Annual Report 2022-23

The AMC acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original Australians,
and the Māori Peoples as the original people of New Zealand.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we
meet and to their ongoing connection to the land, water and sky.

We recognise the Elders of all these Nations both past, present and emerging, and honour them as
the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

This annual report contains the audited financial statements for the
Australian Medical Council (AMC) for the financial year 2022-23 and ABN: 97 131 796 980
information on the AMC’s corporate governance arrangements, its Telephone: (02) 6270 9777
performance in carrying out its functions, and important events and Email: [email protected]
activities during that period. Website: www.amc.org.au

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, ISSN: 0818-8378
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any Published 17 November 2023
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or other- Published and distributed by: Designed and Produced by:
wise, except as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, without the Australian Medical Council Limited Angela Hagedorn, Deputy Company Secretary / Director Services
prior permission of the Australian Medical Council. PO Box 4810 Zuzette Kruger-Finch, Senior Executive Officer, Assessment and Innovation
© Australian Medical Council Limited 2023 Kingston ACT 2604 Australian Medical Council Ltd
Contents

President's Message 1

CEO’s Forward 3

Governance 5

AMC Strategy and core business functions 25

Implementation of the Revised Medical School Accreditation Standards 29

A new AMC Test Centre 32

Accreditation of Continuing Professional Development Homes 33

Navigating the path: A lived experience approach to improving

international medical graduate assessment experiences and performance 35

Clinical Examination Futures 37

National Framework for Prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) Review 38

Accreditation of Cosmetic Surgery Programs of Study 41

Improving Indigenous Health 43

People, Culture and Values 49

Accreditation of Medical Programs 51

Assessment and Innovation 69

Reducing the AMC's footprint 86

Engagement 87

From Canberra to Ottawa: the AMC and the MCC forge stronger ties 89

Finance and Investment 91

Appendices 117
 President's Message

As 2023 draws to an end, it is again time to pause and For its Silver Jubilee in 2010, the AMC published
reflect on the AMC’s achievements over the 2022-23 Assuring Medical Standards: The Australian Medical
year. Council 1985 – 2010. In writing the foreword to that
publication, then President, Richard Smallwood AO,
I have been a Director of the AMC since 2016, first
wrote:
ex-officio as Chair of the Medical School Accreditation
Committee, then serving as Deputy President and now The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has a profoundly
completing my first year as President. important role in assuring the high standards of
medical practice in this country, yet few doctors, and
What is evident over this time is the AMC’s maturity
even fewer politicians and members of the public,
xxxxx as an organisation to what today is a high functioning,
know of its role, let alone understand how it func-
President well respected service organisation.
tions. This volume “Assuring Medical Standards: The
For those who have perhaps not been around for as Australian Medical Council 1985 - 2010” will do much
long, or not as closely associated with the AMC, a brief to redress this, although I suspect that to much of the
timeline is provided below. medical and lay community, the AMC will continue to
remain a mysterious body, tucked away in the complex
regulatory framework of 21st century medicine.

Professor Geoff McColl } 1985 AMC established as an Incorporated } 2010 AMC appointed as the accreditation authority
President Association in the ACT for medicine under the Act
} 2007 strategic review; Members adopted a new } 2013 Comprehensive external review. The report is
constitution available on the AMC’s website
} 2008 the AMC changed to a company limited by } 2014 AMC became a registered Charity under the
guarantee Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
} 2009 Health Practitioner National Law Act replaced
State-based arrangements

1 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

I think we can all agree that the AMC’s presence is now As I complete my first year as President, I would like to David has been with the AMC for nearly two decades,
far better known, and understood, across the medical acknowledge and thank my fellow Directors. and an AMC Director since 2015, serving two terms
profession and government, if not the general public. as Assessment Committee Chair. He has been instru-
• Dr Bruce Mugford, who completes his first year
mental in leading the Committee over that time,
The AMC’s role in setting standards and providing as Deputy President and serves as Chair of our
bringing the highest level of integrity and innovation
accreditation across the medical continuum has seen it Investment Reserve Advisory Group
to the AMC’s work in the assessment of international
become a respected leader in its field. This is reflected
• Tom Symonds, Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook AM, and medical graduates.
in the increasing body of work detailed in the CEO’s
Dr Tammy Kimpton were appointed by Members
Report and reflected throughout this Annual Report. He steered the course through the COVID pandemic
last year, and have quickly provided valuable and
which had its greatest impact on the operations of the
As a service organisation, our position is underpinned insightful contributions to the Board and our
National Test Centre, and ensured that there was a
by the quality of our people – the AMC’s staff and the Committees
Plan B with the Online Clinical Examination.
large number of external professionals that contribute • To our five Committee Chairs, who, in additional to
to our work through our Committees and other their Directors’ roles, have an extensive Committee Our sincere thanks to David for his commitment and
fora, our examiners, assessors, marshals, simulated workload: dedication to the AMC, although I expect he won’t
patients, our Members, and my fellow Directors. stray too far as yet.
• Professor Shaun Ewen, Chair of the Aboriginal
Our sincere thanks to these individuals who give and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori And I'd like to welcome Professor Cheryl Jones as
so freely of their time, their knowledge, skills and Committee Chair-elect of the Assessment Committee and an AMC
experience. Director.
• Professor Jane Dahlstrom AOM, who was
Our Golden Jubilee is still a few years away – 2035 – appointed as Chair of MedSAC in June 2023 I would also like to thank those Directors who served
and that will truly be an interesting time. Perhaps this • Dr Andrew Singer AM, Chair of PreVAC on the Board over 2022-23: Professor Kate Leslie AO,
report will be written and produced by AI, perhaps too Professor Eleanor Milligan, and Professor Lisa Jackson
• Professor Robyn Langham AM, Chair of SEAC
will much of our accreditation and assessment work, Pulver AM.
and our clinical examination may include Humanoid • Emeritus Professor David Prideaux, Chair of the
A changing of the guard is always beneficial, bringing
Robots. Assessment Committee.
new perspectives to the Board and Committees.
As with every organisation, consideration of AI – both I would especially like to acknowledge Professor The Directors continue to undertake their roles and
opportunities and threats – is now high on the AMC’s David Prideaux who is stepping down as Chair of the responsibilities with the highest regard and to ensure
radar. However, AI will not and cannot take away Assessment Committee this AGM, and as a Director of the AMC reaches its Golden jubilee in good form and
the need for the work we – humans – do to “ensure the AMC. function.
that standards of education, training and assessment
I commend to you the AMC’s work over the year, in the
of the medical profession promote and protect the
2022-23 Annual Report.
health of the Australian community”. I have no doubt,
however, that it will change the way the AMC works
and increase the value that our people provide.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 2

 CEO’s Forward

The 2022-23 year was almost unprecedented for the • finalisation of the National Prevocational
AMC in terms of new and urgent work, which was Framework, including preparation for implemen-
focused on adding value to the health sector. This tation, and commencing the development of an
included: e-portfolio

• development of the Accreditation Standards for • finalisation of the AMC’s Indigenous Strategy and
Cosmetic Surgery fast-tracked in late 2022 and the work to ensure that cultural safety is imbedded
which came into effect just six months later in all our work

• development of the Criteria and Procedures for • development of options, evaluations and a busi-
AMC Accreditation of CPD Homes and implementa- ness plan for the future of clinical examinations
tion of EOIs to identify new Homes and Director endorsement for the development of
a new test centre in Melbourne
• facilitation of discussions and development of
a Communications Protocol with Colleges and • the continuing work of the Clinical Examination
Jurisdictions for Accreditation of Specialist Training Futures Working Group, and
Sites, and • development of the AMC international medical
• contributing to the Kruk Review on Australia’s graduate assessment experiences and performance
assessment and registration processes for overseas project.
health practitioners wishing to work in Australia. Workload was at a peak across all business areas, not
Philip Pigou
Work continued on several major projects over the least of which were due to significant increases in
CEO
year including: verifications and MCQs, a high number of new applica-
tions for WBA homes, and consideration of new CPD
• completion of the Medical School Standards Home applications.
Review and finalisation of the new Standards to
take effect in January 2024, and importantly, the Each of these key areas of work is covered in this
approach and learnings from the shared sover- Annual Report and regular updates are provided on
eignty approach to the Review the AMC’s revamped website.

3 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

AMC finances National Test Centre The Voice Referendum
Financially, we had a very positive year, primarily due More recently, we shut the doors on the National Test In closing, I’d like to acknowledge the profound effect
to the large increase in candidates applying for verifi- More recently, we shut the doors on the National Test the outcome of the Voice Referendum has had on
cation and MCQ examinations. However, as with many Centre. It is the end of the first NTC era, and now we Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
things in the post-COVID world, it is too early to tell if are embarking on the development of the second test
The AMC remains committed to Promoting Aboriginal
this is an anomaly or a new norm. centre.
and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Health -
Our investment reserves continued to stabilise over There are two people who deserve special recogni- Ensuring culturally safe practice to improve health
the year, meeting our long term target of CPI +3% over tion for their vision and leadership leading to the outcomes as a core strategy. While we have a long
a 5-year period. world-leading innovation and success of the NTC. Ian road ahead, it is heartening to see the changes taking
Frank, the AMC’s initial CEO (and my predecessor) place internally and externally, guided by the leader-
Expenditure also increased, due in large part to addi-
and Carl Matheson, the initial project manager, and ship of the AMC’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
tional staff and external contributors required to meet
then Director, Assessment and Innovation. Sadly, Carl Islander and Māori Committee and Indigenous Policy
the increased workload.
passed away earlier this year but his many contribu- and Programs team. This is evident in the inclusion of
Zoom continues to be a mainstay for meetings but tions were recognised at the NTC closing event and are work across every report; there is no longer ‘just’ an
travel increased, recognizing the importance of doing shared in this report. Indigenous report.
business face to face. As a significant component
It is difficult to acknowledge everyone involved, but I’d The AMC’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
of our budget, Virgin Airlines remains the AMC’s
especially like to thank all the staff, examiners, simu- and Māori Committee and Directors unanimously
preferred air carrier and we appreciate the support
lated patients, invigilators, and international medical supported the Voice to Parliament and will continue
of our external contributors in helping us reduce this
graduates who helped make the NTC a successful to advocate the inclusion of Indigenous voices in all
spend.
operation. aspects of health and wellbeing.
The AMC also remains committed to reducing its
And we will continue to support each other.
carbon footprint, recognising that air travel is a key AMC National Test Centre Closing, October 2023
contributor to climate change. We are focused on
initiatives at AMC House to reduce our power usage
and there is a similar focus for the new test centre.

Reports on the AMC’s finances, investments and the

audited financial statements are provided in this
report.

Dr Ross Sweet, Professor Barry McGrath, Dr Frank Hume,

Susan Buick, Megan Lovett and Professor Vernon Marshall

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 4

 Governance

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is an indepen- The AMC also conducts the assessment of non-
Directors
dent national standards body for medical education. specialist international medical graduates leading to
Its purpose is to ensure that standards of education, general registration, and facilitates the assessment of The AMC Directors are the President, Deputy
training and assessment of the medical profession overseas trained specialists by the relevant Specialist President, three Member-elected Directors and the
promote and protect the health of the Australian Medical Colleges. Examinations are undertaken at Chairs of the five AMC Standing Committees.
community. the AMC’s purpose-built National Test Centre (NTC) in
Melbourne. The powers and duties of the AMC Directors are set
It is appointed under the Health Practitioner out in the AMC Constitution, the Corporations Act, the
Regulation National Law Act 2009 as the external The AMC is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission
accreditation authority for medicine. In this capacity it registered charity. It is subject to the Corporations Act Act and the general law.
develops standards for medical education and training 2001 and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
at medical school, intern and specialist medical Commission Act 2012 and operates in accordance with AMC Directors determine the AMC’s strategic direc-
training stages and programs for endorsement of its Constitution. tion and oversee its business activities to pursue the
medical registration and accredits programs that meet Objects of the AMC. This includes appointment of the
The AMC is governed by its Directors and the CEO, setting the AMC’s strategic direction, ensuring
the standards.
Members of the Company (AMC Council). AMC corporate governance compliance and good practice,
It also sets standards for and assesses international Standing Committees and sub committees provide promoting the AMC’s reputation and standing, finan-
medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in support and advice to the Directors and Council. cial oversight, and determining the direction of AMC
Australia, and assesses authorities in other countries committees.
The AMC Secretariat, based in Canberra and
who conduct examinations or accredit programs for
Melbourne, supports the functions of the AMC. Directors receive high-level advice from the AMC’s
registration in the medical profession to advise the
Medical Board of Australia on whether they meet the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee,
standards to be accepted as a competent authority. Investment Reserve Advisory Group and the five
Standing Committees. The Directors meet regularly
and have in place mechanisms for the conduct of
special meetings.

Information on AMC Directors, including qualifica-

tions and special responsibilities, are detailed in the
Financial Statements.

5 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 Emeritus Professor David Prideaux Professor Shaun Ewen

Professor Geoff McColl

PRESIDENT
Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook AM Professor Robyn Langham AM

Associate Professor Andrew Singer Tom Symonds

AM Dr Bruce Mugford

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM

Dr Tammy Kimpton
6
 High level governance structure

7
Finance, Audit and Risk Management There are five Constituted Standing Committees. Further details on the strucutre, roles, membership and subcom-
mittees are provided under the Committee Reports.
(FARM) Committee
The FARM Committee assists the AMC Directors to
Medical School Accreditation Committee Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
fulfil their corporate governance and oversight respon-
sibilities in relation to financial reporting, risk manage- Oversees the process for accreditation of primary and Māori Committee
ment, internal controls, external audit and compliance medical programs and providers Established as a Constituted Standing Committee
with relevant laws, regulations and codes. in June 2019 to strengthen the AMC’s approach
Membership as at 30 June 2023 Prevocational Standards Accreditation to improving the health and social outcomes for
~ Mr Don Cross (External), Chair Committee Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in
Australia and Māori in New Zealand.
~ Professor Geoff McColl (Director)
Oversees accreditation and review processes for the
~ Dr Bruce Mugford (Director)
prevocational phase of medical education including: Further details on the structure and membership are
~ Professor Elizabeth Rushbrook (Director) review of intern training accreditation bodies, accredi- provided under the Committee Report.
~ Tom Symonds (Director) tation of international medical graduates, assessment
processes for Workplace Based Assessment and pre-
Non-current Members serving during 2022-23: Assessment Committee
employment structured clinical interview.
~ Professor Kate Leslie AO (Director) Overseas operation of the AMC examinations and
~ Professor Eleanor Milligan (Director reviews the performance of the Multiple Choice
Specialist Education Accreditation
Question (MCQ) Examination, Clinical Examination and
Investment Policy Advisory Group Committee Workplace Based Assessment.
IRAG oversees the prudent and efficient management Oversees the process for accreditation of specialist
of the AMC’s investment reserve as determined by medical education programs and continuing profes- The Assessment Committee has several subcom-
the Long Term Investment Reserve Policy and AMC sional development programs. mittees, details of which are provided under the
Directors. Assessment Report.

Membership as at 30 June 2023

~ Dr Bruce Mugford (Director), Chair
~ Professor Robyn Langham AM (Director)
~ Associate Professor Andrew Singer AM (Director)
~ Philip Pigou (CEO)
~ Grace Culpitt (CFO)

Non-current Members serving during 2022-23:

~ Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM (Director), Chair

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 8

 Council Members and Directors* as at 30 June 2023
Members
~ Dr Claire Blizard
The role of Council (AMC Ltd Members) is two-fold:
~ Dr Heather Buchan
} Individual Members of a Company Limited by ~ Dr Sarah Chalmers
Guarantee with the roles and responsibilities ~ Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM*
outlined in the AMC Constitution and ~ Professor Shaun Ewen*
Commonwealth Acts. ~ Dr Brian Fernandes
} A community of individuals bringing their views ~ Dr Tessa Ho
and experience as ambassadors of sectors or ~ Dr Cassandra Host
organisations to provide input to the operations
~ Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM
and strategic direction of the AMC.
~ Dr Kym Jenkins
The Council’s responsibilities include electing the
~ Dr Tammy Kimpton*
President and Deputy President and three of the
~ Dr Omar Khorshid
Directors, shaping the AMC’s strategic direction and
~ Professor Robyn Langham AM*
ensuring the AMC’s Constitution is fit for purpose.
~ Debra Letica
Members are appointed according to the categories ~ Professor Geoff McColl*
defined in the Constitution, drawn from a wide cross- ~ Professor Richard Murray
section of the groups associated with medical educa-
~ Dr Bruce Mugford*
tion, health delivery and with the standards of medical
~ Dr Shyamsundar Muthuralingam
practice. The AMC aims for diversity of region, gender,
~ Dr Jonathan Newchurch
ethnicity, experience and skill in its membership.
~ Emeritus Professor David Prideaux*
The appointment of Members takes place at the AGM ~ Professor Papaarangi Reid
in November. The process is commenced early in ~ Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook*
the year with incumbents contacted and Members Non-current members and Directors serving 2022-23
~ Associate Professor Andrew Singer AM*
advised of terms ending at the Council meeting in
~ Dr Dianne Stephens OAM ~ Dr Jenni Davidson
May. Increased focus is being placed on cultural
~ Tom Symonds* ~ Dr Sergio Diez Alvarez
safety in the appointment of AMC Members, Directors
and Committee Members with all selection panels ~ Dr Brittney Wicksteed ~ Professor Kate Leslie AO FAHMS*
including an Indigenous representative who was an ~ Amanda Wilson AM ~ Professor Eleanor Milligan*
AMC Director, Member, Committee Member or Staff ~ Dr Daniel Zou ~ Dr Tereza Stillerova
Member.

9 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 10
 Practitioner Member State or Territory Board of the
Membership Appointments 2022-23
Medical Board of Australia
Practitioner Members State or Territory Board of the
Retiring Members Dr Sergio Diez Alvarez was appointed in 2018 for a Medical Board of Australia
four-year term.
The following members completed their terms on Article 4.2 (a)(i) of the Constitution provides for two
Council at the AMC AGM held on 25 November 2022. Practitioner Member State or Territory Board of the persons each of whom is, at the time of their appoint-
The AMC very much appreciates their contributions Medical Board of Australia ment, a Member of a State or Territory Board of the
to achieving the purpose of the AMC, to ensure that Medical Board of Australia and who is registered under
Dr Jenni Davidson was appointed in 2018 for a
standards of education, training and assessment of the Part 7 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National
four-year term. Dr Davidson has served as an AMC
medical profession promote and protect the health of Law by the MBA.
Examiner.
the Australian community.
Prevocational Trainee Member Directors appointed Dr Tessa Ho and Professor Dianne
AMC President Stephens OAM to Council for four-year terms.
Dr Tereza Stillerova was appointed in 2020 for a two-
Professor Kate Leslie AO was appointed as President Dr Ho is a Practitioner Member for the NSW Board of
year term. She was not eligible for reappointment in
in 2020 for a two-year term. She served as Deputy the Medical Board of Australia, as well as the Chair for
the prevocational trainee member category.
Directors from 2018-202 and as a Director of the the Standing Notifications Committee: Assessment,
AMC since 2015 when she was appointed Chair of the Dr Stillerova was a member of the University of MBA. She was a Member on the AMC's Cosmetic
Specialist Education Accreditation Committee. Adelaide 2022 accreditation assessment. Surgery Accreditation Standards and Procedures
Project Advisory Group and has been a member of
Professor Leslie was a member of the AMC Finance, Australian Medical Association Federal Council
several medical school assessment teams.
Audit and Risk Management Committee. As a member Member
(2010-14) and then Chair of the Specialist Education Professor Stephens is a Practitioner Member for
Accreditation Committee (2014-18) she participated Professor Steve Robson was appointed to Council
the NT Board of the MBA. Professor Stephens is an
in and led several AMC accreditation assessments of for a four-year term in October 2021 and served as
Intensive Care Specialist and is Foundation Dean of
specialist medical programs. a Member of the Specialist Education Accreditation
the CDU Menzies School of Medicine as well as the
Committee. Professor Robson resigned in August 2022
Academic Partnerships Lead of the National Critical
on appointment as President of the Australian Medical
Care and Trauma Response Centre. She is a Member of
Association Federal Council.
the Medical School Accreditation Committee.

11 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Community Member State or Territory Board of the Prevocational Trainee Member Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education
Medical Board of Australia Council Member
Article 4.2(a)(v) of the Constitution provides for one
Article 4.2(f) of the Constitution provides for two person who is at the time of their appointment, or who Article 4.2(a)(iv) of the Constitution provides for
persons each of whom is, at the time of their appoint- has recently been, a prevocational trainee primarily one person nominated by the Confederation of
ment, or who has recently been, a community member working at an Australian hospital. Postgraduate Medical Education Council.
of a State or Territory Board of the Medical Board of
Directors appointed Dr Brittney Wicksteed to Council Directors reappointed Dr Claire Blizard to Council for a
Australia.
for a two-year term. further four-year term.
Directors reappointed Tom Symonds and appointed
Dr Wicksteed is a Resident Medical Officer (PGY4) Dr Blizard is Chair of CPMEC and Medical Director
Ms Amanda Wilson AM for four-year terms.
at the Royal Perth Hospital. She has experience on a Health Education and Training Institute. She is a
Mr Symonds is a Community Member for the SA number of committees and is a current Board Director former member of the AMC’s Prevocational Standards
Board of the MBA. He is Project Manager for the for Rural Doctors’ Association Australia. Accreditation Committee and was the CPMEC nominee
Lot Fourteen Innovation District, Department of for the AMC Medical Workforce Digital Capabilities
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Member
Innovation, Industry and Science, SA Government. Advisory Group and has held membership on several
He is also a Director and Chair of the Board of the Article 4.2(j) of the Constitution provides for one AMC accreditation assessments, including HLA 2016
Adelaide Primary Health Network, and community person who is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait and RCPA 2006.
member of the SA Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Islander and who has experience in Aboriginal and/or
Universities Australia Member
Board of Australia. Torres Strait Islander health issues.
Article 4.2(d) of the Constitution provides for one
Mr Symonds was appointed as an AMC Director on 25 Directors reappointed Dr Tammy Kimpton to Council
person who is, at the time of their appointment, a
November 2022, and continues as a Member of the for a further four-year term.
senior academic staff member of an Australian univer-
AMC Assessment Committee and, as a Director, serves
Dr Kimpton is a member of the Specialist Education sity nominated by Universities Australia.
on the AMC’s Finance, Audit and Risk Management
Committee. Accreditation Committee and the Aboriginal and
Directors reappointed Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver
Torres Strait Islander and Māori Committee as well
AM to Council for a further four-year term.
Ms Wilson is a Community Member for the NSW as a member of its predecessor Committee. She has
Board of the MBA, a Community Member for the NSW also held membership on several AMC accredita- Professor Jackson Pulver has served as the Universities
Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC), Chair of tion assessments, including RACS 2021 and 2017 and Australia nominated AMC Member since 2013 and as
the NSW Crime Stoppers Board and Director of Good UNDAF 2016. She was appointed as an AMC Director a Member-elected Director from 2018-2022. As an
Things Foundation Australia. She was a Member of the on 25 November 2022. AMC Director, she Chaired of the Investment Reserve
AMC’s Cosmetic Surgery Accreditation Standards and Advisory Group and was a Member of the Aboriginal
Procedures Project Advisory Group and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Committee.
She continues as a member of the Assessment
Ms Wilson is a Community Member on the AMC
Committee and MCQ Content and Anthology Editorial
National Framework for Prevocational Medical Training
Groups. She has held membership on several AMC
Review Stakeholder Reference Group.
accreditation assessments.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 12

 Australian Medical Association Federal Council Professor Singer is a current Director and is a member Professor Dahlstrom is currently the Acting Head of
Member of the Specialist Education Accreditation Committee, the Canberra Clinical School and Chair and Professor
Investment Reserve Advisory Group, Monitoring of Pathology, School of Medicine and Psychology in
Article 4.2(a)(iii) of the Constitution provides for
Reports Subcommittee, and the Clinical Assessment the College of Health and Medicine, at the Australian
Membership of the Council for one person nominated
Futures Working Group. He is also a former member of National University.
by the Australian Medical Association Federal Council.
the Medical School Accreditation Committee and the
Professor Dahlstrom is a Fellow of the Royal College
Directors appointed Dr Omar Khorshid to Council until Recognition of Medical Specialties Committee. He was
of Pathologists of Australasia and has been an RCPA
November 2026. a member of several AMC accreditation assessments.
examiner in anatomical pathology and oral pathology
Dr Khorshid is an Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Chair of the Medical School Accreditation Committee for many years.
Freemantle, WA. He served as President and a
Article 4.2(l)/13.3 of the Constitution states that Professor Dahlstrom has had a long association with
Director of the Australian Medical Association Federal
the Chair of the Medical Education Accreditation the AMC including as a member of various accredita-
Council from 2020-2022, and has held many other
Committee will be appointed by the Directors. tion teams involved in the assessment of medical
appointments, including serving as an Executive
schools and medical colleges. She served as Deputy
Member of RACS and an AMA Federal Councillor, as Directors appointed Professor Eleanor Milligan as
Chair of the Medical School Accreditation Committee
well as previous involvement in AMC’s accreditation Chair of the Medical School Accreditation Committee
prior to her appointment as Chair.
processes. for a four-year term. Due to personal reasons,
Professor Milligan resigned from the role, and as a
Director of the AMC, in January 2023. President, Deputy President and three
Standing Committee Chairs
Directors
Chair of the Prevocational Standards Accreditation Professor Milligan served as an AMC Member in the
Committee Community Member of a State or Territory Board In accordance with the Constitution, the President,
of the Medical Board of Australia since 2014 and as Deputy President and three elected Directors, having
Article 4.2(l)/14.3 of the Constitution states that the a Member-elected Director since 2018. She served completed their two-year terms of appointment,
Chair of the Prevocational Standards Accreditation on the AMC's Finance, Audit and Risk Management retired from office at the 2022 AGM. All eligible
Committee will be appointed by the Directors. Committee, the Investment Reserve Advisory Group Members, including retiring Directors, were invited to
and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori submit nominations for these positions.
Associate Professor Andrew Singer was appointed
Strategy Committee.
Chair of the Prevocational Standards Accreditation Professor Kate Leslie AO stepped down as President
Committee in 2018 and, ex-officio, as a Director and Directors appointed Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM, as and as a Director of the AMC at the 2022 AGM.
Member of the AMC. In line with Article 14.4 of the Chair of the Medical School Accreditation Committee
AMC Constitution, Director Singer was eligible for The following appointments were made by Members
on 20 April 2023.
reappointment for a further term or terms of up to for two-year terms concluding at the close of the AGM
four years. Directors reappointed Associate Professor in November 2024:
Andrew Singer for a further four-year term.

13 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

President Three Directors elected by the Members

Professor Geoff McColl was appointed as the AMC Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook was appointed as an AMC
President and ex-officio an AMC Director. He steps Director. Dr Rushbrook is also a member of the
into the role following two years as Deputy President Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and
and six years as a Director of the AMC as Chair of the the IMG assessment experiences and performance
Medical School Accreditation Committee. Professor advisory group.
McColl is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk
Dr Tammy Kimpton was appointed as an AMC Director.
Management Committee and has held membership on
As noted above, Dr Kimpton is a member of the
several AMC accreditation assessments, including JMP
Specialist Education Accreditation Committee and
2016 and 2014 and UWA 2013. He was also Chair of the
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori
2020 Working Party on Western Pacific Accreditation
Committee as well as a member of its predecessor
Relationships and the 2011 Benchmarking Working
Committee.
Group.
Tom Symonds was appointed as an AMC Director. As
Deputy President
noted above, he continues as a Member of the AMC
Dr Bruce Mugford was appointed as the AMC Deputy Assessment Committee and, as a Director, serves
President and ex-officio an AMC Director. Director on the AMC's Finance, Audit and Risk Management
Mugford is Chair of the Investment Reserve Advisory Committee.
Group, a Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk
Management Committee and the AMC representative
on the MBA IMG Specialist Committee.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 14

 AMC Member Statistics

NT
1
Regional 3 (10%)
Metropolitan 25 (90%)
QLD
5

Australia 27 (96%)
Aotearoa New Zealand 1 (4%)

WA
4

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander: 3 (11%)

Māori: 1 (4%)

SA NSW
5 6
ACT
2

VIC
4 Aotearoa
1

TAS
0
Since the previous report, regional membership fell from 5 to 3.
Two regional members are located in Qld, the other in NSW.

Membership in the NT increased by one and in WA by two.

Memberhsip in Qld reduced from 7 to 5 and in Victoria by one.

15 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 } several policies were reviewed and updated in
Governance activities Annual General Meeting
line with the compliance framework including the
} AMC Directors met twelve times over 2022/23 Directors Delegation to the CEO; Payment of fees to The AMC Ltd Annual General Meeting was held on
with seven of these held face-to-face. Directors AMC external contributors; Privacy; Whistleblower; Friday 25 November 2022 on Ngunnawal and Nambri
considered strategic, governance, finance, audit Procurement, HR; and the Long Term Investment Country, Canberra, attended by AMC Members, with
and risk matters, and received reports and Reserve Members-elect, representatives from MBA, MDANZ,
recommendations from each of the Standing } the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits CPMC and the Medical Council of New Zealand, and
Committees Commission (ACNC) self-evaluation for charities AMC staff.
} the Finance, Audit and Risk Management was reviewed and updated to ensure that the AMC
Key items of business included:
Committee met four times via zoom, meeting its is meeting its obligations as a registered charity
requirements under its Terms of Reference and } the ‘responsible persons’ register on the ACNC • Audited Financial Report of the AMC Limited for
advising Directors in its areas of responsibility portal was updated to reflect current Director the year ended 30 June 2022
including oversight of compliance activities, appointments • 2021-22 Annual Report
financial reporting, budgets, audit and risk } the 2022 Annual Report was submitted to the ACNC
management • Membership
and to Health Ministers as required under Article
} the Investment Reserve Advisory Group met 21.3 of the AMC’s Constitution • Election of the President, Deputy President and
four times via zoom, consulting with the AMC’s } the 2022 Annual Information Statement was lodged three Council Members
Investment Adviser and managing the investment with ACNC • Directors Report
reserves in line with the Policy and its authorities
} the AMC reported to the Medical Board of Australia • Standing Committee Reports
} AMC Directors, the Finance, Audit and Risk against the domains of the Quality Framework for
Management Committee and the Investment Accreditation • Strategic Presentations on the training of health
Reserve Advisory Group completed annual practitioners to provide care for people with
} the Audited Financial Report for the Year Ended 30
Performance Reviews in September 2022, intellectual disability and the future of clinical
June 2023 was approved by AMC Directors at their
developing action plans with the aim of best examinations
meeting on 26 October 2023.
practice and continuous improvement
} the annual joint meeting of the Medical Board
of Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency and the AMC Directors was held
via Zoom on 26 July 2023
} the AMC Ltd Annual General Meeting was held
in Canberra on 25 November 2022. The General
Meeting was held in Adelaide on 12 May 2023

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 16

 The group was welcomed by the cultural custodians,
General Meeting Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park
the Nganguraku people, with a Smoking Ceremony
The AMC’s mid-year General Meeting is held in various Several Directors, Members, Members of the and Welcome to Country. It was a memorable after-
locations, including rural and regional Australia. This Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori noon on Nganguraku Country, hearing truth telling,
is preceded by site visits to meet with community Committee and staff, accompanied by Professor an explanation and display of cultural artefacts, and
members and local health and education bodies to Paul Worley (Executive Director, Clinical Innovation, viewing the ancestral sites on the Murray. Due to the
gain a better understanding of issues related to the at Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network) recent severe floods experienced along the river, the
purpose of the AMC. The composition of the Council travelled to Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, one of lower caves and rock art were not accessible at the
ensures that issues can be explored from a number of South Australia’s most significant Aboriginal cultural time of the visit.
perspectives. sites managed by the Mannum Aboriginal Community
Association.
The 2023 General Meeting was held on Kaurna
Country, Adelaide, with site visits in northern
Adelaide, on the lands of the Ngarrindjeri people in
the regional location of Murray Bridge, and on the
lands of the Nganguraku people at Ngaut Ngaut.

The visit was initially planned for 2020 and was

delayed for a number of years due to the COVID-19
pandemic.

The AMC’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

and Māori Committee met in Murray Bridge so that
Committee Members could join Council on the site
visits and the General Meeting.

The Mannum Aboriginal Community Association Inc’s

Nguat Ngaut: Interpretive Guide is available here.

On Nganguraku Country overlooking the Murray River

17
2023 General Meeting Journey Map

Final delegates arrive

Adelaide

ACCOMMODATION:
Playford Hotel, Adelaide
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
(Stream 1): Bridgeport (Stream 2): Playford Thursday
Hotel, Murray Bridge Hotel, Adelaide 11 May 8am-4.45pm STREAM 2:
Northern Adelaide Local
Health Network, Lyell McEwan
Hospital, Adelaide Primary
4.30-7.30pm: Coach Health Network, Adelaide
returns Murray Bridge
and to Adelaide

7am (8.30am)-5.15pm
STREAM 1: Flinders
Wed University, Country
10 May Health, RACE
Tuesday
Murray Bridge Friday
9 May 1pm-4.30pm: Ngaut Ngaut 6.45pm: Council Dinner & 12 May
Cultural Site Guided Tour Welcome to Country
Red Ochre Barrel & Grill
12
Co pm-1
to ach M .00p
Ng m
au urra :
tN yB
gau rid
t ge

Aboriginal, Torres Strait

Islander and Māori Committee
Members arrive Adelaide 7.15am-8.45am: Council
Scene Setting Breakfast
5-6.30pm: Coach Transfer
Adel-Murray Bridge
9.15am-2.30pm:
ACCOMMODATION: Council Meeting
ACCOMMODATION: 10am-12pm: Coach Playford Hotel, Adelaide
Bridgeport Hotel, Adel-Murray Bridge-
Murray Bridge Ngaut Ngaut
3.00-3.30pm: Coach transfer
to airport
8.30am-noon: Aboriginal,
Ngaut Ngaut attendees arrive Adelaide
Torres Strait Islander and Māori
(Council Members, Observers, Staff)
Committee Meeting (tbc),
Bridgeport Hotel 4.20pm - : Departures
ACCOMMODATION:
Playford Hotel, Adelaide

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 18

 Site visits Stream 1: Postgraduate, Pre- and Vocational, Indigenous health and self-determination

Site visits are linked to the AMC’s Strategic Plan College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, MD Rural Stream Murray Bridge
actions which also form the key topics for the Council
Hosts and program contributors:
meeting presentations and discussions. The focus of
the 2023 visits was on Pillar 2 – Medical education and College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University:
training responsive to community needs.
• Professor Jonathan Craig, Vice President and Executive Dean
Site visits were held in northern Adelaide and in
• Professor Robyn Aitken, Dean Rural and Remote Health SA
Murray Bridge on Thursday 11 May 2023.
• Professor Claire Drummond, Deputy Dean, Rural and Remote Health SA
• Vanessa Ryan, Director, Rural Clinical School SA
• Professor Alison Jones, Dean Education
Flinders' third year Doctor of Medicine students undertake the 12-month Doctor of Medicine Rural Stream (MDRS)
based at several regional locations, including Mannum, Murray Bridge, Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Middleton and
Kingscote (Kangaroo Island).

Located behind the Murray Bridge hospital, the Flinders University rural campus supports the delivery of a range of
inter-professional and discipline-specific educational experiences. The campus opened in 2012.

While principally attached to a general practice, students also learn alongside health professionals in hospi-
tals, community health centres, outreach agencies, Aboriginal Medical Services, and with private allied health
practitioners.

19 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 Country Health Murray Bridge

RACE Riverland academy of clinical excellence

Hosts and program contributors:

• Professor Paul Worley, Executive Director, Clinical Innovation, Riverland Mallee Coorong
Local Health Network (Emeritus Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders
University)
• Dr Hamish Eske (Renmark), Director of Clinical Training, Riverland Academy of Clinical
Excellence program, Flinders University
• Sharon Frahn, Medical Education Officer, Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network
• Sharon Wingard, Director Aboriginal Health Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health
Network
Country Health Connect is operated by the six regional health networks in South Australia,
which are part of SA Health and backed by the State Government. They deliver health care
and wellbeing support across regional South Australia in hospitals, local health services,
community centres, residential aged care facilities and client’s homes.

The Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) is a multidisciplinary division within the
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network created to "deliver on our commitment to
take responsibility for training our own clinical workforce, creating and improving relevant
evidence bases for our clinical practice, and bringing the benefits of integrated teaching,
research and clinical care to the communities in our region".

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 20

 Stream 2: International Medical Graduates, WBA, Mental Health, Indigenous health and The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network includes
the Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, GP
self-determination Plus Health Care Clinics, sub-acute and mental health
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network services. It delivers services to a population of more
than 400,000 people living in Adelaide's north and
Lyell McEwen hospital north-eastern suburbs.
Hosts and program contributors: The Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) is a major tertiary
hospital located north of Adelaide that provides
• Dr John Maddison, Executive Director of Medical Services, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
medical, surgical, diagnostic, emergency and support
• Dr Kate Wislang FRACP, Medical Oncologist, Director of Clinical Training, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network services. It works closely with the Muna Paiendi
• Dr Sanmuganatham Sujeeve, Divisional Director, Mental Health Services, Northern Adelaide Local Health Services Aboriginal Community Health Centre, located on site.

• Maree Geraghty, CEO, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Modbury/Lyell McEwin recently joined the work-
place based assessment program and are one of two
• Karen Coppins, Manager, Medical Services Directorate, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
programs in SA, the other being Mt Gambier.
• Dr Samuel Gluck, Medical Admin Registrar, Medical Services Directorate, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
SA Health has a comprehensive range of public mental
health services which are provided through commu-
nity health centres and hospitals, and to consumers in
their own homes.

21
22
 Panel Session: Meeting changing workforce needs
AMC Ltd General Meeting Presentations
and the AMC’s strategic priorities
The AMC Ltd General Meeting was held in Adelaide The Conference commenced with a ‘scene setting’
breakfast from Professor Nicola Spurrier, Chief Public • AMC engagement in the medical workforce change
on Friday 12 May 2023, attended by AMC Directors,
Health Officer, SA Health, who spoke on the impor- agenda
Members, Members-elect, Members of the AMC’s
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori tance of public health as a discipline and its future in • Accreditation standards and policy change
Committee, representatives from MBA and Indigenous the Australian Health system.
• Focussing accreditation assessment processes on
Allied Health Australia, and AMC staff. community healthcare needs
Specialist training and workforce needs
Key items of business included: Panellists:
What are the challenges to meeting specialist training
• Directors Report and workforce needs in SA? • Philip Pigou, CEO
• Financial Report • Strengths and highlights of specialist training in SA • Theanne Walters, AM, Deputy CEO, General
• Adoption of a Special resolution to amend the • Accreditation of training sites and posts Manger, Strategic Policy and Research
Constitution of the AMC Ltd to change references • Kirsty White, Director, Accreditation and Standards
• Trainee access to learning resources and support,
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to
and to assessment Session facilitator:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Rural training opportunities • Dr Bruce Mugford, Deputy President, AMC
• Membership
• Scope of training and planning for future workforce
• Standing Committee Reports
needs
• Presentations
Guest speakers:

• Dr Michael Cusack, Chief Medical Officer, SA Health

• Associate Professor Melanie Turner, Deputy Chief
Psychiatrist - Inspections and Investigations, Office
of the Chief Psychiatrist, SA Health
Session facilitator:

• Dr Sarah Chalmers, AMC Member

Professor Nicola Spurrier, SA Health Philip Pigou, AMC

23 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Allied Health partnerships Junior Doctor perspective
Council Dinner
Allied Health professionals are integral to meeting Guest speaker:
AMC Directors, Council Members, Members-elect,
the ever increasing demands for high quality, acces-
• Dr Harry Gaffney, Junior Doctor, Limestone Coast, staff and guests enjoyed an insightful evening hearing
sible, timely interventions to an increasing and ageing
and ex-Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine Rural Stream from special guest, Jack Buckskin, a proud Kaurna,
population.
student Narrunga and Wirangu man born in the Adelaide plains
• Overview of the Allied Health workforce region.

• Indigenous Allied Health and impacts on care and Jack has dedicated the last 15 years to preserving and
self-determination Yarning Circle: Changing tomorrow through thinking promoting the Kaurna language and culture. He shared
• Impact of extending the roles / scope of allied differently today some of his work in the revival of the language and
health professionals on health care services culture, interwoven with his own story.
• Facilitated by Belinda Gibb, Manager, Indigenous
• Models of care Policy and Programs, and Adam Ship, Indigenous His work has inspired generations new and old to
Policy and Programs Officer reclaim their cultural heritage and identities.
Guest speakers:

• Julianne O’Connor, Chief Clinical Advisor, Rural

Support Service, Regional LHNs, SA Health
• Jodie May, Senior Project Manager – Allied Health
Projects, Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway,
Rural Support Service, Regional LHNs, SA Health
• Paul Gibson, Executive Director of Strategy and
Partnerships, Indigenous Allied Health Australia
Session facilitator:

• Emeritus Professor David Prideaux, AMC Director,

Chair, Assessment Committee
Paul Gibson, Indigenous Allied Health Australia

Julianne O’Connor & Jodie May, SA Health

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 24

 AMC Strategy and core business
functions

Reviewing performance against the What we do Strategic Highlights

strategic plan } Develop accreditation standards for medical The following articles highlight key work under the
The AMC's Strategic Plan is one of its key governing programs across all phases of medical education AMC's Strategic Plan:
documents, defining the priorities needed to achieve } Assess medical programs and their providers
} Implementation of the Revised Medical School
its Vision and communicating these to internal and against the standards and accredit programs that
Accreditation Standards 29
external stakeholders. meet these standards
} A new AMC Test Centre 32
} Assess international medical graduates seeking
The Strategic Plan is based on five pillars, focusing on } Accreditation of Continuing Professional
registration to practise medicine in Australia
actions and projects to strengthen the relationship Development Homes 33
between core business functions of standards devel- } Assess authorities in other countries to ensure they
} Navigating the path: A lived experience approach
opment, accreditation and assessment and meeting meet the standards to be accepted as a competent
to improving
community health needs. authority
international medical graduate assessment
} Ensure culturally safe practice to improve health
Our strategic actions draw on our relationships with experiences and performance 35 3
outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
key partners, including the Medical Board of Australia, } Clinical Examination Futures 37
Islander and Māori peoples
medical schools, intern training accreditation authori- } National Framework for Prevocational (PGY1 and
} Work with government and state and territory
ties and specialist colleges, on our stakeholder engage- PGY2) Review 38
regulatory authorities to improve the standards of
ment through our advisory and governance structures, } Accreditation of Cosmetic Surgery Programs of
medical education
and on building new strategic relationships. Study 41
} Assess new medical specialties.
The AMC was reviewed in 2021-22 to consider prog- } Improving Indigenous Health 43
ress and changes in its operating environment and } Reducing the AMC's footprint 86
policy contexts. The plan is based on five strategic
pillars to meet the Vision and Purpose, and under-
pinned by the AMC's Values.

25 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 Medical Educa�on and
Training Responsive to
Community Health Needs
Promo�ng medical
educa�on and training Professional Prac�ce
that is responsive to the in a Changing World
workforce needs of the Promo�ng professional and
Australian community humanis�c prac�ce in a world
Business
of increasing technological,
with a Purpose environmental and system
Managing our business change
in an ethical, efficient
VISION hcare and sustainable way
ealt
nce in h trained
Excelle hly Promo�ng Aboriginal,
h a hig force
throug l ork
w Torres Strait Islander
medica
and Māori Health�
SE n,
PURPO s of educa�o Ensuring culturally safe
nd a rd d al
ic
s u re t hat sta ent of the me ealth prac�ce to improve
To en essm the h health outcomes
in in g and ass and protect y
tra mote unit
ion pro n comm
profess the Australia
of

Our Accountability
Promo�ng and protec�ng the
health of the Australian community through
working with our partners and stakeholders

Innovation
Integrity
Cultural safety Openness and accountability
Striving for excellence
Our Values Collaboration
26
 } Commenced procurement process for a national } Report by the Clinical Examinations Working
Key achievements 2022-23
e-portfolio to support implementation of the Group on a model for the future development of
} Implementation of the revised Strategic Plan and National Framework for Prevocational Medical the Clinical Examination and beginning of detailed
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Training work
Strategy } Input to the National Medical Workforce Review } Collaboration with affiliates in the USA, Canada,
} Accreditation of two new programs, through membership of the Medical Workforce Europe and the UK on medical licensure, health and
reaccreditation of 27 programs and monitoring of Reform Advisory Committee commercial assessment delivery, and examination
90 programs of study under the AMC’s designation } Input to the National Medical Training Survey and security
as the accreditation body for medicine the use of results as documentary evidence that } Development of 0ptions concerning the Future
} Accreditation of nine new workplace based AMC assessment teams consider for accreditation Delivery of the AMC Clinical Examination post the
assessment providers as part of the standard reviews closing of the National Test Centre
pathway for medical practitioner registration } Commencement of the AMC’s International } Optimised revenue streams and investments,
} Implemented the new framework for Continuing Medical Graduate Assessment Experiences and reviewed and carefully managed all expenditure,
Professional Development (CPD) Homes Performance Project and maintained an efficient cost structure.
(Registration standard: Continuing Professional } Submission to the Department of Health Draft
Development), transitioning 16 specialist medical National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
colleges to CPD homes and approving one further Health Workforce Strategic Framework and
organisation Implementation Plan 2021-2031
} Development and approval of Standards and } Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori
Procedures for Assessment and Accreditation Standing Committee representation on all main
of Cosmetic Surgery Programs of Study. The Committees of the AMC, the Medical Workforce
revised standards strengthen standards related to Digital Capabilities Project, the Primary Medical
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Program Standards review and the Prevocational
health Framework Review
} Approval of revised Standards for Primary Medical } Australian Medicine in Context (previously
Programs by Medical Board of Australia and the Anthology of Medical Conditions): Review of the
Medical Council of New Zealand updated draft
} Development of resources to support } Contribution to Department of Health and Aged
implementation of the National Framework for Care’s expert drafting group for an Intellectual
Prevocational Medical Training Disability Health Capability Framework

27 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

28
 Implementation of the Revised Medical
School Accreditation Standards

key professional groups, developments in safety and approved by the Medical Board of Australia in June
Review of the accreditation
quality standards, findings of Royal Commissions on 2023. The Medical Board of Australia determined
standards aged care and disability, and international develop- that the revised standards would have effect from 1
ments. The Working Group also considered literature January 2024.
The AMC regularly reviews the standards that are used
on medical education and student wellbeing.
to accredit medical education and training providers The standards were provided to all stakeholders on 31
and programs. The medical school accreditation This work was paused for a brief time to allow July 2023 and are published on the AMC website.
standards include two parts: the graduate outcome stakeholders to focus on the impacts of COVID-19,
required of newly qualified doctors and the standards
for primary medical programs that must be met by
ultimately being completed in mid-2022. The AMC Implementation through 2024
consulted on the detailed proposals from September-
medical schools. November 2022. The review will be in its implementation phase through
the remainder of 2023 and 2024. Implementation proj-
The review of the medical school standards began in Over the two rounds of consultation, the AMC ects include drafting revised templates for reporting
2021 with a consultation on the scope of the review. received over 100 written consultation responses, against the standards, revising and confirming with
The scoping established the themes and issues which met stakeholder groups, organised six community stakeholders a Guidance Matrix to accompany the
have driven the review, including the key themes of member focus groups, and spoke about the review at standards, and hosting a Standards Implementation
social accountability and cultural safety. three conferences. The AMC also facilitated a seminar Workshop.
on the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and
Once the scope of the review was established, in late
Māori health and cultural safety related standards and In November 2023, the AMC intends to provide
2021 the Medical School Standards Review Working
development process. A recording of the seminar is medical schools with self-assessment monitoring
Group began drafting detailed proposed changes to
available on the AMC website. templates. These templates will allow schools to
the standards. Along with consideration of feedback
reflect internally and to the AMC on their progress
in the consultation on the scope of the review, the After final refinement of the proposed standards with implementation of the revised standards, oppor-
Working Group considered a wide range of policy including drafting of a glossary in early 2023, the tunities they are realising and challenges to overcome.
work in medical education in establishing the scope revised standards were endorsed by the AMC
and drafting proposals. This included policy work by Directors, the Medical Council of New Zealand, and

29 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

The shared sovereignty approach to the development and implementation of the standards
The AMC is committed to promoting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori health by ensuring culturally safe practice to improve
health outcomes. Acknowledging the right to self-determination, the AMC has been implementing a shared sovereignty process for developing the
standards in these areas. Stakeholders representing many different groups – most importantly, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori
stakeholders – have supported this process. More broadly, stakeholders supported an increased emphasis on cultural safety and Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander and Māori health in the accreditation standards.

The AMC Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Committee Sub Group led development of cultural safety and Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander and Māori health content in the standards. The Sub Group sought input from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori staff
in medical schools through two rounds of Yarning Circles and from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori health peak bodies through
targeted consultation. The AMC Standards Review Working Group provided detailed feedback on these draft proposals, which was considered
iteratively by the Sub Group during development of the detailed proposals. The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Committee
reviewed and approved these revised standards alongside the Medical School Accreditation Committee.

Resulting from this process and the outcome of the revised standards, key Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori health organisations,
along with the AMC and other non-Indigenous stakeholder organisations representing medical schools and regulators in Australia and New Zealand,
released a joint statement in support of the revised standards.

The AMC’s commitment to shared sovereignty continues in implementation. The AMC will ensure that the development of guidance material and
workshop planning related to cultural safety and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori health will be led by Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander and Māori experts and subject to consultation.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 30

 The AMC will also provide revised accreditation The Guidance Matrix will include: The AMC is planning to undertake targeted consulta-
templates to schools in a visit year, accreditation tion with Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand
extension templates to schools in an extension • ‘Explanation’ providing concise additional context
(MDANZ), the Australian Medical Students Association
year, and student submission templates for student on standards where the AMC has understood from
(AMSA) and Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education
societies. stakeholders that this context would be helpful
(LIME), to review the draft matrix content and
• ‘Evidence’ is a non-exhaustive list of potential generate new examples. The initial version of the
A key tool for stakeholders will be the Guidance
documents and data, as well as interview and Guidance Matrix is scheduled for release by the end of
Matrix, which will provide key context for stakeholders
observation evidence, that the AMC may rely on 2023.
and accompany the revised standards. This context
to make an accreditation decision against the
includes accreditation expectations and shared prac- Finally, the AMC intends to hold a Standards
standard
tice. The matrix will be a living document, with regular Implementation Workshop in early 2024 for medical
opportunities for stakeholders and AMC committees • ‘Examples’ of practice that meets or is on a journey schools. The workshop will include presentations and
to contribute new and updated content. to meeting the standards group activities to allow schools to share practice and
• ‘Resources’, which are key external documents and provide feedback to the AMC.
media to consider with the standards.

31 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

A n e w A M C Te s t C e n t r e

The AMC is establishing a new test centre in The AMC is committed to ensuring that all doctors A test centre brings together examination candidates,
Melbourne for the AMC clinical examinations. The new who practise medicine in Australia are skilled, safe, examiners, simulated patients, administrators and ICT
test centre is part of the AMC’s ongoing commitment and ethical practitioners. The AMC recognises that systems to provide a secure, consistent and stan-
to delivering the best possible standard of assessment many International medical graduates who want dardised method of assessment. The AMC recognises
of international medical graduates now and into the to practice medicine in Australia find the process that the success of the NTC is due to the expertise and
future. complex and complicated and is currently looking skill of the people involved and we are looking forward
at ways to improve the experience for International to continuing our strong relationships with simulated
It is expected that the new test centre will open
medical graduates while ensuring the process remains patients, invigilators, marshals and examiners as we
towards the end of 2024. Like the current test centre,
rigorous. move forward with in-person clinical examinations.
it will be an independent state-of-the-art facility
that harnesses the best of technology and talent to
improve the experience for candidates and deliver a
high standard of assessment validity and reliability. NTC clinical examination statistics - August 2013 to October 2023

The current National Test Centre (NTC) closed on

Monday 16 October 2023, and the AMC will continue
with online examinations into 2024 to allow candidates
to continue their pathway towards registration.

The NTC was the only one of its kind in Australia and
one of only a handful of facilities like it world-wide.
Built in direct response to the ‘Lost in the Labyrinth’
report by the House of Representatives Standing
14,964 11,112 9,723 3,241
Committee on Health and Aged Care, the centre has
candidates examiners standardised corridor
been the main site for AMC clinical examinations since
assessed scheduled patients marshals
August 2013.
scheduled scheduled
The NTC has also been the assessment venue for other
organisations, such as Australian specialist medical
colleges. The new AMC independent test centre will be
463 examination days
available for use by these organisations.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 32

 Accreditation of Continuing
Professional Development Homes

Committee. The Criteria for AMC Accreditation of CPD Following their transition, colleges will address the
Criteria for AMC accreditation of
Homes were published in August 2022 (Diagram 1). new CPD Homes criteria in 2023 as part of their moni-
CPD Homes toring process or, for a small number of colleges, their
The Procedures for AMC Accreditation of CPD Homes
accreditation assessment process. Colleges will have
In 2023 the registration framework for continuing were published in September 2022.
an accreditation assessment by an AMC assessment
professional development in Australia changed as
team either during their reaccreditation or follow-up
the Medical Board of Australia’s new Registration
Standard: Continuing Professional Development
Transitioning of AMC-accredited assessment, or as an additional CPD Home assessment,
(CPD) came into effect with transition arrangements specialist medical colleges to depending on their next scheduled activity.
for 2023. From 2024, all doctors other than those become CPD Homes
exempted by the standard, are required to join a
CPD Home to support their continuing professional The AMC has accredited specialist medical colleges
development. and their CPD programs since 2002. The AMC tran-
sitioned all 16 AMC-accredited specialist medical
CPD Homes provide CPD programs and make sure colleges to become CPD Homes from 1 January 2023.
doctors registered in their home can access support This recognised the substantial similarity between
and guidance to meet their minimum CPD require- the new criteria for CPD Homes and the Standards for
ments. Accredited CPD Homes also audit and report Assessment and Accreditation of Specialist Medical
CPD compliance to the Medical Board. Programs and Continuing Professional Development
Programs that the AMC used prior to the new frame-
The AMC is the accreditation authority for CPD
work to accredit CPD programs and the accreditation
Homes.
activity already undertaken. It is also consistent with
As the accreditation authority, the AMC is respon- the commitment of the Medical Board of Australia
sible for developing the criteria and a process for that, as far as possible, CPD Homes accreditation
accrediting CPD Homes, which is being undertaken processes will be implemented alongside the accredi-
through the AMC’s Specialist Accreditation Education tation of specialist medical training programs.

33 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 Criteria for AMC Accreditation of CPD Homes
Applications for initial accreditation
as a CPD Home
The AMC reviews and makes decisions on applications
from organisations to become a CPD Home.

The first application round was held in October

2022 following the publication of the Criteria and
Procedures, and there have been two application
rounds in 2023 (in April and August).

Webinars have been held before each round, for

organisations interested in becoming a CPD Home.

The Specialist Education Accreditation Committee

completes the initial accreditation assessment based
on a review of the organisation’s submission against
the Criteria for AMC Accreditation of CPD Homes and
makes a recommendation on initial accreditation to
AMC Directors with supporting analysis.

AMC Directors grant initial accreditation if the submis-

sion demonstrates that the organisation meets the
criteria, or that it substantially meets the criteria and
setting conditions will lead to all criteria being met in a
reasonable time.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 34

 Navigating the path: A lived experience approach
to improving international medical graduate
assessment experiences and performance
International medical graduates play a critical role The project seeks to approach international medical
in the health care of Australian communities. They
Approach and outcomes
graduate recruitment through a more sensitive
comprise more than 30 percent of the Australian and supportive process. The outcomes of this work
medical workforce and are the mainstay of the will help to inform policy development linked to High impact initiatives
medical workforce in rural and remote areas. the National Medical Workforce Strategy and will
The AMC engaged with stakeholders and partners to
contribute to improving the user experience and the
identify 23 initiatives for improving the pathways and
What is the problem? efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of assess-
experience of international medical graduates. These
ment pathways.
initiatives were prioritised by using a well-tested
We know that many international medical graduates
who are wanting to practice medicine in Australia
find the process complex, at times bureaucratic, time
Themes
consuming, uncertain, expensive and stressful.

The perception of a difficult medical registration

pathway in Australia leads international medical
graduates to go elsewhere, for example New Zealand
or Canada where assessment systems, registration and
migration may be perceived as less burdensome.

Aims of the work

The International Medical Graduate Experiences
and Performance Project aims to better understand
international medical graduates’ journeys to become
doctors in Australia as well as the contribution that
they make once they are in the workforce.

35
methodology based on evaluating impact and feasi- Categorisation of initiatives by degree of collaboration required
bility. A number of the initiatives have direct relevance
to The Independent review of overseas health practi-
tioner regulatory settings (the Kruk Review).

Recognising that the ecosystem in which international

medical graduates practice is complex and involves
many stakeholders, the initiatives have been catego-
rised according to those that the AMC will lead, those
that will require partnership and collaboration with
other agencies, and those that the AMC can support.

Read the Clearing the way: high impact initiatives to

address barriers and support international medical
graduates journeys report.

Journey maps and personas

The research will also draw on quantitative data and
qualitative insights drawn from the literature, a survey
of international medical graduates, focus groups and
interviews with international medical graduates,
supervisors, health services, education providers and
other health industry stakeholders.

The research will provide the evidence-base to

develop journey maps and personas to shed light on
the journeys of international medical graduates.

This work is being led by a Project Advisory Group that

includes a wide range of stakeholders of international
medical graduate assessment.

This project has Monash University Human Research

Ethics Committee (HREC) approval #37561 and is
deemed to be low risk.

The project is planned to conclude following a cross-

sectorial consultation phase mid-2024.
Learn more about the International medical graduate experiences and performance project.

36
 Clinical Examination Futures

The Futures Working Group was established to explore

Assessment framework Roadmap
the future direction for the assessment of interna-
tional medical graduates and the clinical examination The Working Group held a two-day workshop from 30 The roadmap includes the following key areas of work:
to ensure that it meets current and future healthcare November to 1 December 2022 to consider:
needs. • Explore blended methods of assessment that
• assessment outcomes with the design of a blue- recognise the different experiences, circumstances
This is part of a program of work that is looking at print relevant to an improved form of the AMC and knowledge of international medical graduates
ways to improve assessment pathways and experi- Clinical Examination format and that different assessment methods assess
ences for international medical graduates, while different things
• a potential pre-assessment / assessment program
ensuring that international medical graduates can
for international medical graduates preferring to • Reform the clinical exam drawing on the evidence
practise effectively and safely, including in culturally
undertake further clinical assessment at the AMC base and ensuring that it aligns with the graduate
safe ways, in Australian healthcare settings.
based on MCQ performance, prior qualifications, outcomes expected of Australian medical gradu-
language comprehension and verification data. ates commencing internship training (PGY1)
Based on the workshop discussions, a proposal, • Build a stream of research and evaluation to inform
including a draft assessment framework, was devel- quality improvement, decision-making and innova-
oped, and a roadmap document has been drafted tion in assessments
outlining the work to be undertaken.
• Develop learning support and resources to assist
candidates to prepare for the clinical examination
• Embed cultural safety into exam blueprints and
look at what support international medical gradu-
ates need in this area.

37 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

National Framework for Prevocational
(PGY 1 and PGY2) Review
The AMC has developed a two-year framework for Summary of the review status
prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) medical training that
combines:

1. AMC’s review of the National Framework for Medical

Internship (PGY1), on behalf of the Medical Board of
Australia.
2. The development of a two-year Capability and
Performance Framework, Entrustable Professional
Activities (EPAs) and specifications for an e-port-
folio, on behalf of the Health Chief Executives
Forum (HCEF). This work arose from the 2018 Health
Ministers’ response to the recommendations of the
2015 Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
Review of Medical Internship.
The Framework, which previously only related to
internship, has been expanded to include structured
development for PGY2. The point of general registra-
tion will remain at the end of PGY1.

Over 2021-22 the new Framework documents were

developed and the standards and requirements
relating to PGY1 training within the Framework were
approved by the Medical Board of Australia. PGY1 will
be implemented in 2024, and PGY2 may be imple-
mented in either 2024 or 2025 depending on the deci-
sion of each Jurisdiction.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 38

 Phase 3
In mid-2022 the AMC commenced Phase 3: Preparation. This phase focuses on communication and developing
resources to support implementation as well as development of detailed specifications for an e-portfolio.

Resources and communication to support the revised National Framework

Resources developed to support implementation of the Framework and which are available on the AMC website
include:

Written guides

} Guide to prevocational training in Australia – for PGY1 & PGY2 doctors

} Guide to prevocational training in Australia – for supervisors of prevocational doctors
} Guide for assessment review panels – to assist health services in establishing a panel or repurposing an existing
panel

Templates

} Term description template – an optional template for PMCs to implement, some information within the form is
mandatory to be tracked
} Beginning of term discussion template - an example of what items should be covered in the discussion.

Video resources to be utilised in supervisor training and prevocational doctor orientation

} Introduction to the EPAs

} Assessment requirements in 2024

Additional

} Example PGY1 & PGY2 programs – provides examples of potential programs to illustrate the flexibility of the
revised Framework.
} Frequently asked questions

39
Resources in development include: Major changes across the Framework include:
Implementation workshops
} A guidance matrix for Aboriginal and/or Torres • Expansion of the Framework to cover PGY2
An implementation workshop for Postgraduate
Strait Islander health and cultural safety content
• New Entrustable Professional Activities that Medical Councils was held on 31 May 2023. The work-
– provides example evidence that may illustrate
provide PGY1 and PGY2 doctors with structured shop, facilitated by Dr Jo Burnand, focused on PMC
meeting each standard, or a feature of training or
opportunities for feedback based on observations accreditation of health services and the new term and
assessment that may illustrate the meeting of each
of their clinical practice program requirements, as well as supporting informa-
outcome. This will include examples of existing
• Global judgment at the end of each year by a panel tion sharing across jurisdictions.
initiatives along the medical education continuum
that have been developed locally with Aboriginal rather than an individual A second implementation workshop for PMCs was held
and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. • New and strengthened learning outcomes and in October 2023. Facilitated by Dr Artiene Tatian, this
} Video resources to be utilised in supervisor training standards related to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait workshop focused on implementation of Aboriginal
and prevocational doctor orientation: Islander health, including cultural safety and health and/or Torres Strait Islander health and cultural safety
• ‘Introduction to the National Framework’ equity content within the National Framework.

• Six example EPA assessment discussions across • Mandatory training for term supervisors
different EPAs and clinical settings
National e-portfolio to support the
• Replaced current term requirements (10 weeks
surgery/10 weeks medicine/8 weeks emergency
revised National Framework
} Supervisor training modules - The AMC is
supporting the Postgraduate Medical Council medical care) with parameters more appropriate In 2023 the AMC was advised that all jurisdictions had
Victoria to lead development of national supervisor to the current health context that ensure a breadth agreed to a national approach and to commence work
training modules to assist PMCs and health services of experience, with more flexibility and a focus on on the procurement and development of a national
meet mandatory supervisor training requirements. quality of learning. e-portfolio. The Health Chief Executives Forum (HCEF)
The AMC Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander established the National e-Portfolio Project Board
and Māori Committee has contributed to the (NEPB), with representation from all PMCs and Health
development of cultural safety content within the Departments, to oversee the AMC-led procurement
modules. and development processes.

Detailed specifications for the e-portfolio were final-

ised, and a Request for Tender was issued in July 2023.
An evaluation panel considered vendor responses and
made a recommendation to NEPB, Health Workforce
Taskforce and HCEF. Launch of the National e-Portfolio
is currently planned to occur by 1 January 2025.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 40

 Accreditation of Cosmetic Surgery
Programs of Study

The AMC assessment and accreditation of cosmetic The AMC will assess cosmetic surgery programs of A formal public consultation on the draft standards
surgery programs of study is part of a suite of study and the organisations that provide them against and outcome (capability) statements was undertaken
measures implemented by the Medical Board of the Standards for Assessment and Accreditation of early in 2023 and, following review of the feedback
Australia (MBA), the Australian Health Practitioner Cosmetic Surgery Programs of Study. and minor amendments, the final standards and
Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and other regulators to outcome (capability) statements were approved by the
The accreditation standards were developed by an
make cosmetic surgery safer for patients in response AMC and the MBA in February-March 2023. These are
AMC-established Cosmetic Surgery Accreditation
to the Independent review of the regulation of medical available on the AMC website.
Standards and Procedures Project Advisory Group that
practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery commis-
included regulators and accreditation experts and Education providers applying for accreditation of
sioned by the MBA and Ahpra. The measures include
members from: their cosmetic surgery program(s) of study will need
the establishment of an “area of practice endorse-
to demonstrate their capacity to: govern; manage;
ment” for cosmetic surgery, tougher rules for adver- • The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
resource; and deliver a cosmetic surgery program
tising, stronger guidance for doctors who perform
• The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and that meets the accreditation standards, and to offer a
cosmetic surgery, new safety measures including
Medicine program covering scientific and theoretical learning,
referral by a GP, and accreditation of cosmetic surgery
supervised clinical practice and reflective practice
facilities. • The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
capabilities to ensure that doctors are skilled, safe,
The Medical Board of Australia’s Registration standard: • The Australian Medical Association and ethical practitioners in cosmetic surgery.
Endorsement of registration of registered medical • community and health consumer organisations
practitioners for the approved area of cosmetic
• related professional organisations.
surgery came into effect on 1 July 2023.
A Technical Advisory Group, including members with
Registered medical practitioners may apply for
expertise in medical education, surgical education and
endorsement of registration for cosmetic surgery if
practice, cosmetic surgery and other related disci-
they have been awarded a qualification approved by
plines, was established to provide expert advice to the
the Board, or another qualification that the Board
AMC.
considers is substantially equivalent to an approved
qualification.

41 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

The standards include outcome (capability) statements The Procedures for AMC Accreditation of Cosmetic
that define the high-level and specific knowledge, Surgery Programs of Study were approved by the AMC
skills, professional behaviours and attributes that in June 2023 and are available on the AMC website and
graduates of programs are expected to demonstrate. outline the conduct of the accreditation process.
These are described under four domains:
The AMC is working with organisations interested in
1. The cosmetic surgery practitioner applying for accreditation.
2. The cosmetic surgery practitioner as ethical profes-
sional and leader
3. The cosmetic surgery practitioner as patient and
health advocate
4. The cosmetic surgery practitioner as a reflective
and evidence informed practitioner.
Education providers must show that their program’s
learning outcomes, learning and teaching approaches,
supervised practice and assessment of trainees,
address these outcome (capability) statements.

The AMC has established a Cosmetic Surgery

Accreditation Advisory Committee to oversee the
establishment of the process for assessment and
accreditation of cosmetic surgery programs of study.
The Committee is chaired by Associate Professor
Jillian Sewell AM (who chaired the Project Advisory
Group that led the development of the accreditation
standards).

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 42

 Improving Indigenous Heal th

The Committee and the IPP team have led substantial • Finalising the Medical School Accreditation
Indigenous Policy and Programs
change in the culture of the AMC, contributing to Standards and Student outcome statements with
and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait many key processes throughout 2022/2023 including: the inclusion of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander and Māori Committee Islander and Māori health standards.
• The finalisation, implementation, and operation-
The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori alisation of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait • Contributing to and developing the Shared
Committee is a Standing Committee of the AMC that Islander and Māori Strategy for the AMC. With Sovereignty methodology created through the
provides strategic advice and recommendations on oversight from the Committee the AMC business review of the Medical School Accreditation
important matters related to Aboriginal and/or Torres areas will collaborate to embed delivery of the Standards and Student outcome statements. The
Strait Islander and Māori health to the AMC Directors strategy to successfully achieve outcomes that process supported, with oversight, the Indigenous
and staff. align with the four focus areas: Health content development with a genuine collab-
orative, Indigenous lead method.
The Committee guides and supports the AMC’s • Self Determination
• Contributing to the review of the Prevocational
purpose of making health systems free of racism and • Relationships, Partnerships and Connections
Standards and the development of Assessor
inequality and provides oversight to the implemen-
• Culturally safe environments modules to ensure the inclusion and consideration
tation of the AMC’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
of Cultural Safety and Indigenous Health content
Islander and Māori Strategy. • Influence, advocacy and support
development.
The Committee works alongside and is supported The Indigenous Strategy supports the identified
• Engaging and developing critical relationships with
by the Indigenous Policy and Programs team (IPP). areas of action under the AMC Strategic Plan Pillar
stakeholders in meaningful ways. Elevating the
The Committee and the IPP team work closely with Promoting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
voices of Indigenous communities and partnering
other Committees and sub-Committees of the AMC and Māori Health - Ensuring culturally safe practice
with peak bodies and key networks such as:
to ensure collaborative effort is installed before, to improve health outcomes.
during and after all work of the AMC. Not least of • Australian Indigenous Doctors Association
• Consultation on the development of the AMC Data
which includes writing contributions and editing (AIDA)
Strategy incorporating Data Sovereignty high-
support on publications, strategic policy papers and • Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME)
lighting Indigenous consultation.
building connections with other organisations to share
• National Association of Aboriginal and Torres
information, growth, and successful industry change
Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners
modelling.
(NAATSIHWP).

43 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

• Consultation on the scoping and development of The group discussed the need for committees, sub • Racism (yarning circle)
emerging project Cultural Safety in Assessments, committees, working groups, council, and directors • Black lives Matter (yarning circle)
building a framework to enable extensive elemental to be provided the opportunity to undertake cultural • Yarning practice
process and function review to embed Cultural safety training. There was robust discussion and • Stolen Generations (speakers)
Safety practices. brainstorming group activities to share ideas on ways • Australian history of slavery (and Black-birding
to continue to upskill staff and how training may look policy) (speakers)
• Contributing to the development of strategic policy
like moving into 2023/2024. The IPP team spoke to • Impact of poor Health care on Indigenous Patients
including Climate Sustainability and Planetary
the Seedling group evaluation document, which was • Deaths in custody/hospital misdiagnosis due to
Health, Endorsement of cosmetic surgery as an
provided at the completion of five cultural safety racist bias within systems
area of practice and strategic projects including the
training sessions. This gave managers the opportunity • Role of Aboriginal Medical Services in particular
Intellectual Disability Capability Framework Project.
to grasp a greater understanding of the impact the Olive Brown founder of Winnunga health service in
• Contributing to the AMC website redevelopment training has had on staff across the organisation. Canberra
including a dedicated platform for Indigenous • Weaving (workshops)
Health. • Bush tucker (workshops & walks on Country)
Cultural Updates
• Policy reviews, including combining the Indigenous • Bush food and medicine plants and bush teas
Procurement Policy the AMC Procurement Policy as Regular updates on both culture and events relevant information
one, and the AMC Privacy Policy. to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori • Tours of Galleries
peoples were provided over the year. Some of these • Art symbolism and meanings
emails have been supported by speakers or yarning • Cultural appropriation
Cultural Safety Staff Learning and circles with all staff, including sharing personal stories • Songlines and dreaming
Training and/or expanding on these topics though practice. • Our different Nations (Australian context)
• Cultural seasons
The Seedling Group Ltd delivered two one-hour webi- Content has included:
• Books to read - various topics
nars over the year, the final of a series of five. These
• National Sorry Day Engagement continues to increase from non-Indige-
were each supported by one hour coaching sessions
• Invasion Day nous staff around these topics. Approaches from indi-
designed to bring into context for staff the impacts of
• Mabo Day vidual staff members seeking to discuss and expand on
both past and present policy of Government and insti-
• Waitangi Day, NZ their knowledge have occurred with more frequency.
tutions on Indigenous Peoples. The webinars included
• Australia day and complexities in celebrating this
firsthand accounts and ties to the work outcomes of
date for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
the AMC.
people
AMC managers and senior staff attended a facilitated • NAIDOC (events, and information)
Cultural Safety review session in June. This provided • Matariki - Māori New Year, NZ
an opportunity for staff to discuss where the AMC • Reconciliation Week
should move in terms of imbedding cultural safety. • The Freedom Rides

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 44

 Membership as at 30 June 2023 ~ Mr Karl Briscoe (Community Stakeholder Member,
Membership of the Committee Aboriginal Member)
Member (Membership category)
Committee membership includes the Aboriginal and/ ~ Associate Professor Phillip Mills (Community
or Torres Strait Islander and Māori members of other ~ Professor Shaun Ewen, Chair (AMC Director & Stakeholder Member, Torres Strait Islander
AMC Committees, community members, health Council Member, Aboriginal Member) Member)
consumer members and representatives from stake- ~ Dr Artiene Tatian, Deputy Chair (Aboriginal, Torres ~ Dr Stewart Sutherland (Member nominated by the
holder organisations including Australian Indigenous Strait Islander or Māori persons who are members Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education Network
Doctors Association (AIDA) and Leaders in Indigenous of other AMC Committees (MedSAC), Aboriginal (LIME), Aboriginal Member)
Medical Education (LIME). Member) ~ Dr Simone Raye (Member nominated by the
~ Professor Papaarangi Reid (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA),
This ensures that all work undertaken by the AMC
Islander or Māori persons who are members of Aboriginal Member)
is able to be considered through multiple levels of
other AMC Committees (MedSAC), Māori Member) ~ Dr Jonathan Newchurch (proxy) (Proxy Member
Indigenous perspectives as well as providing feedback
~ Professor Karen Adams (Aboriginal, Torres Strait nominated by the Australian Indigenous Doctors’
and guidance within forums regarding AMC’s commit-
Islander or Māori persons who are members of Association (AIDA), AMC Council Member,
ment to and practice of cultural safety.
other AMC Committees (MedSAC), Aboriginal Aboriginal Member)
New members joining the Committee during the year Member) ~ Dr Tammmy Kimpton (AMC Director & Council
included AIDA representative, President of the AIDA ~ Ms Bianca Field (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander Member, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or
Board, Dr Simone Raye, and proxy member nomi- or Māori persons who are members of other AMC Māori persons who are members of other AMC
nated from AIDA, Dr Jonathan Newchurch, and AMC Committees (PreVAC), Aboriginal Member) Committees (SEAC), Aboriginal Member)
committee member and AMC Director, Dr Tammy ~ Ms Jacqui Gibson (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander ~ Emeritus Professor David Prideaux (AMC Director
Kimpton. or Māori persons who are members of other AMC & Council Member, AMC Assessment Committee
Committees (SEAC), Aboriginal Member) Chair)
~ Ms Kiri Rikihana (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander
Non-current members serving during 2022-23
or Māori persons who are members of other AMC
Committees (SEAC), Māori Member) Nil
~ Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM (Aboriginal, Torres
Strait Islander or Māori persons who are members
of other AMC Committees (Assessment), AMC
Council Member, Aboriginal Member)
~ Dr Justin Gladman (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander
or Māori persons who are members of other AMC
Committees (Assessment), Aboriginal Member)
~ Dr Waikaremoana Waitoki (Community Stakeholder
Member, Māori Member)

45 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 The Council of the AMC met in May 2023, and the
The IPP team
Manager of Indigenous Policy and Programs, along
The IPP team at AMC includes: with the Deputy Chair, held a yarning circle about the
new Indigenous Strategy with Council Members and
• Belinda Gibb, Manager Indigenous Policy and Directors, to discuss the intent and purpose of the new
Programs strategy. The feedback from this was very positive,
• Adam Shipp, Indigenous Policy and Programs with a number of council members reaching out for
Officer more information following this session. The yarning
circle provided an opportunity for Council Members
• Amber Parker, Secretariat Support, Indigenous
and Directors to share reflections, insights and ask
Policy and Programs
questions to the Indigenous committee and AMC
• Cassandra Inkley, Senior Indigenous Policy and Indigenous Policy and Programs team, providing open
Programs Officer dialogue within a safe setting. With positive feedback
from those involved, the AMC will look to continue
Meetings of the Committee these yarning circles at Council events going forward.

The Committee met four times during 2022-23:

Supply Nation Membership
• September 2022 (zoom)
The AMC has continued its registration and resource
• November 2022 - Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country) commitment with Supply Nation, which continues to
• March 2023 (zoom) support the AMC’s targets for Indigenous procure-
ment. Refining the practice of seeking Indigenous
• May 2023 - Adelaide (Kaurna Country).
Business options requires continuous improvement,
In May 2023 the meeting coincided with the AMC and many suppliers not previously considered have
Council meeting on location in Adelaide and Murray had opportunities to showcase skills and abilities and
Bridge. The Committee connected with Council on site have won engagement through open processes.
visits throughout the area and shared with Council the
work of the Committee, discussing the importance AMC is on track for achieving a target of 5% of its
of Assurance around Cultural Safety in all aspects of contracts or purchases to Indigenous enterprises by
Health. 2025.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 46

 AMC Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander and Māori Strategy
The AMC published its Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander and Māori Strategy (the Strategy) to support
the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
activities across the AMC, expanding on and replacing
initiatives developed through the AMC’s Reconciliation
Action Plan. It is published with forewords from the
AMC President, CEO and Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander and Māori Committee Chair.

The Strategy draws heavily from and builds on one of

the five pillars of the AMC Strategic Plan 2018 –2028,
which sets out the promotion of Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander and Māori Health – ensuring
culturally safe practice to improve health outcomes.
Previous efforts to ensure this pillar is supported have
primarily been through the Reconciliation Action Plan
(RAP). Ongoing facilitation to achieve the strategic
pillar will primarily be driven by the AMC Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Strategy.

Plans are underway to operationalise the Strategy.

This will incorporate ongoing training for staff in
2023, including commencement of a second round of
training sessions to identify further achievable items
to meet and expand on within the strategy within each
team across the AMC. A reporting tool has been devel-
oped that will offer a collective way to track items that Aboriginal graphic design business Wantok Designs
still require work and items that have been achieved. was contracted to provide the AMC with layout and
This reporting tool will be requested by IPP staff to design, including vectorized elements from art commis-
periodically evaluate how each team is tracking across sioned from Sarah Richards of Murrawuy Journeys
the organisation. to design artwork for the strategy and to include for
future use options.

47 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

The Strategy artwork: Diverse Alignment

Artist: Sarah Richards (Ngiyampaa Nation)

“Diverse Alignment” was created for the Australian

Medical Council’s (AMC) Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander and Māori Strategy.

A key element of “Diverse Alignment” is to recog-

nise the important part Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander and Māori Peoples’ knowledge plays
in achieving positive outcomes for our people and
combining this with the role AMC plays in delivering
initiatives to support Closing the Gap in terms of
health outcomes. The combining of all these valuable
knowledge sources is represented by the four paths
coming together in the centre.

In addition, it was important to represent the healing

elements of nature that served, prior to colonisation,
and still serves Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and
Māori Peoples. So, surrounding the four paths, which
also represents the healing element of the sun, I have
included some natural healing elements that reso-
nate with me – water, trees, earth, and fire/smoke.

It is my hope that “Diverse Alignment” generates

a feeling of meaningful connection where relation-
ships are strengthened, and diversity of knowledge is
respected.

48
 P e o p l e , C u l t u r e a n d Va l u e s

Staff engagement surveys Health and Wellbeing Staffing

The AMC’s 2022 staff engagement survey was under- The AMC strongly values staff health and wellbeing. In During the reporting period, 11 members of staff left
taken in October, attracting an 76% response rate addition to providing an Employee Assistance Program the AMC. This was a 1% increase on the previous year
compared to 83% from the previous year. (EAP), staff are provided with an AMC wellbeing day but also reflected increasing employee mobility.
to rest and reset and focus on their mental, physical,
The strengths of the AMC highlighted in the report Filling vacancies continues to be challenging and the
emotional, and/or social health.
included its people, commitment, flexibility, and AMC has recently revised its recruitment processes as
values, including cultural safety. Additional staff have been recruited to support busi- well as its branding, with a view to attracting a greater
ness functions and reduce workload pressure on staff. number of candidates.
A staff engagement survey feedback working group
was formed made up of representatives from each
Our Values AMC staff took an average of 8.06
business area across the AMC to:
unscheduled leave days in the
• work with the HR team to review and identify reporting period. There was an
priority areas from the staff engagement survey increase in unscheduled absences
feedback compared to the last three years. This
was likely a result of a higher burden
• discuss and agree on criteria for prioritising issues
of illness as COVID restrictions were
from the survey results
removed.
• recommend appropriate actions to Executive
Annual Staff feedback and develop-
Management in relation to priority areas
ment reviews were undertaken from
• ensure recommended actions are aligned with AMC February to May 2023. The reviews
purpose and values focus on staff development, and this
• work with HR to implement actions approved by was reflected in the 2023/24 budget
Executive Management. for staff training and development.

The engagement survey has been undertaken in The AMC engaged an external consul-
October/November annually over the past 5 years. tant to assess the AMC’s remuneration
structure and roles against market to
ensure we are and remain competitive.

49
 Business Areas Ð Medical School Accreditation
Ð Standards of Medical
Education
Ð Accreditation of
Ð Monitor budget processing
Pre-employment Structures
and performance
Clinical Interview Providers
Ð Financial Health
Ð Accreditation of Intern
Ð Investments
Training Authorities
Ð Financial Reporting
Ð Recognition of Medical
Ð Travel
Specialities
Ð Administration
Ð Specialist and Continuing
Ð Strategic direction Professional Development
Grace Culpitt Ð Vision, Values and Culture Kirsty White
Program Accreditation
Ð Performance Director, Accreditation
Chief Finance Officer Ð Governance
and Standards
Ð Finance and budgets
Ð Risk
Ð Indigenous strategy and Ð Policy & compliance
policy Ð Staff
Ð Cultural safety training, Ð Verification Services
Philip Pigou Ð MCQ Examinations
education and staff support
Ð Aboriginal and/or Torres Ð Clinical Examinations
Chief Executive Officer Ð Workplace Based Assessment
Strait Islander and Māori Company Secretary
Committee Ð NTC Program Team
Ð Ensuring the vocies of
Aboriginal and/or Torres
Belinda Gibb Strait Islander and Māori Megan Lovett
people are heard in the Ð Strategic Policy
Manager, Indigenous AMC's work Ð Research Senior Operations
Ð Health Accreditation Manager, Assessment
Policy and Programs
Collaborative Forum

Ð HR Planning
Health and Safety Ð ICT functions
Ð Theanne Walters AM Ð Systems Administration
Ð Staff Wellbeing
Ð Recruitment and Selection Deputy CEO Ð Development
Ð Staff performance Ð Project Management Office
General Manager,
development
Strategic Policy and
Ð Staff Learning and
Development Research
John Akuak Ð HR policies and practices
Matt Kendrick
Manager, Human Director, ICT Services
Resources
50
 Accreditation of Medical Programs

The AMC develops standards for medical education • programs for endorsement of registration of The AMC may grant accreditation if it is reasonably
and training in all phases of medical education. The medical practitioners for cosmetic surgery satisfied that a program of study and its provider:
standards define the knowledge, skills and profes-
• programs for endorsement of registration of • MEET an approved accreditation standard or
sional attributes expected at the end of basic medical
medical practitioners for acupuncture
training and specialist medical training, and good prac- • SUBSTANTIALLY MEET an approved accreditation
tice in the delivery of medical education and training. • workplace based assessment programs for interna- standard and the imposition of conditions on the
Through its accreditation processes, the AMC assesses tional medical graduates approval will ensure the program meets the stan-
and monitors education providers and their medical • pre-employment structured clinical interviews dard within a reasonable time.
programs against these standards. Medical programs
The AMC’s standards, processes and reports are also In 2022-23, the AMC made the accreditation decisions
that meet the standards are granted accreditation.
relied upon by the Medical Council of New Zealand to listed below. Each decision on an accredited program
AMC processes entail both accreditation (validating make decisions about programs that are acceptable of study and education provider was reported to the
that standards are met) and peer review to promote qualifications for registration in New Zealand. Medical Board of Australia (MBA). The MBA makes
high standards of medical education, stimulate self- an independent decision on whether to approve
analysis and assist the organisation under review to programs for the purposes of registration and lists
Review process
achieve its objectives. Accreditation is conducted in a approved programs on the MBA website.
collegial manner that includes consultation, advice and The AMC establishes accreditation assessment teams
AMC accreditation reports and provider monitoring
feedback to the organisation under review. to assess programs and their providers. Using a peer
reports for medical schools, and bi-national and
review process, these teams assess medical programs
AMC accreditation processes apply to: Australian specialist medical colleges are also used by
against the approved accreditation standards and
the Medical Council New Zealand to make decisions
• primary medical education programs provided by prepare a report on their findings.
about acceptable qualifications for the purposes of
university medical schools Assessment team findings are considered by the registration in New Zealand. Approved programs are
• the internship, the first year after medical school, relevant AMC Standing Committee (Medical School listed on the website.
which is a year of supervised work based training Accreditation Committee, Specialist Education
Full reports are available on the AMC’s website.
Accreditation Committee, and Prevocational Standards
• specialist medical programs provided by national
Accreditation Committee) and the recommendations
specialist medical colleges
of these Committees by the AMC Directors.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) Homes

51 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

AMC Programs Accreditation Cycle

52
 Accreditation Committee Structure

53
 Membership as at 30 June 2023:
Medical School Accreditation Primary medical programs and
Committee ~ Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM (Chair) providers
~ Dr Kenneth Clark
The Medical School Accreditation Committee manages ~ Associate Professor Bradleigh Hayhow
the AMC assessments of medical education providers Accreditation assessments:
~ Professor Jeff Hamdorf AM
in Australia and New Zealand. reaccreditation assessments
~ Professor Inam Haq
Its role is: ~ Professor Sandra Kemp University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine
~ Mr Fergus Leicester
• Addressing policy related to medical schools and The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine
~ Associate Professor Kylie Mansfield
primary medical qualifications offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD).
~ Professor Papaarangi Reid
• Reviewing standards ~ Professor Gary Rogers In May 2022, the AMC conducted a reaccreditation
• Reviewing procedures ~ Ms Tisshapaa Sivagnanan assessment on site at university campuses and health
~ Professor Diane Stephens OAM services.
• Setting up assessment teams
~ Dr Artiene Tatian At their 15 September 2022 meeting, Directors
• Making recommendations to AMC Directors on
~ Dr Mary White resolved:
accreditation decisions and any related conditions
~ Professor Tim Wilkinson
• Monitoring medical schools against the stan- i. the four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) medical
dards and progress towards meeting outstanding Non-current members serving during 2022-23: program of the University of Queensland, Faculty
conditions ~ Professor Geoff McColl (Former Chair) of Medicine meets the accreditation standards.

• Reviewing changes to the way in which medical ~ Dr Daniel Zou ii. accreditation of the four-year Doctor of Medicine
schools meet the accreditation standards and ~ Ms Sophie Keen (MD) medical program of the University of
determining consequential review and monitoring ~ Professor Rathan Subramaniam Queensland, Faculty of Medicine be granted for six
activity. years, to 31 March 2029, subject to the meeting
the conditions, to meeting the monitoring require-
ments of the AMC, and a visit to review progress on
the curriculum development and new pathways.

University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health and Medical

Sciences, School of Medicine

The University of Adelaide, School of Medicine offers

a six-year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery.
This program was in the process of transitioning to a
Bachelor of Medical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 54

 (BMD) which in 2019, the Medical School Accreditation Accreditation assessments: follow up University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
Committee determined that the transition could be
implemented within the current accreditation cycle as
assessments The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School
offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD).
part of the 2022 reaccreditation assessment. University of Western Australia, UWA Medical School
In October 2022, as a result of the 2021 virtual assess-
In August 2022 the AMC conducted a reaccreditation The University of Western Australia, UWA Medial
ment of material change (new beginning to end
assessment of the medical program virtually as a result School offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD).
program delivery at the Dubbo Rural Clinical School),
of an increase in COVID-19 cases in South Australia.
In October 2019, an AMC team conducted a reac- an AMC team conducted a short follow-up in-person
At their 8 December 2022 meeting, Directors resolved: creditation assessment of the MD medical program visit the Dubbo Rural Clinical School. The purpose of
following the AMC’s determination in 2018 that the this visit was to review the plans for the late stages of
i. that the medical programs of the University of
range of changes occurring met the definition of a the new program development and review progress on
Adelaide, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences,
major change (now called a material change) to the conditions.
School of Medicine substantially meet the accredi-
medical program, and were so significant that a new
tation standards; At their November 2022 meeting the Committee
accreditation assessment was required. As a result
reviewed progress on the remaining conditions
ii. accreditation of six-year Bachelor of Medical of this assessment, the Committee agreed that given
and determined that the program continues to
Studies and Doctor of Medicine (BMD) medical the significant changes that the program was found to
substantially meet the accreditation standards. The
program of the University of Adelaide, Faculty of substantially meet the accreditation standards and set
Committee also determined that no further conditions
Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine a requirement for a follow-up assessment in 2022.
or change to the Directors’ 9 December 2021 accredi-
be granted for two years, to 31 March 2025;
In September 2022, and AMC team conducted a tation decision was required.
iii. accreditation of six-year Bachelor of Medicine/ follow-up assessment of the program at the university
University of Melbourne, Melbourne Medical School
Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) medical program of campus.
the University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Medical
At their 10 March 2023 meeting, Directors resolved:
Medical Sciences, School of Medicine be granted School offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD).
for two years, to 31 March 2025; i. that the four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) of the
In August 2022, in response to the Directors deci-
University of Western Australia, UWA Medical
iv. that accreditation of the programs and provider is sion on accreditation resulting from the 2020 virtual
School continues to substantially meet the accredi-
subject to meeting the conditions contained in the reaccreditation assessment, an AMC team conducted
tation standards; or
accreditation report, a follow-up assessment that a short follow-up in-person visit to the Melbourne
includes clinical sites where the programs are deliv- ii. that accreditation be granted for two years to 31 Medical School and clinical sites where the program is
ered, and to meeting the monitoring requirements March 2025, subject to the conditions contained delivered.
of the AMC. in the report, and satisfactory AMC monitoring
At their November 2022 meeting, the Committee
requirements.
reviewed progress on the remaining conditions
and determined that the program continues to
substantially meet the accreditation standards. The

55 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Committee also determined that no further conditions campus will be undertaken in November 2023 to the Standards for Assessment and Accreditation of
or change to the Directors’ 9 December 2021 accredi- assess the implementation of the program. Primary Medical Programs by the Australian Medical
tation decision was required. Council (4.1.5 of the Policy on accreditation of
At their 13 April 2023 meeting, Directors resolved:
programs conducted offshore).
Accreditation assessments: material i. that the James Cook University, College of
At their 15 September 2022 meeting, Directors agreed
Medicine and Dentistry and its medical program
changes with the Committee’s recommendation and resolved:
continue to meet the accreditation standards; and
Education providers must notify the AMC of material i. The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine
ii. that accreditation of the program be confirmed
changes that may affect whether and how they or be advised that the proposal for changes to the
to 31 March 2028 subject to the addition of new
their medical program continue to meet the accredita- Australian clinical experience for UQ-Ochsner
conditions.
tion standards. Examples of material change are set students is not consistent with the accreditation
out in the procedures and include a change in the University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine standards and should not be implemented.
length or format of the program, the introduction of
new distinct streams/pathways, substantial changes to The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine
Accreditation assessments: extension of
cohort numbers and substantial changes to program offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD). The
resources. The Committee will assess the plans against medical program includes a pathway for a cohort of accreditation
the accreditation standards prior to implementation US students where the first two years are spent at
The AMC considers requests for extension via an
and may constitute an AMC accreditation assessment the Queensland campuses and the final two years are
accreditation extension submission. In the submis-
team to undertake activities such as interviews with spent at UQ’s Ochsner Clinical School in New Orleans.
sion, the education provider is expected to provide
staff, students and health services to support the evidence that it continues to meet the accreditation
The Faculty submitted a proposal for change to its
Committee’s assessment. standards, and that it has maintained its standard
Ochsner pathway relating to the removal of the
mandatory six-week clinical placement requirement of education and of resources. The submission also
James Cook University, College of Medicine and
for Ochsner student returning to Australia in Year 4, in provides an appraisal of the developments since
Dentistry
support of increased clinical experiences in Year 1 and accreditation, and information on plans leading up
The James Cook University, College of Medicine and 2. to the next AMC reaccreditation. The education
Dentistry offers a six-year Bachelor of Medicine/ provider’s student society is also invited to contribute
Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The Committee considered that the nature of clinical to the submission. The Committee may decide that
experience in Years 1 and 2, even if expanded signifi- that review of the submission should entail discus-
In December 2022, an AMC team conducted a short cantly as suggested in the proposal, would be different sions with the education provider or an assessment
online assessment of material change of the program’s to the nature of clinical experience in later years of by an AMC team. If, on the basis of the submission,
planned delivery of the full program at the University’s the program and would not provide assurance that the Committee decides that the education provider
Cairns campus and local health service, in addition to there would be adequate experience in a variety of is continuing to satisfy the accreditation standards, it
the existing delivery at the Townsville campus. There clinical settings within the Australian or New Zealand may recommend that the AMC Directors extend the
are well established clinical placements at health health care system so that graduates meet the accreditation of the program(s). The period of exten-
services in Cairns. A short site visit to the Cairns AMC’s Graduate Outcome Statements as outlined in sion possible is usually three to four years, taking

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 56

 the accreditation to the full period that the AMC will ii. to extend the accreditation of the University of iii. to extend the accreditation of the Curtin
grant between assessments, which is ten years. At the Newcastle/University of New England Joint Medical University, Curtin Medical School and its medical
end of this extension, the education provider and its Program’s Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor program, up to the maximum of four years, to 31
programs undergo a reaccreditation assessment. of Medicine (BMedSc and MD), up to the maximum March 2027.
of four years to 31 March 2027; and
From time to time, the AMC may also extend accredi- University of Tasmania, College of Health and
tation of programs to respond to specific situations, iii. to extend the accreditation of the University of Medicine, School of Medicine
for example to enable teach out of a program when Newcastle/University of New England Joint Medical
The University of Tasmania, College of Health and
students’ studies have been interrupted. In this situa- Program’s Bachelor of Medicine (BMed) medical
Medicine, School of Medicine offers a five-year
tion the Committee assesses the program and provider program until 31 March 2025, to accommodate the
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
against the accreditation standards and, if satisfied teach-out.
that the program continues to meet or substantially The Committee had been monitoring the School’s
Curtin University, Curtin Medical School
meet the standards it makes a recommendation to the plans to transition the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor
AMC Directors on the period of extension. The Curtin University, Curtin Medical School offers a of Surgery (MBBS) to a Bachelor of Medical Science
five-year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD) to begin in 2023
University of Newcastle/University of New England,
(MBBS). and at its meeting on May 2022 determined that the
Joint Medical Program
transition to the MD program was a material change
In May 2022, a submission for extension of accredi-
The University of Newcastle/University of New that could be considered within the current accredi-
tation was considered by the Committee. The
England, Joint Medical Program offers a five-year tation period and that a small amount of additional
Committee identified that the turnover in staff and
Bachelor of Medicine (BMed) and a five-year Bachelor information would be sought as part of the extension
challenges in recruitment meant that one of the
of Medical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc submission.
accreditation standards which had been met was now
and MD).
substantially met and, in line with the National Law, In August 2022, a submission for extension of accredi-
In May 2022, a submission for extension of accredita- recommended that Directors place a condition on the tation was considered by the Committee.
tion was considered by the Committee. accreditation of the program and provider to ensure
At their 15 September 2022 meeting, Directors
that the standard is met in a timely manner.
At their 27 July 2022 meeting, Directors resolved: resolved:
At their 27 July 2022 meeting, Directors resolved:
i. that the accreditation extension submission and i. that the University of Tasmania, College of Health
student report indicate that the University of i. that the Curtin University, Curtin Medical School and Medicine, School of Medicine and its medical
Newcastle/University of New England Joint Medical and its medical program continue to meet the programs continue to meet the accreditation
Program and its medical programs continue to accreditation standards; standards and;
meet the accreditation standards; and
ii. to add a new accreditation condition to the accred- ii. to extend the accreditation of the University of
itation of the education provider and its program Tasmania, College of Health and Medicine, School
to be addressed in 2023. of Medicine and its medical programs, up to a
maximum of four years, to 31 March 2027.

57 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

University of Wollongong, Graduate School of At their 8 December 2022 meeting, Directors resolved: At their 27 July 2022 meeting, Directors resolved:
Medicine
i. that the Macquarie University, Faculty of Medicine, i. a short extension of accreditation of the University
The University of Wollongong, Graduate School of Health and Human Sciences and its four-year of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW
Medicine offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD). Doctor of Medicine (MD) medical program continue and its six-year Bachelor of Medical Studies and
to meet the accreditation standards; Doctor of Medicine (BMedMD) and a three-year
In August 2022, a submission for extension of accredi-
Doctor of Medicine (MD) medical program, to 30
tation was considered by the Committee. ii. to extend the accreditation of the Macquarie
June 2024 to support an adequate accreditation
University, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human
In view of the substantial changes in the leadership assessment process.
and its medical program for two years to 31 March
team, in the resourcing model and in the approach
2025; and
to the Indigenous Health curriculum, the Committee New conditions set in the monitoring
recommended that accreditation of the provider and iii. that accreditation of the program is subject to the
process
its program be extended for two years, after which conditions in the report, a follow up assessment in
the School may apply for a further two-year period of 2024, and meeting the monitoring requirements of Australian National University, College of Health and
extension. the AMC. Medicine, ANU Medical School

At their 15 September 2022 meeting, Directors At its May 2022 meeting, the Committee considered
resolved: Short extension of accreditation the 2022 monitoring submission from the Australian
University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine, National University, College of Health and Medicine,
i. that the University of Wollongong, Graduate School
UNSW Medicine ANU Medical School. The Committee agreed that the
of Medicine and its medical program substantially
School and its program weremeeting the accredita-
meet the accreditation standards and; The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Faculty of tion standards overall. However, given the extent of
ii. to extend accreditation of the University of Medicine, UNSW Medicine offers a six-year Bachelor organisational, financial and leadership change, the
Wollongong, Graduate School of Medicine and its of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine (BMedMD) Committee considered that there were three accredi-
medical program for two years to, 31 March 2025. and a three-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) medical tation standards that had become substantially met
program. and, in line with the National Law, recommended that
Macquarie University, Faculty of Medicine, Health Directors place three conditions on the accreditation
and Human Sciences The Faculty notified the AMC that a number of major
of the program and provider to ensure that the stan-
health professional programs will be commencing
dards are met in a timely manner.
The Macquarie University, Faculty of Medicine, Health within the School of Medicine and Health in 2023,
and Human Sciences offers a four-year Doctor of occurring at the same time the reaccreditation submis- At their 27 July 2022 meeting, Directors resolved:
Medicine (MD). sion and visit planning was scheduled. The University
of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW i. to add three new conditions to the accreditation
In August 2022, a submission for extension of accredi- of the education provider and its program to be
Medicine requested a short extension to its accredi-
tation was considered by the Committee. addressed in 2023.
tation to ensure that the program could adequately
address both.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 58

 • Reviewing changes to the way in which providers
Prevocational Standards Intern Training Accreditation
meet the accreditation standards and determining
Accreditation Committee consequential review and monitoring activity. Authorities
The Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee The AMC reviews and accredits authorities that
oversees the AMC’s role in setting standards for accredit intern training programs in each state and
Membership as at 30 June 2023:
elements of the prevocational phase of the medical territory on behalf of the MBA. These authorities are
education continuum. The Committee reports to the ~ Associate Professor Andrew Singer AM (Chair) commonly known as postgraduate medical councils
AMC Directors on its oversight of AMC accreditation ~ Dr Georga Cooke (Deputy Chair) (PMC). Prior to commencing accreditation activities,
and approval processes for intern training accredi- ~ Associate Professor Katrina Anderson a new PMC will submit a paper-based application for
tation authorities, Workplace Based Assessment ~ Professor Stuart Carney initial accreditation to the AMC. If the AMC grants
providers, and pre-employment structured clinical ~ Dr Hwee Sin Chong initial accreditation, and the MBA approves the
interview providers. It also provides advice to the MBA authority, the PMC commences accreditation activi-
~ Dr Sheree Conroy
on matters relating to competent authorities. ties. The AMC schedules an accreditation assessment
~ Professor Brendan Crotty AM
by an AMC team, usually within the first 18 months of
Its role is: ~ Associate Professor Amanda Dawson
operation.
~ Ms Bianca Field
• Addressing policy related to the prevocational
~ Mrs Kate Griggs The AMC grants accreditation of new providers for a
phase of training, the Workplace Based Assessment
~ Dr Jo Katsoris maximum of three years, and established providers
pathway for international medical graduates,
for a maximum of five years subject to satisfactory
pre-employment structured clinical interviews and ~ Dr Ruth Kearon
monitoring submissions. In the last year of the accredi-
matters relating to competent authorities ~ Dr Vidya Muraleedharan
tation period, the provider may apply for an extension
~ Dr Greg Sweetman
• Providing advice to the MBA on applications from of accreditation through an accreditation extension
existing or prospective competent authorities ~ Professor John Vassiliadis submission, taking the provider up to a maximum of
~ Dr Daniel Zou eight years before a reaccreditation assessment by an
• Reviewing standards
Non-current members serving during 2022-23: AMC team.
• Reviewing procedures
~ Dr Bhavi Ravindran
• Setting up teams for assessments of intern training Accreditation assessments:
~ Dr Wan Jun (June) Song
accreditation authorities reaccreditation
~ Dr Artiene Tatian
• Making recommendations to AMC Directors on
South Australian Medical Education and Training
accreditation decisions and any related conditions
Health Advisory Council (SA MET)
• Monitoring providers against the relevant
standards and their progress towards meeting The South Australian Medical Education and Training
outstanding conditions Health Advisory Council (SA MET) is the intern
training accreditation authority for South Australia.
A reaccreditation assessment was undertaken over

59 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

July-November 2022 using a hybrid model of virtual years, taking the accreditation to the full period that At their 8 December 2022 meeting, Directors resolved:
meetings and face-to-face meetings in Adelaide. the AMC will grant between assessments, which is
i. to extend the accreditation of the Canberra Region
The process was elongated due to the impact of eight years. At the end of this extension, the authority
Medical Education Council (CRMEC) as an intern
the COVID-19 pandemic on South Australian health undergoes a reaccreditation assessment.
training accreditation authority for 12 months to
services, and to enable interns to participate in the
NSW Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) 31 March 2025, to enable the accreditation assess-
review.
ment in the context of the revised framework for
In November 2022, a submission for extension of
At the request of the Committee, AMC Directors at prevocational training (PGY1&2) (and the updated
accreditation was considered by the Committee.
their 10 March 2023 meeting resolved: domains for assessing accreditation authorities).
At their 8 December 2022 meeting, Directors resolved:
i. to extend the accreditation of the South Australian
Medical Education and Training Health Advisory Workplace Based Assessment (WBA)
i. that NSW Health Education and Training Institute
Council (SA MET) as an intern training accreditation (HETI) meets the domains for assessing intern Providers
authority for six months to 30 September 2023, to training accreditation authorities, and
Under the AMC Accreditation of Workplace Based
enable the AMC to undertake an internal review of
ii. to extend the accreditation of NSW Health Assessment Providers: Standards and Procedures, the
the accreditation process before the Committee
Education and Training Institute (HETI) as an intern Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee
finalised the accreditation report.
training accreditation authority for three years assesses applications for initial accreditation against
The review was completed, and the Committee final- to 31 March 2026, taking accreditation to the full the accreditation standards. The Committee also seeks
ised the report in July 2023, for consideration by AMC period which the AMC will grant between assess- advice from the Chair of the Assessment Committee
Directors. ments, which is eight years. on the assessment plan. On the recommendation
of the Committee, AMC Directors may grant initial
Canberra Region Medical Education Council (CRMEC) accreditation to new WBA providers subject to satis-
Accreditation assessments: extension of
factory progress reports, until the WBA Results Panel
accreditation During 2023 the AMC was due to undertake three
of the Assessment Committee evaluates the results of
intern training accreditation authority reaccreditation
The AMC considers requests for extension via an the first cohort of candidates.
assessments. With the implementation of the new
accreditation extension submission. In the submission, framework in 2024, the AMC canvassed the authori-
the intern training accreditation authority is expected ties due be assessed during 2023 as to whether it Initial accreditation
to provide evidence that it continues to meet the would be preferable to postpone the assessment for
accreditation domains. The report also provides an Nine providers submitted an application for initial
12 months to 2024, so that the authority could focus
appraisal of the developments since accreditation, accreditation.
on implementing the new framework (and be assessed
and information on plans leading up to the next AMC against the updated domains for assessing accredita- Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
reaccreditation. If, on the basis of the submission, the tion authorities).
Committee decides that the authority is continuing to Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service’s
satisfy the accreditation domains, it may recommend The Canberra Region Medical Education Council application for accreditation, along with feedback
that the AMC Directors extend the accreditation. The (CRMEC) confirmed that an assessment in 2024 would from the Chairs of the Assessment Committee and
period of extension possible is usually two to three be a preferred approach.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 60

 WBA Results Panel on the assessment plan, was Joondalup Health Campus submissions, until the Assessment Committee evalu-
considered by the Committee in August 2022. ates the results of the first cohort of candidates.
Joondalup Health Campus’s application for accredi-
AMC Directors at their 15 September 2022 meeting tation, along with feedback from the Chairs of the Armadale Kalamunda Group
granted initial accreditation to Central Queensland Assessment Committee and WBA Results Panel on the
Armadale Kalamunda Group’s application for accredi-
Hospital and Health Service, subject to satisfac- assessment plan, was considered by the Committee in
tation, along with feedback from the Chairs of the
tory monitoring submissions, until the Assessment November 2022.
Assessment Committee and WBA Results Panel on the
Committee evaluates the results of the first cohort of
AMC Directors at their 8 December 2022 meeting assessment plan, was considered by the Committee in
candidates.
granted initial accreditation to Joondalup Health March 2023.
Top End Regional Health Service Campus, subject to satisfactory monitoring submis-
AMC Directors at their 13 April 2023 meeting granted
sions, until the Assessment Committee evaluates the
Top End Regional Health Service’s application for initial accreditation to Armadale Kalamunda Group,
results of the first cohort of candidates.
accreditation, along with feedback from the Chairs subject to satisfactory monitoring submissions, until
of the Assessment Committee and WBA Results Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service the Assessment Committee evaluates the results of
Panel on the assessment plan, was considered by the the first cohort of candidates.
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s applica-
Committee in August 2022.
tion for accreditation, along with feedback from the Rockingham General Hospital
AMC Directors at their 15 September 2022 meeting Chairs of the Assessment Committee and WBA Results
Rockingham General Hospital’s application for accredi-
granted initial accreditation to Top End Regional Panel on the assessment plan, was considered by the
tation, along with feedback from the Chairs of the
Health Service, subject to satisfactory monitoring Committee in March 2023.
Assessment Committee and WBA Results Panel on the
submissions, until the Assessment Committee evalu-
AMC Directors at their 13 April 2023 meeting granted assessment plan, was considered by the Committee in
ates the results of the first cohort of candidates.
initial accreditation to Gold Coast Hospital and Health March 2023.
Midura Base Public Hospital Service, subject to satisfactory monitoring submis-
AMC Directors at their 13 April 2023 meeting granted
sions, until the Assessment Committee evaluates the
Midura Base Public Hospital’s application for accredi- initial accreditation to Rockingham General Hospital,
results of the first cohort of candidates.
tation, along with feedback from the Chairs of the subject to satisfactory monitoring submissions, until
Assessment Committee and WBA Results Panel on the Western Sydney Local Health District the Assessment Committee evaluates the results of
assessment plan, was considered by the Committee in the first cohort of candidates.
Western Sydney Local Health District’s application for
August and October 2022.
accreditation, along with feedback from the Chairs West Gippsland Healthcare Group
AMC Directors at their 27 October 2022 meeting of the Assessment Committee and WBA Results
The West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s applica-
granted initial accreditation to Midura Base Public Panel on the assessment plan, was considered by the
tion for accreditation, along with feedback from the
Hospital, subject to satisfactory monitoring submis- Committee in March 2023.
Chairs of the Assessment Committee and WBA Results
sions, until the Assessment Committee evaluates the
AMC Directors at their 13 April 2023 meeting Panel on the assessment plan, was considered by the
results of the first cohort of candidates.
granted initial accreditation to Western Sydney Local Committee in March 2023. At the time of the submis-
Health District, subject to satisfactory monitoring sion, the Committee did not consider that the program

61 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

would be sufficiently supported, and the program ensure that this standard is met in a timely manner. Latrobe Regional Hospital
was not granted initial accreditation. West Gippsland The Committee agreed to recommend that Directors
The Committee considered the Latrobe Regional
Healthcare Group was encouraged to further develop resolve that a shorter period of accreditation be
Hospital monitoring submission and reviewer
the submission and invited to resubmit in 12-months’ granted to ensure that the condition is addressed.
commentary at their meeting on 20 March. As per the
time.
The Directors at their 13 April 2023 meeting agreed 2022 initial accreditation decision, the Committee was
to reaccredit Launceston General Hospital and its asked to make a decision on the period of accredita-
Extension of accreditation Workplace Based Assessment program for 12 months tion following the WBA Results Panel consideration of
Under the AMC Accreditation of Workplace Based to 30 June 2024, subject to satisfactory monitoring the first cohort results at their meetings in May 2023.
Assessment Providers: Standards and Procedures, submissions to the AMC.
Directors at their 8 June 2023 meeting resolved:
accredited providers undergo a reaccreditation assess- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
ment at least every four years. Reaccreditation assess- i. that the Latrobe Regional Hospital and its
ments are informed by an accreditation extension Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District’s extension Workplace Based Assessment program substan-
submission and the AMC’s experience in monitoring submission and monitoring information was consid- tially meets the accreditation standards for AMC
the provider and workplace based program over the ered by the Committee in May 2023. Workplace Based Assessment.
accreditation period. AMC Directors make an accredi-
The Directors at their 8 June 2023 meeting agreed to ii. to grant accreditation of the Latrobe Regional
tation decision on advice from the Prevocational
reaccredit Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Hospital’s Workplace Based Assessment program
Standards Accreditation Committee.
and its Workplace Based Assessment program for four for the maximum period for four years that is until
Two providers submitted an accreditation extension years to 30 June 2027, subject to satisfactory moni- 30 June 2027 subject to the monitoring of the AMC.
submission: toring submissions to the AMC.

Launceston General Hospital

Monitoring and changes related to
Accreditation the consequences of COVID-19
Launceston General Hospital’s extension submission
For providers with initial accreditation, the While usual reporting resumed in 2021, the Committee
and monitoring information was considered by the
Assessment Committee will consider all the results of continued to monitor ongoing impacts to providers
Committee in March 2023.
the candidates to establish that the overall result is as a consequence of COVID-19 through annual moni-
The Committee raised concerns that a large number valid and that the AMC Certificate should be awarded. toring in 2022. The AMC advised WBA providers to
of assessors have not been re-calibrated in alignment If the Assessment Committee identifies no deficiencies continue to notify the AMC and seek approval of
with the AMC requirement of calibration every 24 in the assessment program plan and/or in the results potential changes to the assessment plan in advance
months. This feedback has been provided to LGH over of the first cohort of candidates, and the Prevocational of their implementation. Over 2022-23, no change
recent monitoring reviews with little to no progres- Standards Accreditation Committee determines that requests were sought.
sion or evidence of strategy to provide sufficient accreditation standards continue to be met, the
training sessions for assessors. As a result of this, Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee may
the Committee agree that Standard 7 is not met and recommend that AMC Directors grant accreditation to
that a new condition be imposed on accreditation to the provider.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 62

 Changes to WBA programs and providers this information is considered along with information
from the MBA on PESCIs undertaken by the accredited
During 2022-23, the AMC approved changes to the providers.
WBA programs of the following providers:
There are three accredited PESCI providers:
• Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (Increase
to cohort) • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

• Sunshine Coast Local Hospital and Health Service • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
(New site of delivery) • METC Institute
• Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (New site of
delivery) Changes to PESCI provision
• South Western Sydney Local Health District (New Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
site of delivery)
At their November 2022 meeting, the Committee
considered the PESCI monitoring submission which
Pre-Employment Structured Clinical
included specific review of the piloted delivery of
Interview Providers PESCI’s nationally and determined that the provider
had sufficiently demonstrated that this expansion
International medical graduates applying for limited
could be supported.
registration or provisional registration may be
required to undergo a pre-employment structured Directors at their 2 February 2023 meeting resolved:
clinical interview (PESCI). The information obtained
from the PESCI is considered by the MBA when it i. that the Royal Australian College of General
decides whether to grant registration. Practitioners (RACGP) continues to substantially
meet the accreditation requirements of the PESCI
A PESCI is an objective assessment of knowledge, guidelines and criteria and;
skills, clinical experience and attributes to determine
whether the international medical graduate is suitable ii. to accredit Royal Australian College of General
to practise in a specific position. The PESCI consists of Practitioners (RACGP) to deliver PESCIs nationally.
a structured clinical interview using scenarios.

Organisations conducting PESCI’s must be accredited

by the AMC. Applications from prospective PESCI
providers are assessed by the Prevocational Standards
Accreditation Committee through a paper-based
process. Accredited providers are required to submit
monitoring reports to the AMC (usually annually) and

63 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 • Making recommendations to AMC Directors on
Specialist Medical Education and Training and education programs
accreditation decisions and any related conditions
Training
• Monitoring providers against the standards and
Accreditation assessments:
The Specialist Education Accreditation Committee their progress towards meeting outstanding
manages the process for assessing and accrediting conditions reaccreditation
the medical education and training programs of the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and
• Reviewing changes to the way in which providers
specialist training providers – the specialist medical New Zealand
meet the accreditation standards and determining
colleges. It also manages assessment and accreditation
consequential review and monitoring activity.
of: In April 2022 the AMC completed a reaccreditation
Membership as at 30 June 2023: assessment of the training, education and continuing
• Programs of study for endorsement of registra- professional development programs of the College of
tion for acupuncture for medical practitioners and ~ Professor Robyn Langham AM (Chair)
Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand.
endorsement of cosmetic surgery programs of ~ Dr Lindy Roberts (Deputy Chair)
AMC Directors, at their 15 September 2022 meeting
study ~ Dr Hashim Abdeen resolved that:
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) homes ~ Dr Walter Abhayaratna
~ Dr Emmanuel Anthony i. the training, education and continuing professional
This Committee provides advice to the MBA on development programs of the College of Intensive
~ Dr Caroline Clarke
applications for recognition and approval of new or Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
~ Ms Jacqui Gibson
amended specialties. substantially meet the accreditation standards
~ Professor Marc Gladman
Role: ~ Dr Kim Hill ii. that the accreditation of the College of Intensive
~ Dr Tammy Kimpton Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
• Addressing policy related to medical specialist
~ Ms Helen Maxwell-Wright specialist medical programs and continuing profes-
colleges and specialist training
sional development programs in the recognised
~ Dr Sarah Nicolson
• Developing, monitoring and reviewing criteria medical specialties of Intensive Care Medicine
~ Dr Vijay Roach
and procedures relating to the accreditation of and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine be granted
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) homes ~ Ms Kiri Rikihana
accreditation for six years until 31 March 2029,
~ Associate Professor Alan Sandford AM subject to AMC monitoring requirements, a
• Providing advice to the MBA on applications for
~ Dr Andrew Singer AM monitoring review visit prior to 31 March 2029, and
recognition for new medical specialties and fields
~ Dr Philip Truskett AM addressing accreditation conditions.
of specialty practice
~ Dr Margaret Wilsher
• Reviewing standards Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Non-current members serving during 2022-23: and Faculty of Pain Medicine
• Reviewing procedures
~ Associate Professor Marco Briceno In July 2022, the AMC completed a reaccreditation
• Setting up assessment teams
~ Dr Laura Raiti assessment of the training, education and continuing
~ Professor Stephen Robson professional development programs of the Australian

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 64

 and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and i. the education program of the Royal Australian and of extension possible is usually three to four years,
Faculty of Pain Medicine, which lead the award of the New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in the recog- taking the accreditation to the full period that the
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College nised specialty of Psychiatry and the continuing AMC will grant between assessments, which is ten
of Anaesthetists and the Fellowship of the Faculty of professional development program substantially years. At the end of this extension, the education
Pain Medicine. meet the accreditation standards and granted provider and its programs undergo a reaccreditation
accreditation to the provider and its training assessment
AMC Directors, at their 8 December 2022 meeting
program to 31 March 2027, subject to the submis-
resolved that: From time to time, the AMC may also extend accredi-
sion of satisfactory monitoring submissions and
tation of programs to respond to specific situations,
i. the the training, education and continuing profes- addressing accreditation conditions.
for example to enable teach out of a program when
sional development programs of the Australian and
ii. To accredit the Royal Australian and New Zealand students’ studies have been interrupted. In this situa-
New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Faculty
College of Psychiatrists as a CPD home subject to tion the Committee assesses the program and provider
of Pain Medicine substantially meet the accredita-
AMC monitoring requirements and addressing the against the accreditation standards and, if satisfied
tion standards
accreditation condition. that the program continues to meet or substantially
ii. accreditation be granted to 31 March 2029, subject meet the standards it makes a recommendation to the
to the submission of satisfactory monitoring Accreditation assessments: extension of AMC Directors on the period of extension.
submissions and accreditation conditions.
accreditation Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
The AMC considers requests for extension via an At their meeting on 15 September 2022, AMC
Psychiatrists
accreditation extension submission. In the submis- Directors resolved that:
In 2022, the AMC conducted a reaccreditation assess- sion, the education provider is expected to provide
i. Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
ment of the training, education and continuing profes- evidence that it continues to meet the accreditation
training, education and continuing professional
sional development programs of the Royal Australian standards, and that it has maintained its standard
development programs meet the accreditation
and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. This reac- of education and of resources. The submission also
standards
creditation was undertaken against the Standards for provides an appraisal of the developments since
Assessment and Accreditation of Specialist Medical accreditation, and information on plans leading up ii. to extend accreditation in the recognised specialty
Programs and Continuing Professional Development to the next AMC reaccreditation. The education of Pathology by four years, to 31 March 2027. This
Programs by the AMC over 2022. The CPD homes provider’s trainee representative body is also invited accreditation decision covers the following fields of
Criteria had superseded these standards on 1 January to contribute to the submission. The Committee may specialty practice:
2023 so the AMC Directors’ assessment and decision decide that that review of the submission should
entail discussions with the education provider or an • General Pathology
reflected the change in standards.
assessment by an AMC team. If, on the basis of the • Anatomical pathology (including cytopathology)
AMC Directors, at their 10 March 2023 meeting, submission, the Committee decides that the educa-
resolved that: tion provider is continuing to satisfy the accreditation • Chemical Pathology
standards, it may recommend that the AMC Directors • Forensic Pathology
extend the accreditation of the program(s). The period

65 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 • Haematology transition arrangements for 2023. From 2024, all criteria, or that it substantially meets the criteria and
doctors other than those exempt by the standard, setting conditions will lead to all criteria being met in a
• Immunology
are required to join a CPD home to support their reasonable time.
• Microbiology continuing professional development. To enable
DoctorPortal Learning trading as CPD Home
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Oral the new registration standard, the AMC developed
(Australian Medical Association Western Australia)
Maxillofacial Surgery Program standards and procedures for the accreditation of
CPD homes. This accreditation process superseded At their meeting on 24 November 2022, AMC Directors
At their meeting on 24 November 2022, AMC Directors the AMC’s previous accreditation process and stan- granted initial accreditation to DoctorPortal Learning
extended the accreditation of the Royal Australasian dard relating to continuing professional development trading as CPD Home, subject to satisfactory moni-
College of Dental Surgeons training and education programs provided by AMC accredited specialist toring, up until completion of an accreditation assess-
program and continuing professional development medical colleges. ment by an AMC assessment team.
programs, in the recognised specialty of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery by five years, to 31 March 2028. The AMC now reviews and makes decisions on appli-
cations from organisations to become a CPD home Specialist medical colleges
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of and assures the quality of CPD homes to ensure they
Ophthalmologists At their meeting on 24 November 2022, AMC Directors
provide CPD programs that are robust, monitored
agreed to transition AMC-accredited specialist medical
and evaluated and meet the requirements of the
At their meeting on 24 November 2022, AMC Directors colleges to become CPD homes, subject to satisfactory
MBA’s Registration Standard: Continuing Professional
extended the accreditation of the Royal Australian monitoring, up until completion of an accreditation
Development through its monitoring process.
and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists training assessment by an AMC assessment team. The basis for
and education program and continuing professional At their meeting on 13 July 2023, AMC Directors this decision was the substantial similarity between
development programs, in the recognised specialty of approved the Criteria for AMC Accreditation of CPD the accreditation standards that have applied to
Ophthalmology by four years, to 31 March 2027. Homes, and on 15 September 2022, AMC Directors AMC-accredited specialist medical colleges and their
approved the Procedures for AMC Accreditation of CPD programs and the new criteria for CPD homes,
CPD homes CPD Homes along with the significant accreditation assessment
and monitoring activities that had been applied to
their CPD programs
Accreditation assessments: initial Initial accreditation as a CPD home
accreditation of organisations to become This accreditation decision covers the following
The Specialist Education Accreditation Committee
specialist medical colleges:
CPD homes in Australia completes the initial accreditation assessment based
on a review of the organisation’s submission against • Australasian College of Dermatologists
Approval of criteria and procedures for CPD homes the Criteria for AMC Accreditation of CPD Homes with
• Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
In 2023, the registration framework for continuing a view to making a recommendation on initial accredi-
professional development in Australia changed as tation to AMC Directors. • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
the MBA’s new Registration Standard: Continuing AMC Directors grant initial accreditation if the submis- • Australasian College of Sport and Exercise
Professional Development came into effect with sion demonstrates that the organisation meets the Physicians

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 66

 • Australian and New Zealand College of Planning for CPD home accreditation Endorsement for cosmetic surgery
Anaesthetists & the Faculty of Pain Medicine
assessments
• College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and The AMC has developed accreditation standards for
New Zealand The accreditation assessments for AMC-accredited cosmetic surgery programs of study on behalf of the
specialist medical colleges that are also accredited by MBA.
• Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
the AMC as a CPD home integrates the assessment
At their 28 February 2023 meeting, AMC Directors
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners of the specialist training program/s and CPD home
approved the Standards for Assessment and
provision. The following accreditation assessment
• Royal Australasian College of Medical Accreditation of Cosmetic Surgery Programs of Study
processes had begun at 30 June 2023:
Administrators including the Outcome (capability) statements for
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians • Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Cosmetic Programs of Study and submitted them to
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Assessment visit: July the MBA for the Board’s approval.
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
2023)
These standards came into effect on 19 April 2023 and
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of define the requirements of programs of study, which is
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Radiologists (Assessment visit: August/September to produce graduates who have acquired the neces-
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of 2023) sary knowledge and clinical skills to perform cosmetic
Ophthalmologists) surgery, and have the attributes to practise safely,
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of ethically and in the best interests of the patient.
Psychiatrists At their 8 June 2023 Meeting, AMC Directors approved
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of the accreditation procedures for AMC Accreditation
Radiologists of Cosmetic Surgery Programs of Study and deter-
mined that a Cosmetic Surgery Accreditation Advisory
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Committee be established to oversee the process for
Over November 2022-June 2023, AMC Directors assessment and accreditation of cosmetic surgery
considered a further 12 applications to become a CPD programs of study.
home and determined on the basis of an assessment
against the Criteria that these applicants should not be The accreditation standards are part of a suite of
accredited. measures implemented by the MBA, Ahpra and other
regulators to make cosmetic surgery safer for patients
in response to the Independent review of the regula-
tion of medical practitioners who perform cosmetic
surgery commissioned by the MBA and Aphra.

(For further details, see the full article on page 41.)

67 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

68
 Assessment and Innovation
The AMC Assessment and Innovation business area • relies on an evidence-based approach to examina- Assessment Committee Membership as at 30 June
is responsible for the assessment of international tion quality improvement by using research and 2023:
medical graduates seeking medical registration to data analysis to improve examination procedures, ~ Emeritus Professor David Prideaux – Chair
practise in Australia. To achieve this, the Assessment policy, and assessment outcomes. ~ Professor Amanda Barnard – Deputy Chair
and Innovation area: ~ Dr Ayesha Akram
Assessment Committee ~ Professor John Barnard
• partners with a range of subject matter experts
such as medical educators, assessment experts The Assessment Committee monitors the operation of ~ Assoc. Professor Amanda Dawson
and clinicians as well as stakeholders and staff to the AMC examinations, including primary source verifi- ~ Ms Christine Edwards
manage international medical graduate progress cation, and reviews the performance of the Multiple- ~ Professor Liz Farmer
along the pathway to securing an AMC Certificate Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) examination, and the ~ Dr Justin Gladman
• works collaboratively with medical schools and Clinical Examination and Workplace Based Assessment ~ Dr Peter Harris
specialist colleges to deliver examinations at the results. Several Panels and sub-groups report to ~ Dr Catherine Hickie
AMC National Test Centre (NTC) in Melbourne as the Committee, with a focus on the development
~ Professor Nicky Hudson
well as online and develops technologies, products, of examination questions and scenarios, approving
~ Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM
and services that ensure high quality assessment results and ongoing progress of the examinations and
~ Professor Philip Jones
delivery; and development of assessment processes.
~ Dr Mandeep Kalsi
~ Professor Kichu Nair AM
~ Professor Lambert Schuwirth
~ Tom Symonds
~ Dr David Thomas
~ Professor Josephine Thomas

Non-current members serving during 2022: -23

~ Assoc. Professor Peter Devitt

69
Assessment Committee structure

70
 • Determine the principles of the framework with Key objectives
PRIORITIES
links to AMC Strategic pillars and AMC values.
AMC:
In 2022-23 several projects were identified and under- • Promote culturally safe practice, Aboriginal and/or
taken to align with the AMC’s strategic pillars. The Torres Strait Islander health skills, and knowledge • To calibrate examination content by using more
major initiatives are set out below: and ensure it is firmly embedded in AMC exami- accurate data from actual student performances.
nations and to ensure continued evaluation and • To gain advantage by attracting some staff to
Create efficiency and quality development for improved outcomes on culturally become AMC item developers.
improvement across assessment safe and responsive healthcare.
MDANZ:
pathways Cultural Safety Reference Group
• To have access to high quality, Item Response
A Cultural Safety Reference Group will be established Theory calibrated examination questions to create
Cultural Safety in AMC assessments within the Assessment Committee structure to bring their benchmarking process.
together a number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Cultural Safety and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait • To create an opportunity for professional develop-
Islander subject matter experts, including an external
Islander Health are clear priorities for the AMC, yet ment of junior academic staff of medical schools to
consultant, to review, advise on and support the
assessment of this is limited in a station-based clinical write high quality MCQ items
development of a framework to establish Aboriginal
examination conducted either face-to-face or online.
and/or Torres Strait Islander health and cultural safety Benefits
Hence, alternative assessment approaches are being
into all aspects of AMC examinations.
developed in partnership with the Aboriginal and/ The data gained from the assessment benchmarking
or Torres Strait Islander and Māori Committee of the project has been extensively used by medical schools
AMC. The Committee has pointed to the need for a AMC and Medical Deans of Australia and and is considered an important source of information.
curriculum or blueprint to underpin this work. New Zealand (MDANZ) Collaboration
The psychometric reports are important as medical
The AMC’s Indigenous Policy and Programs team Project schools:
have met with key staff from the assessments area to
The benchmarking project was an opportunity for
discuss the implementation of cultural safety into the • use aspects of the data to inform gaps in
the AMC to provide MCQ content to medical schools
assessment of international medical graduates though curriculum
to use for ongoing benchmarking work, and to use
the pathways overseen or conducted by the AMC. • gain De-identified ranking data
the de-identified item data to improve calibration.
The purpose of this project is to: This was made possible with the introduction of the • can draw inferences from the data, and
computer-administered examination format used
• Establish a Framework to implement cultural safety • clarify what kinds of inferences are reasonable to
since 2011, with a total of 2,251 questions specifically
training and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander conclude from those data.
selected as part of this project. Participating institu-
Health into assessment (exam content) and strate- tions are able to select questions that line up with
gies across all aspects of the Standard Pathway their curriculum, and to use the statistical data to suit
(AMC examinations) to create culturally safe their own needs. The danger of leakage of questions
systems and ongoing learning. provided to MDANZ was considered minimal.

71 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Building Capacity in Multiple-Choice registered practitioners expressed interest, with five The introductory chapters of Australian Medicine in
appointments confirmed. Context are designed to inform international medical
Question Writing workshop graduates on what is required for practising medicine
As a result of this event, some resources are avail-
A networked workshop was held in February 2023 in Australia and contain an overview on Australian
able for training new item-writers and the AMC is in
to assist schools to build their capacity in quality culture and society. The Professional Practice chapter
the process of building an examiner resource site for
MCQ item writing and improve their self-sufficiency contains short sections on common and important
access to documents and training material.
in generating assessment items, thereby reducing patient presentations and highlights the Legal, Ethical
reliance on externally managed item banks where and Organisational topics required for practising
items may not suit the context or needs. Dr Peter Update the delivery of AMC medicine as well as generic skills needed by doctors.
Harris, Chair of the MCQ Assessment Panel, provided a publications and handbooks The book also includes sections on important issues
presentation on item-writing. in professional practice, including cultural safety. An
external review by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Around 350 medical school teachers attended at over Australian Medicine in Context publication
Islander Medical Practitioners and Educators has now
20 hubs, including NZ campuses and one campus The AMC Anthology of Medical Conditions, first been completed. A total of ten reviewers assisted
in Malaysia. Participants hosted in-person ‘hubs’ printed in 2003, will be replaced with a new publica- with this process to review the presentations and
at schools around Australia and New Zealand, with tion, Australian Medicine in Context to be published introductory chapters for strengths, gaps, omissions
selected AMC Examiners attending hubs in Melbourne, early 2024. The Editorial Group, led by Editor-in-chief and overall general readability, ensuring the publica-
Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle and Adelaide, and and Chair, Professor Tim Wilkinson, and Editor-in- tion is culturally safe. The feedback provided has been
participants connecting via zoom for the opening and chief Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, are overseeing the reviewed and is currently being incorporated into this
closing sessions. writing of the new publication to ensure the content publication.

Participant feedback remains current and reflects medicine in the context

There are several iterations of editing as well as
of Australian practice.
indexing, graphic design, marketing and stakeholder
Feedback from participants and MDANZ was positive:
This publication is designed to assist: communications before publication.
• 83% of respondents felt more confident about
• international medical graduates seeking to prac- Additional work is being undertaken in the AMC Exam
item-writing as a result of their attendance
tise in Australia but required to pass the AMC Content database to ensure that the classifications
• 99% of respondents would recommend colleagues assessments are updated to reflect the patient presentations in the
to attend if offered again, and new publication.
• panel members who write questions for the AMC
• Dr Peter Harris’ presentation was identified as the examinations or are looking to develop assess-
most useful component of the workshop. ments, and Assessment Pathway
Expression of interest as AMC MCQ item-writers • Australian medical students, as the resource sets
A diagram of the different registration pathway
As part of the evaluation form, participants were out what is needed at the point of graduation as a
requirements is presented in Figure 1. Details and
invited to express interest in becoming involved in the doctor.
statistics for the Standard Pathway component follow.
AMC MCQ item-writing groups. Over 24 Australian

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 72

 Registration pathway requirements

73
 check the integrity of the qualification documentation, 180 applications per week). A total of 957 additional
Verification Services
and confirm the awarded qualification directly with medical qualifications were added to international
The Verifications Services team: the issuing institution. ECFMG now has a total of 2,038 medical graduate portfolios.
medical institutions in the e-verifications system.
• assesses all international medical graduate applica- A summary of key statistics for the 2022-23 year
tions for primary and post-graduate and qualifica- In the 2022-23 reporting period a total of 9,356 follows.
tion verifications portfolio applications were established (an average of

• maintains the AMC qualifications portal which

is accessed by Australian Specialist Colleges and Verifications process
Ahpra to verify medical student primary and post-
graduate qualifications
• assists international medical graduates in estab-
lishing an AMC online portfolio, and
• updates international medical graduate verification
status with the Educational Commission for Foreign
Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
An international medical graduate seeking registration
in Australia and applying to complete the AMC exami-
nations must firstly have attained an eligible medical
qualification recognised by a medical school listed in
the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS) and
AMC website. This directory lists only medical schools
assessed as educational institutions that provide a
complete or full program of instruction leading to a
basic medical and surgery qualification; that is, a quali-
fication that permits the holder to obtain a licence to
practise as a medical doctor or physician.

The process of verifying international medical

graduate qualifications is described as Primary Source
Verification (PSV) and was implemented by the AMC
in 2006. PSV is designed to check and ensure the
integrity of basic and specialist medical qualifications
and is confirmed by the ECFMG who assist the AMC
to verify the international medical graduate identity,

74
 AMC portfolio applications statistics
Table 1: AMC Portfolio applications established and additional qualifications added Table 3: Requests for Primary Source Verification

EPIC verified EPIC verified

Qualification type 2021-22 2022-23 Variances Qualification type Variances
2021-22 2022-23

AMC Portfolio applications 5,383 9,356 (74%) Primary qualifications 4,745 8,257 (74%)
Postgraduate qualifications 1,852 2,642 (30%)
Additional qualifications added to portfolios 732 957 (30%)
Total qualifications verified 6,597 10,899 (65%)
Total qualifications verified 6,115 10,899 (59%)

Portfolio applications for 2022-23 is the highest number ever received. Numbers increased in 2022-23 by 59%, the highest numbers ever recorded.

Table 2: Ten highest volume countries of birth for international medical graduate
Portfolio applications
2021-22 2022-23 Significant
variances
Country Total Country Total (>10%)
United Kingdom 943 Sri Lanka 1,750 (86%)
Sri Lanka 725 United Kingdom 1,332 (84%)
India 669 India 1,226 (83%)
Ireland 512 Pakistan 588 (15%)
Iran 265 Philippines 508 (92%)
Pakistan 257 Malaysia 470 (83%)
Malaysia 240 Ireland 441 (83%)
Philippines 238 Iran 437 (84%)
South Africa 175 Nigeria 306 (75%)
Nigeria 134 Bangladesh 190 (42%)
Total 4,158 Total 7,248 (74%)
Compared to the 2021-22 period, only one of the ten highest countries remain
unchanged. The United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, and India remain the top contributors,
while South Africa was replaced by Bangladesh. Overall, numbers across the top 10
countries have increased in 2022-23 by 73%. The top 10 countries comprise just over
77% of all applications.

75 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Primary qualification verification statistics Postgraduate qualification verification statistics

Table 4: Ten highest volume countries by primary qualifications added to AMC Table 5: Ten highest volume countries by postgraduate training added to AMC
portfolios and verification completed portfolios and verification completed

2020-21 2021-22 Significant 2020-21 2021-22 Significant

variances variances
Country Total Country Total (>10%) Country Total Country Total (>10%)
United Kingdom 955 United Kingdom 1,257 (32%) United Kingdom 483 United Kingdom 619 (28%)
Ireland 562 Sri Lanka 1,184 India 260 India 370 (42%)
Sri Lanka 511 India 723 Sri Lanka 176 Sri Lanka 280 (59%)
India 407 Ireland 468 South Africa 133 South Africa 116
Philippines 237 Pakistan 444 USA 64 Iran 98
Pakistan 220 Philippines 441 Iran 54 Malaysia 80
Iran 212 Iran 316 (49%) Ireland 48 USA 77
China 127 Bangladesh 237 Hong Kong 42 Pakistan 60
Bangladesh 118 China 237 Canada 39 Nigeria 59
Malaysia 112 Malaysia 230 (105%) Malaysia 37 Philippines 55
Total 3,461 Total 5,537 (60%) Total 1,336 Total 1,814 (36%)

Compared to the 2021-22 period, three of the ten highest countries remain unchanged. Compared to the 2021-22 period, four of the ten highest countries remain unchanged.
Ireland, Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh changed posi- The USA, Iran, Ireland, Hong Kong and Malaysia changed positions with Canada
tions, with no replacements recorded. Overall, numbers across the top 10 countries replaced by Philippines. Overall, numbers across the top 10 countries have increased in
have increased in 2022-23 by 60%, with the highest numbers ever recorded. The top 10 2022-23 by 36%. The top 10 countries comprise just over 69% of all applications.
countries comprise just over 67% of all applications.

AMC Top Medical Schools Activity

Summary of the schools with the highest volumes of applications or verifications of
primary qualifications: Appendix A

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 76

 MyIntealth replacing the EPIC Report AMC and ECFMG ensure that credentials of healthcare • the capacity to take a patient’s history, conduct
professionals are rigorously verified. a physical examination, formulate diagnostic
Portal and management plans, and communicate with
This scrutiny is an integral part of AMC's primary
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical patients, their families and other health workers.
source verification process, as mandated by the
Graduates (ECFMG) and the Foundation for The MCQ Examination is a test of the principles and
Medical Board of Australia for medical registration and
Advancement of International Medical Education and practice of medicine in the fields of: Adult Health -
to safeguard the quality of healthcare in Australia.
Research (FAIMER) announced the creation of a new, Medicine; Adult Health - Surgery; Women’s Health
overarching identity in November 2021. - Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Child Health; Mental
Multiple Choice Question Health; and Population Health & Ethics. The multiple
MyIntealth will replace the Electronic Portfolio of
Examinations choice questions reflect common clinical conditions
International Credentials (EPIC) Physician Portal in late
in the Australian community. To achieve a satisfac-
2023, and the EPIC Report Portal in early 2024. The AMC Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Examination
tory level of performance, a candidate will require a
assesses the medical knowledge of international
With the launch of MyIntealth, ECFMG will discon- knowledge of pathogenesis, clinical features, investiga-
medical graduates who attained an eligible medical
tinue the name EPIC. This change will not impact the tive findings, differential diagnosis, management and
qualification from a medical school listed in the World
verification services provided as ECFMG will continue treatment.
Director of Medical Schools (WDoMS) and recognised
to verify the authenticity of credentials using their
by the AMC. The MCQ Examination, which is delivered
high-quality primary-source verification process and Statistical reporting
as a Computer-Based Adaptive Test, forms the first
deliver reports to the AMC through a secure online
examination component of the standard pathway. All
system. ECFMG is working closely with the AMC on the In the 2022-23 reporting period a total of 4,468 MCQ
international medical graduates are required to pass
processes involved. Examinations were conducted by the AMC in Australia
the MCQ Examination in order to progress on the
or in one of 352 internationally controlled examination
Once finalised, updates and information will be pathway towards receiving an AMC Certificate and
facilities, with 285 in USA and a further 67 globally
provided on the AMC website, AMC candidate portal, applying to the Medical Board of Australia for medical
(Asia-Pacific & Europe, the Middle East and Africa).
as well as both the Ahpra and Specialist Colleges registration.
portals. Of that number, 2,987 international medical graduates
The MCQ Examination focuses on basic and applied
were presenting for the first time. This is a significant
medical knowledge across a wide range of topics
increase from the previous year as testing centres are
Conflict affected countries and disciplines. International medical graduates are
operating at normal capacity.
required to demonstrate:
The AMC and ECFMG remain diligent in their moni-
A total of 2,119 international medical graduates
toring of the impact of international conflict on • understanding of the disease process
passed the examination and qualified to proceed to
medical education and training and the verification
• competency in clinical examination, diagnosis, the AMC clinical examination. Appendix B: MCQ COT
of medical credentials. Ongoing conflict can disrupt
investigation, therapy and management skills Report
education, affecting the availability and quality of
medical training and the reliability of graduates' quali- • an ability to exercise judgment and reasoning in
fications. By closely scrutinizing these situations, the distinguishing between the correct diagnosis and
plausible alternatives, and

77 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

AMC CAT MCQ examinations are conducted in more than 350 Pearson VUE testing centres across 27 countries world wide

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 78

 New testing centres added to conduct
MCQ Examinations
In response to the growing demand for standardised
testing from international medical graduates, addi-
tional testing centres have been introduced in high
demand countries to expand accessibility and alleviate
some of the logistical challenges faced.

The AMC has been negotiating additional testing

centres with Pearson VUE since July 2022 including
three venues to open in 2024: .

• Pakistan (Lahore) – to open in 2024

• Malaysia (Colombo) – to open in 2024
• Sri Lanka (Malaysia) – to open in 2024

Table 6: MCQ examination Statistics comparison

2021-22 2022-23 Variances

Total international medical graduates undertaking examination 2,696 4,468 (66%)
Presenting for the first time 1,760 2,987 (70%)
Total passed 1,250 2,119 (70%)
Total passed % 46% 47% (1%)

Compared to 2021-22, the numbers for 2022-23 presented exceptionally high volumes of international medical gradu-
ates that have sat the MCQ examination.

MCQ examination Country of Training Statistics

Breakdown of the international medical graduates who have taken the MCQ examination by country of training:
Appendix B

79 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 developed and offered an online clinical examination Statistical reporting
Clinical Examinations
format during that time.
Once an international medical graduate has passed In the 2022-23 reporting period the AMC conducted
However, due to the expiry of its lease, the NTC closed 142 clinical examinations, assessing 2,053 interna-
the AMC MCQ Examination they are eligible to apply
in October 2023. The final in-person clinical examina- tional medical graduates. A total of 426 passed the
to undertake the AMC Clinical Examination or, alter-
tions were conducted on 13 October 2023. The AMC examination and qualified for the AMC Certificate. Of
natively, participate in a Workplace Based Assessment
will be establishing a new AMC independent test these, 863 presented for the first time.
program.
centre in Melbourne, expected to open towards the
The AMC Clinical Examination assesses an interna- end of 2024.
tional medical graduate’s clinical competency and
The online clinical examination will be offered during
requires demonstration of clinical ability at the level
the shut down period.
of an Australian graduating final year medical student
about to commence the (pre-registration) intern year.

Examination content is developed across a broad

range of required clinical disciplines such as:

• history taking
Table 7: Clinical examination Statistics comparison
• physical examination
• diagnostic formulation; and 2021-22 2022-23 Variances
Total International medical graduates undertaking examination
• management, counselling and education skills.
Clinical examinations are delivered in the format of • Online examination = 544 1,787 2,053 (15%)
an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), • NTC examination = 1,509
consisting of 14 scored and 2 unscored stations Presenting for the first time 962 863 (-11%)
(scenarios) which require the presence of an examiner
Total passed 381 426 (12%)
and a simulated or real patient.
Total passed % 21% 21% 0
From 2013 to 2020 all AMC clinical examinations were
conducted at the purpose-built NTC in Melbourne. The There was a steady increase from the previous year with both the online and face-to-face clinical examinations avail-
NTC was closed for examinations from March 2021 to able. Compared to the 2022-23, the pass rate has remained unchanged at 21%.
March 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The AMC
Clinical examination Country of Training Statistics
Breakdown of international medical graduates by examination attempt and country of training: Appendix C

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 80

 Clinical Online Examination process

81 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Clinical face-to-face Examination process

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 82

 work under supervision, to demonstrate their ability
Workplace Based Assessment Statistical reporting
to integrate clinical knowledge and skills as a basis
The workplace based assessment (WBA) pathway for effective clinical judgments and decisions and to WBA programs are provided by health services accred-
provides international medical graduates with an track their development towards becoming a medical ited by the AMC. Eight new providers received initial
alternative assessment pathway to the AMC Clinical practitioner in the Australian setting. accreditation during 2022-23.
Examination and leads to the award of an AMC
The WBA program uses a variety of assessment In the 2022-23 reporting period, ten accredited WBA
Certificate. In the WBA pathway, international medical
methods including Case Based Discussions, Mini providers assessed 209 international medical gradu-
graduates are assessed using the AMC Computer
Clinical Examinations (Mini-CEX), Direct Observation of ates, with a total of 206 completing the assessment
Adaptive Test (CAT) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)
Procedural Skills, Multi-Source Feedback from medical to a satisfactory standard and qualifying for the AMC
Examination, followed by a 6 to 12 month program
colleagues and other health practitioners, as well as Certificate.
of workplace based assessment of clinical skills and
In-Training Assessments.
knowledge by an AMC-accredited provider.
(See also Accreditation of Workplace Based WBA accredited providers as at June
As the WBA program assesses candidates in the
Assessment (WBA) Providers 60.) 2023
workplace it allows international medical graduates to

There are 24 AMC accredited Workplace Based

Table 8: WBA Statistics Assessment providers, with nine new providers
accredited in 2022-23.
2021-22 2022-23 Variances
Total international medical graduates undertaking and completing the 156 209 (34%)
Workplace Based Assessment
Total international medical graduates passing the Workplace Based 153 206
Assessment
Total international medical graduates Workplace Based Assessment results *3 2
pending
Total international medical graduates failed the Workplace Based 0 1
Assessment

* Required to undertake further assessments

WBA Statistics
Breakdown of international medical graduates assessed through the WBA Program by country of training and
provider Appendix D: WBA Statistics

83 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Location of WBA accredited providers as at June 2023
NT

} Top End Regional Health

Qld

} Mackay Hospital and Health Service - NEW

} Metro North Hospital and Health Service - NEW
} Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service - NEW
} Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services
} Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services
} Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service - NEW

NSW

} Mid North Coast Local Health District (Kempsey

District Hospital)
} Hunter New England Local Health District
} Northern New South Wales Local Health District
} Central Coast Local Health District
} South Western Sydney Local Health District
} Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
SA } Western Sydney Local Health District - NEW
WA } Limestone Coast Local
Health Network
} Rockingham General Hospital - NEW VIC
} Northern Adelaide Local
} Joondalup Health Campus - NEW } Mildura Base Public Hospital - NEW
Health Network
} Armadale Kalamunda Group - NEW } Latrobe Regional Hospital
} WA Country Health } Monash Health

TAS

} Launceston General Health

84
 Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Topics included: This included a yarning session on cultural safety
and what training and assessment looks like in a
Provider Forum } WBA Provider Perspectives
prevocational setting, including current processes
• Reflections moving into a second decade of and opportunities for development.
The WBA program provides international
WBA program delivery, including reflections
medical graduates (IMGs) who have success-
from a new provider Providers agreed that cultural safety components
fully completed the AMC MCQ examination with
were currently lacking in WBA programs and
an alternative assessment pathway to the AMC • Supporting IMGs in robust WBA assessment
this was identified as an area for improvement.
clinical examination. In the WBA pathway, IMGs programs
Attendees were informed of the AMC currently
employed in a health service accredited by the
} WBA IMGs Perspectives embarking on a Cultural in Safety in Assessment
AMC as a WBA program provider, complete a
• Experience of undertaking the WBA program, project.
program of workplace-based assessment of
clinical skills and knowledge. including perspective of the WBA program
} Learning from AMC processes
Following from the AMC National Workshop on
Workplace Based Assessment held in 2018, a • Reflections from the Accreditation Committee
follow-up WBA Provider Forum was hosted by the and Results Panel Chairs
AMC in July 2023. } Areas for development – WBA Reference Group
Projects
The 65 Attendees included WBA program
providers, AMC committee and WBA panel • Principles for ensuring breadth in assessment
members, IMGs who had completed the WBA • Developing a shared approach to multi-source
program, and AMC staff. feedback assessment.

There was a high level of engagement by work- } AMCs commitment to cultural safety
shop participants, reflecting the commitment by
senior clinicians, medical educators, and AMC
panel members to explore the strengths and
challenges of, and improvements to, the WBA
program.

85 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Reducing the AMC's footprint
AMC server room electricity usage
Solar panels installed Other initiatives
A 70 kilowatt PV (photovoltaic) solar array has been The recent upgrade of our network storage array
installed on the roof top of 4 Marcus Clarke. The has seen server room power consumption cut by
system will generate around 280 kilowatt hours over 40%, reflected in the graph on server room
of electricity per day – eight times larger than the electricity usage (not overall power use).
average domestic solar installation.
The first half of 2024 will see the installation of a
It is expected to pay for itself in approximately seven modern building management system (BMS) – a
years and will have a useful lifetime of approximately smart control for the buildings heating and air
25 years, potentially saving the AMC close to half a conditioning.
million dollars in electricity costs.

Due to the limitations of the roof (size and shape) the

system will only generate approximately a quarter of
the building’s electricity needs. However, the AMC is
exploring other ways to reduce energy use and imple-
ment efficiencies to reduce its environmental impact
and costs.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 86

 Engagement
The AMC’s ability to promote and protect the health } maintains a broad membership of it Council and Confederation of Postgraduate Medical
of the Australian community through a safe and its Committees, working parties and other expert Education Councils (CPMEC)
competent medical workforce is enhanced and groups providing stakeholder nominees with the
CPMEC is the peak body for prevocational
strengthened through working with partners and ability to contribute directly to decision-making
medical education and training.
stakeholders on areas of common strategic intent, and policy development.
undertaking joint initiatives in areas of shared The AMC engages with numerous peak bodies repre-
interest, and maintaining awareness of current issues senting its many and varied stakeholders including:
across the medical continuum. Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges
(CPMC)
To facilitate this outcome, the AMC:
Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and CPMC brings together the specialist
} meets regularly with national stakeholders, both medical colleges of Australia.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
formally and informally
Agency (Ahpra)
} is represented on Committees, Boards and other
groups through its Directors, Members and staff The AMC, as the MBA's appointed
accreditation authority under the Health Universities Australia
} consults on key developments such as the review
of medical school accreditation standards Practitioner Regulation National Law (the Universities Australia is the peak body for
National Law), works closely with the MBA the university sector.
} participates in conferences, workshops and other
to keep it informed of the way the AMC
forums
discharges its accreditation functions and
} develops and maintains international links with provide it with reports and information
accreditation agencies and other stakeholders required under the National Law. It also Medical Deans Australia and New
such as health sector assessment, technology, and works collaboratively with the Ahpra, Zealand (MDANZ)
education affiliates which supports the work of the MBA.
MDANZ is the peak body representing
} collaborates on projects and areas of work
professional entry-level medical educa-
} hosts conferences, workshops and summits tion, training and research in Australia and
} contributes to enquiries, and New Zealand.

87
Australian Indigenous Doctors Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
Association (AIDA) Medical Workforce Reform Advisory
The Medical Council of New Zealand’s role
AIDA is a not-for-profit organisation is to protect and promote public health Committee (MWRAC)
whose purpose is to contribute to equi- and safety as the medical regulator in The Committee advises Commonwealth, state
table health and life outcomes, and the New Zealand. and territory health ministers on medical
cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres workforce reform priorities.
Strait Islander Peoples.
Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa – Māori Medical
Practitioners Association (Te ORA)
Health Professions Accreditation
Australian Collaboration for Clinical Te ORA is the professional body repre- Collaborative Forum
Assessment in Medicine (ACCLAiM) senting Māori medical students and
doctors working as clinicians, researchers The Forum is a coalition of the accreditation
ACCLAiM provides the opportunity for authorities of the regulated health profes-
and teachers.
Australian and New Zealand Medical sions. The AMC, as the appointed accredi-
Schools to collaborate on clinical assess- tation authority for the Medical Board of
ment, thereby contributing to the devel- Western Pacific Association for Medical Australia, is a member of the Forum and
opment of a national framework for Education (WPAME) since 2007 has provided its secretariat and
standard setting of assessment in medical administrative support. The Forum works
WPAME is the regional association of the
schools. collaboratively to support good accreditation
World Federation for Medical Education
practices, to strengthen networking opportu-
concerned with the support and devel-
nities and share understanding of accredita-
opment of medical education in the
Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education tion processes, and to contribute to national
countries in the Western Pacific Region of
(LIME) boards and Australian Health Practitioner
the World Health Organization. The AMC
Regulation Agency joint meetings.
The LIME Network is a dynamic network provides Secretariat support.
dedicated to ensuring the quality and
effectiveness of teaching and learning of
Indigenous health in medical education
as well as best practice in the recruitment
and graduation of Indigenous medical
students.

88
 From Canberra to Ottawa: the AMC and
the MCC forge stronger ties
On September 21 and 22, 2023, the Medical Council
A focus on Indigenous health and Common considerations across the
of Canada (MCC) enthusiastically welcomed a delega-
tion from the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to cultural safety Australian and Canadian systems
our office in Ottawa. This visit was an opportunity for
Before delving into the agenda, both AMC and MCC Both the AMC and MCC share a common objective
the two organizations to share knowledge on mutual
teams were honoured to hear wise words from Elder of upholding excellence in health care. They ensure
interests and to increase understanding of the assess-
Albert Dumont, and the musical talent of singer and that practising physicians in Australia and in Canada
ment environments in Australia and Canada. Given the
drummer Claire Brascoupé, both from the Anishinaabe respectively have the skills, knowledge, as well as
disruption of international collaboration due to the
Algonquin Nation. the professional and ethical behaviours to meet the
pandemic, the in-person meeting with our Australian
highest standard of patient care. While their goals
counterparts was especially welcomed. Key discus- Among the many topics covered over the two days,
align, there are notable differences between the
sions revolved around assessments and critical topics the MCC was particularly interested to learn about the
roles of the two organizations. The AMC is respon-
like pathways to licensure for international medical AMC's commitment to ensuring culturally safe practice
sible for accrediting medical programs across the
graduates (IMGs), Indigenous relations, culturally safe and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and/or
medical education continuum as well as assessing
practice, and data management. Torres Strait Islander and Māori Peoples. In addition to
IMGs, whereas the MCC focuses on assessing the
the delegation’s visit, the following week, AMC Chief
core competencies of all physicians in Canada —both
Executive Officer (CEO) Philip Pigou delivered an inspi-
Canadian and international medical graduates— prior
rational speech at the MCC Annual Meeting, empha-
to specialty training and certification.
sizing the concept of public value within the regula-
tory context. Mr. Pigou offered valuable insights into The discussions in Ottawa focused on key areas
cultural safety and workforce considerations, drawing for future collaboration on assessment practices.
from the Australian experience. His address invited The teams contemplated the development of new
the audience to reflect more broadly on the challenges approaches in assessment that align with the evolving
facing medical education, as well as regulatory and health care environment in both countries, such
assessment communities. Mr. Pigou also engaged in as incorporating artificial intelligence and machine
productive conversations with other leaders about learning into evaluations. As Australia and Canada face
Written by the Medical Council of Canada and
the work the MCC can achieve on transforming health similar challenges in terms of health human resources,
reproduced with permission.
care. the groups also discussed strategies for efficient

89 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

and ethical recruitment policies for IMGs, as well as Indigenous Peoples. He also stressed the necessity of In keeping the momentum of this collaborative work,
approaches to expedite their integration into the including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori the AMC and MCC teams will have an opportunity to
system while ensuring safe and high-quality care. Peoples in assessment and accreditation processes, expand on the areas of collaboration they touched
emphasizing that such change requires leadership upon during the meeting and extend the conversation
Cultural safety in medical education and assessment
“with a clear vision, purpose and values.” to the broader international community of researchers
was another pivotal topic and presented an opportu-
and practitioners. Despite the geographical distance,
nity for the teams to exchange on the work being done
both organizations are steadfast in nurturing their
in their respective medical landscape for advancing
relationship through future virtual interactions, with
equity, diversity and inclusion. "Our strategy must be to engage with all our the aim of creating a more interconnected and resil-
publics, all our communities – to help transform ient medical education landscape.
As virtualization to support exam delivery is being
health outcomes in collectively desired
increasingly used, another significant theme on the
directions."
agenda was the administration of remotely proc-
Philip Pigou, CEO of the Australian Medical Council
tored examinations. The MCC team, taking from the
experience of delivering two examinations by remote
proctoring as an alternative to test centres, shared
their insights on exam security and spoke to improving Highlighting the continued efforts towards promoting
the candidate experience in remote proctored exami- self-determination and partnership with Indigenous
nations while maintaining validity and integrity. The communities, he explained how the AMC brought
MCC’s high-quality preparatory products, that are in Indigenous staff and board members to lead and
valuable exam preparation tools for candidates, also achieve change, as part of its strategy to support
spurred interest from the AMC. Indigenous health in all aspects of its work. Mr. Pigou
also noted that, while those considerations apply to
Engaging with all publics to help the context of accreditation of medical education
in Australia, the principles are similar for any work
transform health outcomes involving and affecting Indigenous Peoples.
As a guest speaker at the MCC Annual Meeting, AMC
To conclude his address, Mr. Pigou shared valuable
CEO Philip Pigou drew on his expertise from an 18-year
considerations on workforce and the ethical aspect of
regulatory career to offer a compelling presenta-
IMGs recruitment —a common challenge for Australia
tion on “Adding value to the public.” Reflecting on
and Canada— and outlined the initiative that the
Elizabeth Davis’ inspirational comment “You can’t
AMC undertook to increase understanding of the
speak for me if I haven’t had a say,” Mr. Pigou talked
IMG journey, starting with a review of how IMGs are
about the need to build an all-inclusive and dynamic
assessed in order to implement changes.
approach that embraces public value. He highlighted
the AMC’s commitment to cultural safety and under-
scored its importance in improving health outcomes of

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 90

 Finance and Investment

audit report after doing an independent external Expenditure has increased during the year with
2023 Annual Financial Report
audit on the value of AMC’s assets, liabilities owed, increased activity as detailed in this annual report
The AMC 2022/23 Annual Financial Report includes the and income and expenses recognised as well as a including the delivery of the Cosmetic Surgery stan-
components required by the Australian Charities and review of key financial controls particularly those that dards, Medical School Accreditation Standards,
Not-for-profits Commission Act, including the: prevent and/or mitigate the risk of fraud. Among the the National Framework for Prevocational Medical
documents reviewed by the auditors were meeting Training Review, and the Accreditation of Continuing
} Directors’ report, including the auditor’s papers for AMC’s Committees to ensure all matters of Professional Development Homes. This has meant
independence declaration relevance to the financial statements were identified more staff have been hired. While video conferencing
} Audited financial statements and reported in the financial statements. continues to be used for meetings, there has been
• statement of financial position an increase in travel costs with more meetings held

• statement of profit and loss AMC Finances in-person compared to the previous year.

• statement of cash flows The main objectives of AMC financial operating There have also been additional expenses recognised
strategy are to: for make good costs relating to the National Testing
• statement of changes in equity Centre in Melbourne. The lease expired 31 October
• notes to the financial statements } optimise all current revenue streams 2023 and, under the contract, the AMC was required
} develop new income streams to ensure future to make good the premises.
} Directors’ declaration that the financial statements
financial stability, and
comply with accounting standards, give a true and Finally, $1.4m in impairment expenses has been
fair view, there are reasonable grounds to believe } review and carefully manage all expenditure and recognised in the financial statements as additional
the company will be able to pay its debts, the maintain an efficient cost structure. expenditure. This is a one-off expense item and relates
financial statements have been made in accordance The 2023 financial year saw strong improvement in to costs previously incurred to develop various assets,
with the Corporations Act, and AMC’s performance with a greater number of candi- such as software programs and publications, which
} Independent auditor’s report. dates applying for verification and MCQ examinations. were capitalised as assets. An analysis performed
This increase has been attributed, in part, to many in the current year indicated a low financial return
The financial statements were prepared according
international jurisdictions lifting travel restrictions expected on these investments and, in accordance
to the Australian Accounting Standards—Simplified
and/or candidates increased willingness to travel thus with Australian Accounting Standards, the amounts
Disclosures, Interpretations of the Australian
including the flow of international medical graduates have to be de-recognised as assets and instead recog-
Accounting Standards Board and were audited by
(IMGs) through AMC’s assessment pathways. nised as an expense.
Nexia Duesburys. The auditors gave an unqualified

91 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

Financial summary 2022/23 compared to 2021/22 graph

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 92

 Other key financial achievements include: • reviewing supplier contracts to identify cost
savings
} The AMC’s long term investment reserve continued
to generate income and capital growth for future • maintaining a hybrid approach to delivering
operational and working capital requirements. accreditations and IMG assessments with some
The return target is measured over a rolling 5-year work conducted online (Zoom) rather than
period and is set at CPI + 3%. In the current year, in-person, consequently reducing costs
markets improved such that AMC has met its long
• reviewing internal systems to identify
term target.
improvement areas that drive operational
} Strategies, innovations and solutions were efficiencies
implemented to continue providing assessment
• critically assessing new projects to ensure there
and accreditation services at a high standard while
is a clear cost-benefit justification.
balancing costs:

Table: Financial summary comparison

2022/23 2021/22
Total revenue and other income 32,499,514 20,736,183
Total expenses 29,026,212 21,965,998
Surplus/(Deficit) 3,473,302 (1,229,815)
Revaluation of land and buildings (114,167) -
Total comprehensive Surplus/(Loss) 2,348,660 -1,696,328

Total current assets 31,520,369 19,216,626

Total non-current assets 18,337,769 20,650,434
Total assets 49,858,138 39,867,060

Total current liabilities 17,951,302 12,064,907

Total non-current liabilities 6,666,752 5,921,204
Total liabilities 24,618,054 17,986,111
Net assets 25,240,084 21,880,949
Total equity 25,240,084 21,880,949

93 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 Graph: Solvency
Solvency
AMC has maintained a strong solvency position over
the current year with strong cash flows improving the 4.0
3.74
solvency position from the previous year. As at 30 June 3.5
3.48
2023, AMC’s solvency position (as measured by current
assets divided by current liabilities) is 1.76, an increase 3.0
from 1.59 the previous year.
2.5
2.51
Cash flow is monitored on a monthly basis including 1.85 1.89
2.0
performing regular forecasts to better plan for 1.47 1.53 1.51 1.76
1.94
expected cash needs against expected cash receipts 1.5
which can sometimes be cyclical in nature. 1.59
1.0
Management has a strong focus on ensuring cash is 1.1 1.25
managed effectively including generating interest 0.5
income on cash balances at competitive rates, where 0
possible. Alternative investment options are also 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
considered, with any options (which may generate a
higher return) being assessed against the risk of nega-
tive returns.

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 94

 The AMC recognises its important responsibility to
Investments AMC long-term investment reserve 12 month
performance
pursue positive environmental, social and governance
The AMC maintains a long term investment reserve to (ESG) change through its investments.
generate income and capital growth for future opera-
In selecting its investments, the AMC applies ESG Portfolio valuation 1/7/2022 $11.32M
tional and working capital requirements. The AMC
criteria to seek out those that align with the United
Investment Policy Advisory Group (IPAG) oversees the Porfolio Income $452k
Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals while
investment which is managed by Macquarie Private
providing good financial returns, attractive investment Franking credits (indicative) $47k
Bank.
portfolio characteristics and appropriate management
Market movements $725k
The long term investment reserve and the role of fees.
(unrealised growth)
IPAG are directed by the AMC’s Long Term Investment
The AMC pursues ESG criteria in its investments Net Contributions Nil
Reserve Policy.
through the use of exclusion, integration and impact:
The current asset allocations are 75% growth assets Porfolio valuation 30/6/2023 $12.5M
} exclude investments with a material exposure to
and 25% defensive assets. There is also an ethical
the tobacco, uranium, weapons manufacturing or
investment overlay for active investment managers.
gambling industries, those engaged in exploitative
The benchmark for the reserves is CPI + 3% over a labour practises, the inhumane treatment of
rolling 5 year period. It is accepted that in the pursuit animals or environmentally-damaging activities,
of long-term objectives, occasionally negative returns such as the extraction of coal-seam gas
will occur. The AMC considers it acceptable to suffer } integrate investments through share funds using
one negative annual return in any rolling five-year screening methodologies
period, provided that the overall five-year investment } invest for impact in areas aligned with the AMC’s
return target is achieved. objectives and strategic priorities, i.e., health and
wellbeing, positive outcomes for Aboriginal, Torres
Strait Islander and Māori communities.
The AMC acknowledges that the ESG investment sector
as a whole is still developing and therefore seeks to
achieve the following ESG investment targets across
the ESG sector: 40% by 2025; 50% by 2027, and 60% by
2030.

95 Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report

 AMC investment impacts based on the $586,000 invested in the strategy for one year as at 31 December 2022*
The funds environmental impact in
action
The Impax Sustainable Leaders Fund (the Fund) seeks
to achieve sustainable, above market returns over the 75t CO2e avoided 2 megalitres water
longer term by investing globally in companies active vgreenhouse gas provided/saved/treated
in Environmental Markets. These markets address a emmissions
Equivalent to 15 households'
number of long-term macroeconomic themes: growing
Equivalent to 49 cars off the annual water consumption
populations, rising living standards, increasing urban-
isation, rising consumption, and depletion of limited road
natural resources.

Impax’s Classification of environmental markets

The Fund seeks companies providing a positive impact

through environmental solutions and net carbon
reductions to help lead the transition to a sustainable
global economy, are leaders in environmental markets,
18 MWh renewable 22 tonnes material
and offer resource efficiency.
energy generated recovered/waste treated

Equivalent to 5 households' Equivalent to 22 house-

annual electricity consumption holds' annual waste output

* There can be no assurance that results in the future

will be comparable to the results presented herein.
Source: Impax Asset Management. Based on most
recently reported annual environmental data for hold-
ings and assets under management as of 31 December
2022. Impax’s impact methodology is based on equity
value. Refer to the Methodology section at the back
of the report for further details on methodology and
summarized data that was available and estimated for
companies in the portfolio.

The Impax Sustainable Leaders Fund’s Beyond Financial

Returns Report 2023 can be found here.

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 Appendices
Appendix A: AMC Top Medical Schools Activity as at 30 June 2023
Summary of the schools with the highest volumes of applications or verifications of primary qualifications.

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 Appendix B – MCQ Country of Training Report
Breakdown of the international medical graduates who have taken the MCQ examination by country of training.

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Appendix B – MCQ Country of Training Report Continued

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 Appendix B – MCQ Country of Training Report Continued

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Appendix C: Clinical Examination Country of Training Statistics
Breakdown of international medical graduates by examination attempt and country of training.

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 Appendix C: Clinical Examination Country of Training Statistics Continued

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Appendix C: Clinical Examination Country of Training Statistics Continued

Australian Medical Council Ltd 2022-23 Annual Report 124

 Appendix D: WBA Statistics
Breakdown of international medical graduates assessed through the WBA Program by country of training and provider.

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Appendix D: WBA Statistics Continued

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 Vale

Carl Matheson

The AMC wishes to pay tribute to the life and career Carl's dedication and exceptional work ethic led to his One of Carl’s most significant achievements during his
of Carl Matheson, a highly respected and dedicated appointment as AMC’s Director of Assessment and time at the AMC was his vision for a world-class, best-
professional who made significant contributions Innovation in January 2015. In this role, he played a practice testing facility, resulting in the establishment
during his tenure of a decade. pivotal role in shaping the AMC's assessment strate- of the National Test Centre (NTC) in Melbourne.
gies and fostering a culture of innovation.
Carl passed away earlier this year after a prolonged Under his guidance, the NTC became a shining example
illness. Here we remember the key milestones and Throughout his tenure at the AMC, Carl consistently of excellence in testing facilities, earning recognition
accomplishments during his time at the AMC and the demonstrated commitment to the organisation's and admiration from national and international peers
profound impact he had on our organisation. purpose and the well-being of his team. Even during and competitors alike. Carl was involved in every facet
his prolonged illness, he remained actively engaged, of the NTC, from its inception to its continued success.
Carl joined the AMC in June 2012, in the role of Project
ensuring that the high standards of the business were
Manager, AMC Examination Centre Development. Carl’s passing is a profound loss. He leaves behind a
upheld. His approach to leadership served as a testa-
From the outset, his commitment to the AMC and his legacy of excellence, innovation, and dedication and
ment to his character and values, leaving a lasting
team was evident. will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of
impression on those who worked alongside him.
working with him.

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