RACP launches Accelerated Specialist Pathway for Physicians

The new Accelerated Specialist Pathway was designed and overseen by experienced Fellows who understand specialist practice in Australia and includes mandatory requirements for supervised practice, orientation to the Australian healthcare system, and cultural safety training to support safe, effective integration. 

The new assessment pathway is specifically for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) with comparable specialist qualifications and consultant experience from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, India, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

Applicants on this pathway will receive personalised guidance with a dedicated Case Officer, tailored resources, a structured support program, and access to an OTP peer forum to ensure they feel supported at every stage of their journey to specialist recognition and practice in Australia.  

All applicants on the new Accelerated and Specialist Assessment pathways will receive a clear roadmap to Fellowship with the College. Once the specified criteria have been met, candidates will be eligible to apply for Fellowship. This rigorous and consistent process ensures that all newly admitted Fellows (FRACP) are practicing at the same high standard across Australia, contributing to quality care.

What this means for eligible International Physicians seeking opportunities in Australia:

Faster Outcome: Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for this new assessment pathway may not require an interview. This means your comparability decision can be issued quicker than the Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway. On average, the RACP aims to issue a decision within 6 weeks of a completed application, and the decision will be valid for 2 years.

Accelerated Specialist Recognition: Successful applicants deemed Substantially Comparable may need less time under supervised practice before they are eligible for full specialist recognition (FRACP). This allows you to gain full recognition more quickly.

If found substantially comparable, applicants from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will likely need to complete 6 months of peer review. Applicants from Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka will likely need to complete 12 months of peer review (with the possibility to apply for a reduction after 6 months of satisfactory practice).

Peer review involves supervised practice under an approved local Fellow. It serves as a vital workplace-based assessment, ensuring the SIMG can practice safely and independently at the same high standard as a newly qualified Australian specialist. Peer review practice is usually at the level of a Consultant/Specialist Physician, allowing you to take full responsibility for patients, but with oversight and support from your reviewers.

The peer review period is considered a supportive process to facilitate integration, provide professional guidance, and ensure public safety and quality of care.

If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to apply for the Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway.

How can we help?

We are passionate about connecting skilled doctors with rewarding opportunities across Australia. If you are an internationally trained Physician considering the RACP Accelerated or Specialist Assessment Pathway, we can provide guidance on every step, from the initial application through to securing a role and final relocation.

Contact us at hello@elective.com.au or explore our current opportunities to start your conversation with our expert team today.

About the Author 

Hayley has over a decade of experience in medical recruitment, where she has developed a deep expertise and understanding of the unique challenges and complexities that doctors face when relocating to Australia. Assisting in permanent, fixed-term, and locum placements across all medical specialties, she guides doctors through the complex journey of regulatory and migration processes, ensuring each candidate has a smooth transition into their new role.