Demographics and distribution of australia's medical immigrant workforce

Abstract

Background: International medical graduates (IMGs) have made important contributions to Australian healthcare since colonization. Recent published data have documented source countries and characteristics of IMGs undertaking the examinations of the Australian Medical Council. However, information about those currently practicing in Australia is limited. Objective: To analyze a cross section of IMGs currently practicing in Australia to determine patterns of change in donor countries, other demographic characteristics, geographical locations, and their areas of specialization. Methods: A random sample of all practitioners on a national database was interrogated for their country of first medic..