Impeding the supply of expertise in Australian health care: actions of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

Abstract

Australia is an attractive workplace for overseas-trained specialist (OTS) anaesthetists. The path to recognition of the qualifications and experience of OTS anaesthetists is, in my opinion, bogged down in an overzealous assessment procedure. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is a self-proclaimed professional body that is not subject to regulation by the federal government. Medical authorities such as the Australian Medical Council and state medical boards have no influence on ANZCA's assessment criteria and procedures. In my opinion, the current state of affairs with regard to assessment of OTS anaesthetists can not be justified.