| IFMSA Online Services | © IFMSA 2001-2010 |
| To learn more about Professional Exchange please visit www.ifmsa.org/scope | |
| To download this document in PDF click here | |
| Professional Exchange : Exchange Conditions of AMSA(Australia) | |
| Level of studies | Clinical |
| Type of Clerkship | Only clinical clerkships. Final year students only (documentation required). |
| Languages | Strictly English speaking. Documentation of English proficiency required (IELTS-International English Language Testing System or TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language). If the student's English is not deemed sufficient, the LEC has the right to cancel the clerkship immediately.
Native speakers of English from UK, USA, Canada or countries where major exams are in English will not require additional proof of language ability. All other countries, please check with LEC when applying. |
| Duration of Clerkship | 4 weeks (8 weeks maximum) |
| Working Conditions | Usually five days a week, 5-8 hours a day. This will vary depending on the city and department. Some units may require the student to be on call for one weekend of the clerkship. Hospital regulations must be followed.
Dress code: smart and professional, no white coat, enclosed shoes. - Men: shirt and tie - Women: no short skirt or plunging neckline Bring stethoscope and notebook for your own note-taking. |
| Disciplines | The availability of disciplines depends on the Local Exchange Committee (LEC).
LECs available: 1. University of Melbourne 2. University of Western Australia Disciplines include: General Internal Medicine + subspecialties General Surgery + subspecialties Emergency Medicine Obstetrics and Gynaecology Paediatrics Geriatrics Orthopaedics and Rheumatology (Musculoskeletal) Psychiatry Ophthalmology Ear, Nose and Throat Dermatology General Practice (rural/urban) Rehabilitation medicine Anaesthesia University of Melbourne: Most disciplines are available except Obstetrics and Gynaecology. For Paediatrics please apply 18 months in advance (may require additional fees). Austin Hospital (University of Melbourne) Disciplines offered: Aged Care Anaesthesia Cardiac Surgery Cardiology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Haematology Infectious Diseases Intensive Care Liver Transplant Nephrology Neurology Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopaedics Psychiatry Radiology Respiratory Medicine Spinal Urology Disciplines not offered: Indigenous Health Paediatrics Psychology Physiotherapy Dermatology Obstetrics / Gynaecology (Women’s Health) University of Western Australia: Emergency Medicine General Internal medicine General Practice General Surgery Geriatrics Infectious Diseases/Ophthalmology (2 weeks for each) Musculoskeletal Obstetrics and Gynaecology Oncology (2 weeks only) Paediatrics Psychiatry General Practice (rural) |
| Periods & Towns | Limited spaces available all year.
MELBOURNE/GEELONG - Please apply for elective at least 12 months in advance. - Students going to Austin will require additional documents (LEC will contact students. You must reply or clerkship will be cancelled). PERTH - Students will be expected to present themselves approximately a week earlier for MRSA testing. - Testing involves having nose, hand, and wrist swabs taken to check for the presence of MRSA, followed by appropriate treatment if required. - Students will not be allowed to see patients until status is clear. - Cost will be AUD50 to the student. |
| Application documents & deadline | Application deadline: STRICTLY 9 MONTHS before requested date. Melbourne requires 12 months in advance.
1. Completed electronic application form (eAF) 2. Letter of Support from your Dean* 3. Two Academic References* 4. Academic Transcript* 5. Curriculum Vitae 6. English certificate (if required) 7. Proof of Health Insurance (see Insurance section) 8. Proof of Malpractice/Indemnity Insurance (see Insurance section) 9. Proof of Immunisation (including Hepatitis B) - some LECs may require Hepatitis C and HIV - bring an extra copy when you arrive 10. Letter(s) of Motivation 11. Copy of passport 12. 4 Passport size photos All documents marked with (*) must be stamped and on letter headed paper. All documents must be translated into English. Additional documents if you are required to apply for a CRIMINAL RECORD CARD (please contact NEO/LEC). There may be additional fees and will take 4-8 weeks to process. All documents must be certified copies and professionally translated into English. - Home country Criminal Record Check - 100 points of ID Students placed at Austin Hospital must fill in an additional application form (will be sent by LEO after eCA). If you do not fill in this form, your clerkship will be cancelled immediately. Scan all documents in colour and submit at least 9 MONTHS in advance or clerkship will be cancelled. All documents must be sent digitally. NEO will NOT accept paper documents at MM of that season, unless if it is documentation for the Criminal Record Check. Australia is environmentally-friendly! Please bring all original documents when you arrive. Failure to provide original documents upon arrival, incomplete applications or no medical indemnity are grounds for termination of the clerkship and you will be sent home immediately. |
| Digital documents required | |
| Card of Acceptance deadline (weeks in advance) |
8 |
| Card of Confirmation deadline (weeks in advance) |
4 |
| Insurance | Health Insurance and Medical Indemnity are MANDATORY.
1. Travel insurance (including health insurance covering medical expenses) 2. Medical indemnity (malpractice) insurance: please apply in your home country. Proof will be required with AF. Any problems please contact the NEO/LEC. Temporary malpractice insurance can be purchased from Medical Defense Organisations in Australia: - MDA National www.mdanational.com.au - Medical Insurance Group Australia www.miga.com.au - Medical Indemnity Insurance www.miiaa.com.au - Medical Indemnity Protection Society www.mips.com.au - Avant www.avant.org.au |
| Pocket Money | None |
| Board & Lodging | Free on bilateral agreement.
Lodging: student housing, basic hospital accommodation, hostels and host family. BOARD IS NOT INCLUDED. Unilateral fees: $850AUD (~580euro) |
| Social Program | Sun, sand, surf and turf!! Get ready for the outdoors and remember to bring sunscreen. Day trips and city tours can be organised by LECs. The nightlife is not to be missed! |
| Substitutions | Same period, department and city.
Notification 12 weeks prior to clerkship. Replacement must bring original CA and the substitution letter. |
| Cancellations | Substitutions are preferred.
Cancellations must be announced 12 weeks in advance. |
| Visas | Visa requirements are solely the responsibility of the student. AMSA bear no liability should the student be denied a visa or refused entry into the country.
Australia has STRICT visa requirements, but very welcoming of all incoming students. Generally only a Tourist (Short Stay) visa is necessary. Check to see if your country is part of the visa waiver program. Invitation Letters will only be provided upon request. Issue of visa will take at least 8 weeks. Do not leave it too late! Refer to www.immi.org.au for more information or contact your local Australian Embassy. |
| Special remarks | Room/board is not provided for partners.
Incoming students will be held accountable for any damage incurred during clerkship. Complaints of misconduct in any form will result in the cancellation of the clerkship. That said, the Australian SCOPE team will do our best to help you fall in love with Australia and get the most out of your visit!! :) |
| More info Link | www.amsa.org.au |
| These Exchange Conditions are valid until: |
31-03-2011 |
| Last update of data (GMT) | 18/08/2010 |