Australia welcomes over 200 Medical Specialists via the Expedited Specialist Pathway
A recently released report shows that the Expedited Specialist pathway is working to address Australia's doctor shortage.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) report shows that 229 Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) have been registered to practice since the inception of the expedited pathway. This is a significant step but it also highlights a critical ongoing issue: the uneven distribution of medical professionals across the country.
The expedited specialist pathway opened to eligible GPs in October 2024, to Psychiatrists and Anaesthetists in December 2024 and to Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in March 2025. It enables eligible internationally qualified medical specialists (SIMGs) with specific qualifications to apply directly to AHPRA, rather than be assessed individually by a specialist college.
Medical Board of Australia Chair, Dr Susan O’Dwyer, said ‘It’s early days, but we’re registering these highly qualified doctors from similar health systems quickly, so they can start caring for patients in Australia.’ Dr O’Dwyer said ‘Our goal is to make it easier for patients to get an appointment with a doctor who is safe to practise, when they need one.
By the end of August, SIMGs had been registered to practise in all states and territories: Victoria (57), New South Wales (45), Western Australia (49), Queensland (50), South Australia (16), ACT (5) and one in both the Northern Territory and Tasmania. 87% of applicants qualified in the United Kingdom.
The report reveals where the new specialists have been approved to practise with 86% in fast-growing outer metropolitan areas, and 20% specifically in regional, rural or remote areas.
While the data shows that the majority of doctors are settling in outer metropolitan areas, there is still a significant and pressing need for medical professionals in regional, rural, and remote communities. These areas are not only seeking to fill a doctor shortage but also to build a robust, long-term healthcare system for their residents. For doctors, this represents a unique and valuable opportunity.
Working in a regional setting offers more than just a job; it provides an accelerated pathway for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact.
Hospitals and practices in regional Australia provide opportunities to gain broader clinical exposure and a greater sense of autonomy. With a higher demand for medical professionals, many regional roles also come with competitive salaries and additional incentives, making it a lucrative career move.
Beyond the professional advantages, regional living offers a significant lifestyle upgrade. You’ll find more affordable housing and a lower cost of living, allowing your money to go further. This often translates into a larger home with a backyard for the price of a small city apartment. The slower pace of life, shorter commutes, and strong sense of community create a healthier work-life balance. You’ll have more time to enjoy Australia’s beautiful landscapes and build lasting relationships with both colleagues and patients, becoming a valued and integral part of the community you serve.
What’s next for the expedited specialist pathway?
General medicine, general paediatrics and diagnostic radiology have been identified as the next tranche of specialities to be added to the pathway.
How can we help?
At Elective Recruitment, we specialise in helping Specialist International Medical Graduates find jobs across Australia, including in the high-demand regional areas. Contact our expert team today for a confidential chat and let us guide you every step of the way
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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.
