Posted May 14 2025
By Alasdair Spinner
G'day folks.
As we know there is now a new pathway for Anaesthesia SIMGs trained in either UK or Ireland seeking to work in Australia.
In December 2024 The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) created an expedited specialist pathway (ESP) for anaesthesia streamlining the process for specialist international medical graduates with eligible qualifications. Anaesthesia was one of the first four priority specialties, with others expected to follow this year and next.
This new pathway was designed as a significant development aimed at addressing workforce shortages and reducing administrative delays for qualified overseas-trained specialists. It was a controversial move however. The medical board (MBA) created this pathway without consultation with ANZCA.
Importantly, the ESP does not grant fellowship with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). Therefore ANZCA has responded by creating a bridge between ESP and FANZCA.
ANZCA believes that while the MBA’s pathway will lead to quicker specialist registration, it lacks the professional support, recognition, and development opportunities that ANZCA fellowship offers.
The college states the risk is that without FANZCA, SIMGs may be ineligible for supervision or teaching roles in hospitals. Further the college says that you may miss out on member-only resources, mentorship, CPD support, and access to a professional community of anaesthesia specialists in Australia and in New Zealand.
ANZCA strongly encourages eligible SIMGs to pursue fellowship in parallel with the MBA pathway. This dual-track is designed to maximise timelines and ensures alignment with regulatory expectations.
What Does this ANZCA Fellowship Pathway look like?
For SIMGs accepted into the MBA expedited pathway, ANZCA has developed a concurrent fellowship route with a tailored structure. The key requirements are:
- 6 months of full-time clinical assessment, including the MBA’s supervised practice
- Completion of the Effective Management of Anaesthetic Crises (EMAC) course
- Successful SIMG Performance Assessment (PA)
- Active participation in ANZCA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
- Fulfilment of all MBA registration requirements
- This parallel route ensures you're not just eligible to practise, but also fully supported as part of a community committed to excellence in anaesthesia.
Some questions
Can I gain specialist registration via the expedited pathway and work toward fellowship later?
Yes. You can join the expedited pathway first and later apply for fellowship. However, ANZCA strongly recommends doing both simultaneously for optimal outcomes.
Can I switch to the expedited pathway mid-way through my SIMG process?
Yes. If you’re a current SIMG candidate, you can submit a transition application to ANZCA’s SIMG team.
Are application fees refundable if I withdraw?
No. Application and program fees are non-refundable, though annual fees may be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Contact the SIMG team if your performance assessment hasn’t occurred.
Summary
The expedited specialist pathway offers a new exciting route for anaesthesia SIMGs trained in UK or Ireland. It gets you to Australia faster and cheaper and with less work. However, FANZCA remains the golden ticket for long-term professional recognition, support, and career development in Australia and New Zealand. Not least to be able to locum and undertake private practice.
You can of course still choose to do the ANZCA specialist assessment instead of the ESP, whilst in your home country.
As always, I am here to help and answer your questions. Please note, the other specialties with an ESP are psychiatry, GP and Obs & Gyn. Each of these have different ESP criteria and will have different policies in respect to a "bridge" to respective Fellowship- eg FRANZCP, FRACGP or FRANZCOG.
The bridge in the image is Lawrence Hargrove drive sea cliff Bridge - in North Wollongong, near Sydney. Many years ago I recruited engineers for this iconic project.