Area of Need Assessment

When applications for Area of Need (AoN) assessment are received, RACS considers the following:

• has the applicant completed an education and training program comparable to that of a surgeon trained in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand
• has an exit examination been completed
• has the applicant the depth and scope of practice since completion of training to assume the position
• what is the applicant's recency of practice and
• does the hospital position have adequate resources and support for an overseas trained surgeon and whether it is suitable for conducting clinical assessment?

An applicant will be deemed to have comparability for an AoN position if:

• there is evidence of recent surgical practice in the relevant scope of practice required for the AoN post;
• the specialist assessment recommends a pathway to fellowship by assessment or examination and
• the AoN position has adequate resources and support for the IMG deemed suitable for conducting clinical assessment.

Applications will be activated for assessment upon receipt of all requisite documentation. The RACS Area of Need assessment process normally takes up to four months (from date of activation) to complete.

RACS will formally advise the SIMG applicant and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) of the SIMG's suitability for the position and requirements for specialist recognition and Fellowship of RACS. The decision to grant specialist registration is a MBA decision.

Further information about the Specialist Pathway Area of Need is available from the Australian Medical Council and Medical Board of Australia at the links below.