Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy / This thesis explores the barriers that are preventing large numbers of permanent resident overseas-trained doctors (PROTDs) from working as general practitioners (GPs) in rural New South Wales (NSW). It focuses specifically on doctors from non-English speaking backgrounds who are permanent residents of Australia or Australian citizens, and who migrated to Australia for reasons other than employment. This thesis explores the views and perceptions of PROTDs and does not specifically consider the views of other stakeholders. Archival, qualitative and quantitative research techniques have been used to determine the suitability of the policies and practices governing the appointment and registration of PROTDs in NSW, and to identify any policy changes required. This research demonstrates that the policies governing medical registration in NSW have frequently been driven by political factors, and have, at times, been used to control the size of the medical workforce. As a consequence of these policies, many PROTDs have been prevented from working as a doctor in NSW. Of particular concern is the lack of training or clinical experience available to PROTDs and their difficulties preparing for, and passing, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations. The lack of accurate information regarding the requirements and opportunities for medical practice in NSW is also a major problem. PROTDs in NSW are unable to get the training and support they need to meet the requirements for medical registration in NSW and are rapidly losing their confidence, and their clinical skills. Not all PROTDs are going to have, or be able to acquire, the skills and knowledge required for general practice in rural NSW. However the need for additional doctors is sufficiently great to warrant a proactive approach from governments and relevant agencies. In the seven years it has taken to complete this research, most of the discriminatory aspects of the assessment and registration of PROTDs in NSW have been removed. However the legacy of previous policies and practices remains and a large number of PROTDs remain out of the medical workforce.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy / This thesis explores the barriers that are preventing large numbers of permanent resident overseas-trained doctors (PROTDs) from working as general practitioners (GPs) in rural New South Wales (NSW). It focuses specifically on doctors from non-English speaking backgrounds who are permanent residents of Australia or Australian citizens, and who migrated to Australia for reasons other than employment. This thesis explores the views and perceptions of PROTDs and does not specifically consider the views of other stakeholders. Archival, qualitative and quantitative research techniques have been used to determine the suitability of the policies and practices governing the appointment and registration of PROTDs in NSW, and to identify any policy changes required. This research demonstrates that the policies governing medical registration in NSW have frequently been driven by political factors, and have, at times, been used to control the size of the medical workforce. As a consequence of these policies, many PROTDs have been prevented from working as a doctor in NSW. Of particular concern is the lack of training or clinical experience available to PROTDs and their difficulties preparing for, and passing, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations. The lack of accurate information regarding the requirements and opportunities for medical practice in NSW is also a major problem. PROTDs in NSW are unable to get the training and support they need to meet the requirements for medical registration in NSW and are rapidly losing their confidence, and their clinical skills. Not all PROTDs are going to have, or be able to acquire, the skills and knowledge required for general practice in rural NSW. However the need for additional doctors is sufficiently great to warrant a proactive approach from governments and relevant agencies. In the seven years it has taken to complete this research, most of the discriminatory aspects of the assessment and registration of PROTDs in NSW have been removed. However the legacy of previous policies and practices remains and a large number of PROTDs remain out of the medical workforce.