Two overseas-trained doctors working for North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) have gained their Australian Medical Council (AMC) certification.
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This is an important step in gaining their full registration in Australia, according to NWHHS Executive Director of Medical Services, Associate Professor Alan Sandford.
“Doctor Carmela Pangilinan and Doctor Harpreet Sandhu have both graduated as doctors in their own countries,” Professor Sandford said.
“They are known as International Medical Graduates (IMG) and must pass the AMC exam before being eligible for full unrestricted registration in Australia.
“It’s the commencement of a whole new era for them both and I congratulate them on their study, progress and success.”
Doctor Pangilinan, who graduated and sat the Part one, (Multiple Choice Question exam) in the Philippines, has worked in Mount Isa since January 2015, first as a rotational Junior House Officer.
12 months of service including particular rotations are also part of the AMC requirements for registration.
“I did a bridging course in Melbourne from January to May 2016, prior to sitting the Part two Clinical Exam.
“I’m now a Principal House Officer, working in both the Emergency Department and Medical Ward,” she said.
Dr Pangilinan already had family here in Mount Isa; former NWHHS Palliative Care director, Dr Tina Andrews is her aunt, so she found the transition to the outback easy.
She aims to stay in Mount Isa until the end of 2017, and hopes to start training as a physician.
Dr Harpreet Sandhu migrated to Australia in January 2016 and Mount Isa Hospital is the first Australian Hospital he has practised in.
He had trained in Malaysia in a twinning program with India, and graduated in 2009.
He worked four and a half years as a resident in Emergency Departments in Malaysian hospitals before starting his career as a Senior House Officer in the surgical ward and Emergency Department at Mount Isa Hospital.
“I think the sole reason I managed to secure a job here was my background in ED,” he said.
Having passed his Part two Clinical exams in July, he is now a Principal House Officer in ED.
He will stay here until 2017 and intends to specialise in ED.
With their certification under their belts, both doctors feel they will be able to serve the Mount Isa community to a greater extent, while specialising in their own fields at Mount Isa Hospital.