On this page
Purpose of the Clinical Assessment Period
The clinical assessment period is designed to:
- Familiarise SIMGs with surgical practice in Australia
- Assess clinical performance and address any gaps
- Confirm the SIMG demonstrates the skills and attributes expected of an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand trained surgeon
- Validate the recommendations made during the assessment process
The specific duration of supervision, and any additional requirements are detailed in each SIMGs recommendation letter.
Before starting Clinical Assessment
Once a recommendation is accepted by the SIMG, the Clinical Assessment team will guide SIMGs through the process of meeting all the requirements.
SIMGs must submit the following to RACS:
- A signed copy of the SIMG Agreement
- Proof of completion of the following eLearning Modules:
- SIMG Orientation Program
- Introduction to Operating with Respect
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety (course 1 only)
After securing a position that meets the requirements outlined in the recommendation letter, SIMGs must submit a completed SIMG Post Description Form.
It is recommended that SIMGs review the SIMG Assessment Post Approval Regulation before submitting this form.
Once received, the form will be reviewed by the relevant Specialty Training Board or Committee.
If approved, and RACS has received confirmation of employment dates from the hospital, the SIMG will commence clinical assessment on the first day of the next available three-month reporting period.
The three-month reporting periods are as follows: 1 February to 30 April, 1 May to 31 July, 1 August – 31 October and 1 November – 31 January.
Further information regarding post approval and commencement requirements are outlined in the SIMG Assessment Post Approval Regulation and the Supervised Practice of Specialist International Medical Graduates in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Regulation.
Ongoing Assessment and Reporting
At the end of each three-month reporting period, the SIMG must submit:
- SIMG Supervisor Progress Reports
- Mini-CEX or specialty specific equivalent
- DOPS or specialty specific equivalent
- Other specialty specific requirements
- Logbook (in the format specified by the relevant Specialty Training Board/Committee)
For each twelve-month period of supervision, SIMGs must also complete a Multi-Source Feedback (MSF).
Further information regarding supervision requirements are outlined in Supervised Practice of Specialist International Medical Graduates in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Regulation and Supervisors of Specialist International Medical Graduates in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Completion of Training
When all requirements outlined in the Recommendation Letter have been met — including successful completion of the Fellowship Examination (if required) — the SIMG may apply for Fellowship.
Once the Clinical Assessment team confirms that all requirements are complete, the SIMG will be sent a Fellowship Application Form. This form must be completed and signed by both the SIMG and their supervisor, and returned via email.
The application is then:
- Reviewed and approved by the relevant Specialty Training Board or Committee
- Forwarded to the Completion of Training team for processing
- Accompanied by formal notification from the Clinical Assessment team to the Medical Board of Australia, confirming the SIMG’s eligibility for Fellowship
Further information regarding timelines can be found on the Admission to Fellowship webpage.
Other important information is included in the Admission to Fellowship Regulation.