News
Who and what is the AMA, and why is it important for IMGs?
Tuesday July 8, 2025
When I first moved to Australia, my primary goal was to pass the AMC exams and secure a job. I was thrilled when I achieved that, and my focus shifted to working and socialising with friends.
At that time, I never really thought about how the healthcare system operated or what rights and entitlements I had as an IMG. I didn’t consider whether I could make my work environment a better place for both myself and my colleagues. Frankly, I didn’t believe I could make a difference.
Fast forward to today: I open my LinkedIn feed daily and see a mix of success stories and frustrations from IMGs. Through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and other media outlets, I’ve connected with IMGs from diverse backgrounds working across the Australian healthcare system. What I’ve found is that many of us are unaware of what we are entitled to, or what the best path forward is for our careers in Australia.
Honestly, this is why I’m advocating for the AMA. I understand the frustrations, and I feel them too. It’s frustrating to see that UK doctors can enter the Australian healthcare system without prior experience, while many IMGs struggle. It’s equally frustrating to know that some of the most sought-after specialties — desirable to trainees and doctors who’ve completed both the AMC 1 & 2 exam — remain inaccessible through the expedited specialist pathway. But real change comes through increased representation, involvement, and engagement with the system.
When I started my job, I must admit, it was my partner who first suggested I join the AMA (WA). He told me I needed a team that would back me up. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of this advice, perhaps because it wasn’t something I had been exposed to, or maybe I was simply naïve.
In 2021, 52% of General Practitioners were IMGs, according to a GPRA article. Since then, the number of IMGs in general practice has doubled, according to Commonwealth data published on June 23, 2024. This figure doesn’t even account for the numerous junior and senior international medical doctors working across various specialties in hospitals across Australia.
It’s time for change. It’s time for us to understand not just the issues in the specialties we work in or the hospitals we’re employed at, but also the broader issues faced by our colleagues across the country. Here’s a list of individuals who represent IMGs across various states and territories. We’re here to support and represent you, no matter your nationality. Our journeys may differ, but ultimately, we all share a common goal.
IMG Representatives:
- Dr Maha Selvanathan – AMA New South Wales, IMG-WG Chair
- Dr Emily Dauway – AMA Queensland
- Dr Priya Balanarayanan – IMG Representative, AMA (WA)
- Dr Anand Gundabawady – IMG Representative, Queensland
- A/Prof Michael Steyn – IMG Representative, Queensland
- Dr Gurleen Kaur – AMA Northern Territory
- Dr Usha Parvathy – AMA New South Wales
- Dr David Allan – IMG Representative, New South Wales
- Dr Ayaz Chowdhury – IMG Representative, New South Wales
- Dr Ayaz Aslam – AMA South Australia
- Dr Jayanthi Selvam – IMG Representative, South Australia
- Prof Vasu Iyengar – AMA Victoria
- Dr Palmyra De Banks – IMG Representative, Victoria
