Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

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Occupational Training Visa

Occupational training positions
The role of the College
Requirements of a program for an occupational doctor
Certificate of Training to overseas personnel

For information relating to short-term training positions for overseas postgraduate Fellows, applications should be directed to the Head(s) of Department(s) in the large teaching hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. The institution(s) to which application is made will offer advice on vacancies and other formalities. If successful in obtaining such a position, the department/hospital will approach the College, at the appropriate time, to support an overseas Occupational Training Visa (OTV).

Occupational training positions

A limited number of short-term positions for overseas postgraduate practitioners are made available throughout Australia each year. These positions are usually for periods up to 12 months.

For information relating to these positions, candidates are advised to make contact with the large teaching hospitals in Australia. The hospital (usually the head of the relevant department) can provide details on vacancies and other formalities. An applicant who obtains a position requires an Occupational Training Visa (OTV). An OTV enables an overseas-trained postgraduate doctor to come to Australia for the purpose of undertaking a specified period of training and/or research in their specialty.

The role of the College

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (the College) undertakes an assessment of the applicant's qualifications and capability, in combination with the program proposed by the hospital. On this basis, the College provides an opinion as to its support for the issuing of an OTV to accommodate the length of the program.

These positions cannot be used (prospectively or retrospectively) by the International Medical Graduate for the purpose of any credit towards any surgical training program of the College.

To determine support for the issuing of an OTV, the hospital is required to forward to the College the following information and documentation:

In relation to a candidate:

• a detailed, current curriculum vitae, outlining training, qualifications and experience
• certified copies of undergraduate, and postgraduate qualifications
• an outline of the proposed course of postgraduate study and the candidate's intended career plan following completion of the hospital's program in Australia
• information on any previous training undertaken in Australia, New Zealand or outside the applicant's home country
• two written references – The appropriate referees are senior colleagues who have worked with the applicant within the last two years; referees are requested to report on the Trainee's current professional standard and capability and to consider the appropriateness and usefulness of the proposed program to the Trainee's home country.

In relation to the proposed program:

• a comprehensive outline of the proposed program being made available to the candidate, including details of clinical activities, educational activities, goals and objectives, commencement date and duration of program
• the name of the proposed supervisors
• the location(s) at which the candidate will receive their training/research opportunity.

Costs

The College charges a fee of $550.00 (GST inclusive) for assessing an application and determining support for the issuing of an OTV. To initiate the assessment by the College, the hospital is required to forward a cheque for $550.00 (GST inclusive) made payable to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, or provide credit card details for payment.

Extending the duration of the program

The hospital may apply to the College for an extension of an OTV. This is a separate application and a fee of $550.00 (GST inclusive) is payable together with a progress report on the doctor.

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Requirements of a program for an occupational doctor

Hospitals offering programs are required to provide for the overseas candidate:

• an appropriate scope of work
• adequate clinical and academic supervision and
• a designated supervisor.

Important: Hospital programs should not compromise the College's training program or Australasian Trainees.

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Certificate of Training to overseas personnel

For information relating to the assessment processes, assessment standards and validity of OTVs, please refer to the College's policy about Endorsement of Occupation Training Visas in Australia (pdf).

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