Funding cut will mean fewer IMG doctors in rural areas, RACGPÂ warns
The college is lobbying the Federal Government to fully subsidise its support program 'as a matter of priority'
Rural areas will miss out on hundreds of doctors as a result of a government decision to defund an IMG support program, the RACGP says.
The college launched the Practice Experience Program back in 2019 to address concerns that non-VR doctors in remote areas were struggling with minimal support or supervision.
The program provided mentorship and workplace assessments for IMGs striving towards fellowship and was 80% funded by the Federal Government.
Roughly 500 doctors each year signed up, paying $2000 every six months from their own pockets.
