A Guide for UK Doctors Navigating the ANZCA SIMG Assessment Process

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) offers a Specialist International Medical Graduate (SIMG) assessment process for UK-trained anaesthetists seeking to practice in Australia or New Zealand. Obtaining recognition and registration is outlined in this guide.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

The qualifications and experience of UK doctors should be aligned with the ANZCA standards before applying. In general, this includes holding a postgraduate anaesthesia qualification and having substantial specialist experience.

Step 2: Submit an Application

Online applications are required via ANZCA's website. In order to submit, you must provide:

• Proof of medical qualifications
• Detailed CV
• Evidence of training and specialist experience
• References and logbooks
• Application fee payment

Step 3: Initial Assessment

ANZCA will conduct a preliminary review of the submitted documents to determine whether the applicant is eligible for further assessment.

Step 4: Interview and Assessment

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited for an interview with ANZCA's SIMG Committee. As part of the interview, the applicant is assessed for their competency and their training is compared with Australian and New Zealand standards.

Step 5: Determination of Assessment Outcome

Following the interview, ANZCA will determine if the applicant is:

• Substantially Comparable: Eligible for supervised practice and further assessments.
• Partially Comparable: Requires additional training or examinations.
• Not Comparable: Required to undertake full training as a new trainee.

Step 6: Supervised Practice and Examinations

Depending on the outcome, candidates may need to complete a period of supervised practice, performance assessments, or further examinations before achieving full recognition.

Step 7: Fellowship and Full Registration

Once all requirements are met, successful applicants can apply for Fellowship of ANZCA (FANZCA) and gain full specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia or the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Associated Costs

Applicants should be aware of the financial implications involved in the SIMG assessment process. Costs may include:

• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee for the initial assessment.
• Interview Fee: Charged for the formal SIMG interview process.
• Supervised Practice Costs: Potential expenses for workplace-based assessments and supervision fees.
• Examination Fees: If additional exams are required, candidates must pay associated costs.
• Fellowship Fees: Required for final FANZCA membership and ongoing professional registration.

For the most up-to-date fees and costs, applicants should refer to the official ANZCA website.

Final Thoughts

The ANZCA SIMG assessment process can be complex, but UK-trained anaesthetists who carefully follow these steps will be well-prepared for a smooth transition into practice in Australia or New Zealand.

Want to Know More? 

With Anaesthetics roles in high demand across Australia, now is the perfect the perfect time to take the next step in your career. Check out our latest job listings and discover exciting opportunities suited to your expertise. 

If you are interested in applying or would like to know more about the process, we'd love to hear from you! Email over a copy of your CV to aus@bdireourcing.com  and a member of our team will reach out.