Queensland Health is committed to supporting IMGs transition to practice in our healthcare system and are actively working to improve how we do this – at both the local HHS, and at an organisational level. We are also actively contributing to national reforms to improve the experience for IMGs moving to Australia.
Our commitment to IMGs
Queensland Health values the contributions of IMGs working across the state supporting the delivery healthcare to our communities and development of the next generation of doctors.
We are committed to supporting your transition to practice in the Queensland healthcare system and are actively working to improve how we do this.
In July 2024, Queensland Health established an IMG Working Group that will guide the priority implementation of state-wide support mechanisms for IMGs, both those seeking to work in Queensland Health as well as current employees. Doctors, including IMGs, across position levels (from intern to executive) are represented on the Working Group.
As an IMG starting work in Queensland, you will receive additional support from your employing HHS. This may include:
- Dedicated candidate care e.g. providing assistance with completing registration and visa applications, Queensland Health systems access, information on schools/childcare, accommodation, and other individual needs.
- Additional orientation program sessions
- Education and training programs, including workshops or simulation/skills sessions
- Established peer support networks
- Shadowing and mentorship opportunities
- Supervision and support tailored for individual need
- Support in progressing to general / specialist registration (including workplace-based assessment opportunities)
For IMGs seeking to work in Queensland, some HHSs facilitate opportunities for observerships, which are unpaid positions to observe a clinical environment without being part of patient care.
IMG support was a priority for projects established under Queensland Health’s Medical Practitioner Workforce Plan for Queensland. Project work has commenced to scope a North Queensland IMG Preparatory Program to improve work-readiness and transition into the health system.
Starting work
Once you have accepted your letter of offer, a number of processes and activities occur in preparation for commencement of your employment.
You may receive communication from different areas in your HHS:
- Medical Administration Unit - the primary point of contact for recruitment, will provide pre-commencement support.
- Medical Education Unit – provide initial orientation and ongoing education, training and support.
- Recruitment Services (Human Resources) - issue the letter of offer.
Your introduction to your new HHS may be called different names including orientation, induction, or onboarding.
An orientation process is mandatory for all new employees, and you will be given information to ensure you understand your workplace (including policies and procedures), the hospital / department where you will be working, meet your colleagues and understand your role and responsibilities within the clinical team.
Orientation may combine online resources with face-to-face education and training.
We have created a orientation resource for junior doctors, which will complement orientation activities at the HHS.
The Medical Board of Australia’s Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia outlines the expectations for all doctors registered to practice in Australia, including with regards to working with patients and other healthcare professionals, respectful culture, professional performance and behaviour, teaching and supervision and ensuring your own health.
Wellbeing support
Queensland Health is committed to prioritising the mental health, safety and wellbeing of its entire workforce.
Investments under the Health Workforce Strategy for Queensland to 2032 will see the development of programs which prioritise the health and wellbeing of the health workforce, including an expansion of the suite of wellbeing initiative for medical students and doctors across Queensland.
The Queensland Health Workforce Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, released in October 2023, is designed to guide the development of strategies and initiatives to support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The Queensland Health Medical Workforce Wellbeing Reference Group, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, works at a system-level to inform organisational solutions to minimise risk, support early health-seeking behaviours, and promote a positive workplace culture that prioritises the health and wellbeing of medical practitioners and medical students. Representatives of medical workforce cohorts, like IMGs, are included to ensure the specific needs of these groups are considered in discussions.
Find out more including links to wellbeing support resources.
Communication and cultural safety
Queensland Health employees represent diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to ensuring cultural safety in the workplace – that cultural identity is valued, communication is respectful, and that cultural sensitivity is supported.
You will provide healthcare to a community that is equally diverse culturally and linguistically. Different values and beliefs of patients will affect their perception of appropriate treatment and behaviour. Your own experience and background may guide your expectations of your patients.