful completion of all SIMG requirements, you can apply to the SIMG Assessment Committee for (as applicable):

Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) certification

Certification in your chosen subspecialty

To apply for the certification, please contact the SIMG team (simg@ranzcog.edu.au) who will provide you with an application form and relevant FRANZCOG or subspecialist documentation.

If your application meets all necessary criteria, the SIMG Assessment Committee will recommend endorsement by RANZCOG Board or Subspecialty Committee, as applicable.

Please note that certification can take up to three months from the time the College receives your complete application.

Fees

All fees are payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and are not subject to Australian GST unless otherwise stated.

Application
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
SIMG / AON Initial Assessment Fee
$5,095
Submit with application
SIMG / AON Incomplete Application Fee
$284
SIMG / AON Interview Fee
$9,975
One-time fee, payable at offer of interview
Supervised Training
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
SIMG / AON Substantially Comparable Supervision / Placement Fee
$535
One-time fee
SIMG / AON Substantially Comparable Annual Subscription Educational Affiliates Fee
$1,036 inc GST
Due 1 July annually
SIMG / AON Partially Comparable Annual Training Fee
$5,400
Due 31 January annually
Examinations
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
FRANZCOG Written Examination
$2,636
Payable when registration confirmed
FRANZCOG Oral Examination
$5,039
Payable when registration confirmed
Subspecialty Written Examination (CGO, CMFM, COGU, CREI or CU)
$2,712
Payable when registration confirmed
Subspecialty Oral Examination (CGO, CMFM, COGU or CREI)
$6,179
Payable when registration confirmed
Certification
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
Fellowship Elevation Fee
$2,642
Payable after Board approval
Subspecialty Certification Fee
$1,344
Payable on application
Other (Potentially Applicable)
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
Review Fee (effective from 1 July 2023)
$970 inc GST
Submit with application; fee has been determined pursuant to Regulation A2.10.1
Appeal Fee
$7,294 inc GST
Submit with application; fee has been determined pursuant to Regulation A2.10.1

Training supervisors

If you’re directed to complete supervised practice, you must nominate a training supervisor for this period.

Your training supervisor must be:

a Fellow of RANZCOG

approved by the SIMG Assessment Committee Chair prior to commencement of your supervised practice

employed at your training site as a full-time or part-time staff specialist (or visiting medical officer, where appropriate)

in a position to directly observe your practice on a regular basis and seek the views of your colleagues when compiling supervisor reports

contribute to assessments and other formal reports in relation to your training and performance, using the appropriate RANZCOG forms

If your supervisor changes during your period of supervised practice, you must inform RANZCOG and seek approval for the change.

Becoming an assessor

The College relies upon the willingness of individual Fellows to give of their time in order to conduct many of its core activities. The assessment of SIMGs for comparability to a RANZCOG trained specialist is one such area.

To learn more about becoming an SIMG assessor, please read the following information document:

Alternatively, please email the SIMG team in Australia (simg@ranzcog.edu.au).


Short-term training (STT) in a medical specialty (AUS)

If you’ve completed (or nearly completed) specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for short-term training (STT) in a medical specialty.

STT posts in obstetrics and gynaecology:

enable international medical graduates to gain valuable experience in Australia (not Aotearoa New Zealand), and then return to your country of practice

are usually offered at the registrar level by major metropolitan teaching hospitals

are usually for a period of 12 months (but may be extended for an additional 12 months in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the College)

do not involve formal assessment, or result in a qualification or certification

must be approved by the College as a genuine training post (and not a post designed to meet a staffing need)

Please note that employing hospitals must initially advertise training posts within Australia. If no local candidate is found, the hospital can then advertise the position abroad as an STT post.

The College will not support an STT post that compromises the opportunity for a FRANZCOG trainee to be appointed to the position or to engage in specific training opportunities within the workplace.

Eligibility

To undertake STT in obstetrics and gynaecology, you must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia, and also be:

qualified in Medicine and Surgery, with a primary degree recognised by the Australian Medical Council and World Directory of Medical Schools

qualified as a specialist in your country of training or no more than two years away completing your specialist training

Apply

To apply for STT in obstetrics and gynaecology, you must:

1

Secure an STT training post with an employing hospital

2

Apply for primary source verification of your medical qualifications with the Australian Medical Council

3

Ensure that your employing hospital has lodged an STT application with RANZCOG, including:

Form

Additional documents

a position description

a detailed training program, including:

name of approved supervisors

training timetable

a statement indicating that you will attend and participate in any appropriate professional development opportunities available within the training period

a brief description of the objectives of the proposed training and how your progress/performance will be evaluated at the end of the training period

a written statement that your appointment will not disadvantage any trainees in the College’s training program

evidence of recruitment advertisements for the post (e.g. newspaper, online advertisements, etc.)

4

Lodge your own STT application with RANZCOG, including:

Forms

Additional documents

primary source verification of your medical qualification

a certified copy of your primary medical degree (and specialist degree, if applicable)

certificates of membership with any relevant medical bodies

a brief summary of why you wish to undertake the post

a statement of intention to return to your country of origin on completion of training

payment details for the application fee

5

Complete and submit the following form to apply for limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia:

6

Apply for a training visa for a period of up to two years

To minimise delays in processing, please ensure that the information and documentation you provide is true, accurate and meets the specified criteria.

The Chair of the RANZCOG Training Accreditation Committee in your state will review your application, and then the Chair of the Training and Accreditation Committee will provide final authorisation. This process may take up to six weeks.

The College will provide a letter of support if your STT application is successful. This letter is necessary to obtain approval for a visa and medical registration.

Fees

The fee is payable in Australian dollars (AUD), and is not subject to Australian GST.

Application
Fee
$AUD
Frequency
SIMG Short-Term Training Position (STTP) Application / Extension
$1,649
Submit with application


Specialist practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (SIMGs NZ)

If you’ve completed specialist or subspecialist qualifications outside of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you can apply for a comparability assessment of your overseas training, qualifications, experience and continuing professional development.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, you must apply to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) for this assessment via the specialist international medical graduate (SIMG) pathway outlined below.

Overview

Pathway to Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) or Certification in your chosen subspecialty

Role of RANZCOG

As the vocational educational advisory body in obstetrics and gynaecology, RANZCOG will conduct a comparability assessment on behalf of MCNZ to determine your suitability for specialist or subspecialist registration in Aotearoa New Zealand

MCNZ seeks advice from RANZCOG on two groups of SIMGs:

those who are currently overseas (i.e. not already residing or working in Aotearoa New Zealand)

those who are already working in Aotearoa New Zealand via another registration pathway (e.g. general scope or provisional general scope) and wish to obtain vocational registration within the scope of practice of obstetrics and gynaecology

Eligibility criteria

To apply for assessment with MCNZ via the vocational scope pathway, you must:

have completed postgraduate medical training and gained a postgraduate medical qualification awarded at the end of your specialist training

be qualified in Medicine and Surgery, with a primary degree recognised by the World Directory of Medical Schools

meet legal ‘fitness for registration’ requirements (including English language requirements)

Resources

Please follow the links below for more information on the vocational scope pathway:


Apply (SIMGs NZ)

How to apply

To apply for assessment with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), with RANZCOG acting as the vocational educational advisory body, you must:

1

Undertake primary source verification of your medical qualifications using the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC)

2

Complete an Application for Vocational Registration (including a referee report), as outlined on the MCNZ website

3

Complete the following document:

4

Submit your application documents (including the RANZCOG Additional Information Form, and payment details for the application fee) to MCNZ for initial assessment

Please note that if you’re applying from the UK, you should submit a Certificate of Completion of Training (or equivalent) as evidence of your specialist qualification. Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG), or the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP), is not considered to be a stand-alone specialist qualification.

Application (MCNZ)

On receiving your application, MCNZ will:

verify your documentation

seek feedback from your referees

forward your application to RANZCOG for preliminary advice

Preliminary advice (RANZCOG)*

As the vocational educational advisory body, RANZCOG will complete an initial assessment of your application and provide MCNZ with preliminary advice, including one of the following recommendations:

Equivalent/as satisfactory as a locally trained specialist

RANZCOG will invite you to attend an interview with the Aotearoa New Zealand SIMG assessment panel

MCNZ may grant you provisional vocational registration to begin supervised practice prior to the interview (subject to prospective approval of your supervised training program by RANZCOG)

Unable to make a recommendation

RANZCOG may request further clarification or information

MCNZ may still determine that your application can proceed, in which case RANZCOG will invite you to attend an interview with the SIMG assessment panel

*Please note that if you’re already working in Aotearoa New Zealand and hold another form of registration (e.g. general scope or provisional general scope registration), you will proceed directly to an interview with RANZCOG.

Interview (RANZCOG)

At your interview, the SIMG assessment panel will further explore:

your overseas training, qualifications and experience in obstetrics and gynaecology

your response to some short scenarios assessing your clinical knowledge and skills, and your understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system and culture

Please see the Assessment Outcomes section below to learn more about the progress of your application after the interview.

Other assessment information

Before you apply for assessment with MCNZ, please note that:

the SIMG assessment process unavoidably involves a good deal of paperwork — please allow plenty of time to prepare your application thoroughly

a favourable SIMG assessment does not guarantee you employment in Aotearoa New Zealand

The College encourages all Aotearoa New Zealand Fellows of RANZCOG to complete Application of the Hui Process and Meihana Model — a course offered by Māori/Indigenous Health Institute (University of Otago)

For more information on SIMG assessments, please refer to the RANZCOG Regulations (see Section D: Assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates).

Interview dates

In 2024, SIMG assessment interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand will be held on:

Friday 9 February 2024

Friday 8 March 2024

Friday 12 April 2024

Friday 10 May 2024

Friday 14 June 2024

Friday 12 July 2024

Friday 9 August 2024

Friday 13 September 2024

Friday 18 October 2024

Friday 8 November 2024


Assessment outcomes (SIMGs NZ)

Based on your assessment interview, RANZCOG will recommend one of the three assessment outcomes outlined below.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will then make the final decision about eligibility for registration and advise you in writing of any additional requirements you must undertake to qualify for registration within the vocational scope of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Equivalent to

If your qualification and experience are assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand trained specialist, MCNZ will grant you provisional vocational registration to begin a period of supervised specialist practice for up to 12 months.

As satisfactory as

If your qualification and experience are assessed to be as satisfactory as a New Zealand trained specialist, MCNZ will grant you provisional vocational registration to begin a period of supervised practice for a period of 12–18 months and may also specify assessments or other requirements for you to complete during the supervision period.

Neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as

If your qualification and experience are assessed as neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as a New Zealand trained specialist, you may wish to consider applying for the Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) specialist training program.

For more information on applying for the FRANZCOG training program, please see the above section for International Medical Graduates.


Vocational registration (SIMGs NZ)

Provisional vocational registration

On receiving provisional vocational registration from MCNZ, you must enrol in the RANZCOG CPD program before MCNZ will grant full vocational registration. 

You can choose to enrol as soon as you’re granted provisional registration from MCNZ, or closer to the time of application for full vocational registration.

Join the RANZCOG CPD program

To apply:

Review the RANZCOG CPD program fees

Complete and submit a CPD participant application

If you decide not to enrol in the RANZCOG CPD program until you’re ready to apply for full vocational registration, we welcome you to join RANZCOG as your professional membership organisation by applying to be an educational affiliate.

Become an educational affiliate member

To apply:

Learn more about membership benefits

Review the annual membership fees

Complete and submit an educational affiliate membership application

Once you’ve completed all the requirements outlined to you by MCNZ, including enrolment in the RANZCOG CPD program, you will be able to apply to MCNZ for full vocational registration. This application will be considered by MCNZ.

Full vocational registration

Once you’ve been granted full vocational registration (after your supervision period and any other requirements are completed), you are eligible to apply to become a Fellow of RANZCOG. 

Become a Fellow of RANZCOG

To apply:

Complete and submit a Fellowship for SIMGs application


Additional information (SIMGs NZ)

Certification

On successful completion of all SIMG requirements, you can apply to the SIMG Assessment Committee for (as applicable):

Fellowship of RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) certification

Certification in your chosen subspecialty

Becoming an assessor

The College relies upon the willingness of individual Fellows to give of their time in order to conduct many of its core activities. The assessment of SIMGs for comparability to a RANZCOG trained specialist is one such area.

To learn more about becoming an SIMG assessor, please read the following information document:

Alternatively, please email the SIMG team in Aotearoa New Zealand (nztraining@ranzcog.org.nz).


Frequently asked questions

Please browse the topics below for a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) relevant to specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs).

Applications

Q. What if I didn’t have a logbook during my training?

A. You can provide a summary of the type and numbers of procedures completed during your training and/or recent practice.

Q. Who should I use as referees?

A. Your three referees should be colleagues who you have worked with in the past two years. One referee must be a current supervisor or colleague where you are currently working. Referees must be currently working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Please note, members of the SIMG Assessment Committee or RANZCOG Board are not eligible to provide references, in accordance with our Conflict of Interest Policy.

Q. How do I obtain medical registration to work in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand?

A. Registration of medical professionals in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand is the responsibility of the Medical Board of Australia and the Medical Council of New Zealand, respectively.

Interviews

Q. How should I prepare for the interview?

A. To help you understand the scope of knowledge, skills and practice expected of a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, you may wish to familiarise yourself with the following document:

On inviting you attend an interview, the College will also provide you with access to the online learning modules that are available to local trainees.

Q. How long will the interview take?

A. Interviews normally take between 60 and 90 minutes.

Q. What is the format of the interview?

A. The interview panel usually consists of three Fellows and a community representative. The panel will further explore the information provided in your application, and ask you to respond to several short clinical scenarios designed to assess your interaction with patients, and your awareness of cultural and medico-legal issues in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, as applicable.

Assessment outcomes

Q. Who will notify the appropriate Government bodies of my interview assessment outcome?

A. In Australia, the College will notify the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) of SIMG assessment outcomes via the Australian Medical Council portal.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will notify the College of interview assessment outcomes.

Q. What if I’m not satisfied with my assessment outcome?

A. For assessments in Australia, please refer to the RANZCOGExceptional Circumstance, Special Consideration and Reconsideration Policy.

For assessments in Aotearoa New Zealand, please contact the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Supervised practice

General

Q. Does RANZCOG recommend a recruitment agency?

A. No, the College cannot endorse any particular recruitment agency.

However, you may find it helpful to visit:

the Australian Government Department of Health DoctorConnect website

Q. Can RANZCOG help me to secure a visa in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand?

A. No, the College does not handle any matters relating to visas. All enquires should be directed to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs or New Zealand Immigration.

Australia only

Q. What sort of positions should I apply for when undertaking supervised practice?

A. If your training and experience is assessed as substantially comparable, you should apply for specialist or staff specialist positions.

If you’re assessed as partially comparable, you should apply for senior registrar positions that cover a broad range of obstetric and gynaecological experience, and enable you to obtain training in the specific areas identified in your assessment interview.

Q. What do I need to do after securing a supervised practice position?

A. Once you’ve secured a position in an accredited training hospital, you will need to apply for prospective approval of your training program from RANZCOG.

The role of RANZCOG is to ensure that your position is a genuine training post that will enable you to obtain experience in the specific areas identified in your assessment interview.

Q. Can I count time towards supervised practice if my position hasn’t been prospectively approved by RANZCOG?

A. No, the College will not credit time towards your period of supervised practice until your position has been prospectively approved by the SIMG Assessment Committee.

Q. What happens if I’m late submitting my reports?

A. Failure to submit your training reports on time will invalidate the previous period of supervised practice. Please note that you must submit:

three-monthly reports within four weeks of completing that period of training

six-monthly reports within six weeks of completing that period of training

Q. Can I take leave during my period of supervised practice?

A. Yes, but you must complete 46 weeks of full-time clinical practice during any 12-month period.

Q. Where can I get help with preparation for exams?

A. The College offers examination preparation courses to assist you in studying for the written and oral examinations. Please contact your local RANZCOG office for more information.

Q. Do I have to remain in supervised practice once I’ve completed the designated period of training, but not all the other requirements?

A. Yes, you must continue to be in an approved training position and submit the relevant training reports until all requirements have been completed.

Area of need pathway

Q. What is the difference between an area of need (AoN) assessment and an SIMG comparability assessment in Australia?

A. An AoN assessment aims to meet gaps in service delivery, primarily in rural areas where there is an acute shortage of practitioners, including obstetricians and gynaecologists. This process enables hospitals to obtain the services of overseas-trained specialists once a post has been declared an AoN position.

An SIMG assessment compares your training, qualifications and experience to those of an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology. The SIMG assessment pathway leads to specialist (Fellowship) or subspecialist (Certification) recognition by RANZCOG (whereas the AoN pathway does not).

Q. How do I find an AoN position in Australia?

A. You must apply directly to the hospitals in the area where you wish to work, or contact a recruitment agency.

Post-certification

Australia only

Q. Where can I apply for a Medicare provider number and/or learn about item numbers and rebates in Australia?

A. To apply for a provider number, please visit the Australian Government Services Australia website, or contact Medicare for more information.


Member wellbeing and support

A range of wellbeing services are available to trainees experiencing professional or personal difficulty during training.


Training committees

The following committees have oversight and responsibilities relating to international doctors, specialists and subspecialists.

SIMG Assessment Committee

CHAIR

TBC


2022 MEETING DATES

TBC; contact coordinator


CONTACT: simg@ranzcog.edu.au
COORDINATOR: Kate Fullalove

 

Trainees’ Committee

Chair: Dr Sophie Doherty


CONTACT: nsw.rep@ranzcog.edu.au
COORDINATOR: Meagan Buttigieg


Contact your local trainee representative


Policies and procedures

The below policies are relevant to recognition of international training and may be of interest.


Contact

As a starting point, please contact your local RANZCOG office in the area or region where you’re seeking to work.

Other useful contacts include:

Australia

Email: simg@ranzcog.edu.au Phone: +61 3 9412 2970

Aotearoa New Zealand

Email: nztraining@ranzcog.org.nz