The Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) is proud to be the only regional Local Health Network in South Australia offering an Australian Medical Council (AMC) accredited Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) program.

The program is based at the Mount Gambier & Districts Health Service (MGDHS) and is the longest running WBA program in SA, having commenced in October 2018. 

The program is accredited for three candidates at any one time and is 12 months in duration. Only medical officers employed with MGDHS can apply for the LCLHN WBA program.

What is WBA?

WBA offers an alternate assessment pathway to the AMC clinical examination for international medical graduate (IMGs) seeking general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Candidates are assessed whilst working in the Australian healthcare system, at the level expected of an Australian medical graduate. All candidates undertaking this pathway are to be assessed at the level one would expect from a competent Medical officer at the end of PGY1 (Internship).

The WBA is an assessment program, not a bridging or a training course.

There are two phases of the program which test IMGs clinical skills, knowledge, decision making skills, interaction with patients and ability to work as part of a healthcare team. Candidates must progress competently through both phases to complete the program.

WBA eligibility and ranking

To be eligible for the LCLHN WBA program applicants must:

  1. Have a current employment contract as a medical officer with MGDHS, working in any department within the hospital
  2. Have passed the Australian Medical Council multiple-choice question examination (Part 1)
  3. Have Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) approval for level 2 supervision requirements

Applications will be ranked on the following criteria:

  1. Evidence of a commitment to clinical service provision to the Limestone Coast
  2. Interest in rural generalist practice or a specialist discipline currently in undersupply in the region
  3. Clinical experience indicating high likelihood of meeting clinical assessments to post graduate year 2 standard across the disciplines of Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, Women’s Health and Mental Health

Further details, including how to apply and the selection process can be found on the Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) program Information Sheet.

Fees

Costs for the program are: $8800 (plus GST). An amount of $3300 (plus GST) is payable at commencement of Phase 1 of the program and then $5500 (plus GST) at the start of Phase 2.

There is also a fee charged and payable directly to the AMC.   AMC will invoice the candidate directly, usually by e-mail.

Working at LCLHN

Applicants for the WBA program must be employed at MGDHS to be considered for candidacy. Further information about the opportunities available for medical professionals seeking to work with the LCLHN can be found below.

Benefits of being an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with LCLHN

The LCLHN is working to ensure IMGs employed at MGDHS are well-supported and ready for assessment, either through the WBA program or AMC Clinical Exam.

This includes development of a competency framework to support IMGs to identify areas they may need to focus on as part of their learning and professional development. The competency framework is aligned with the requirements set by the Board for IMGs looking to gain general registration.

The Medical Education Unit at LCLHN support IMGs with their learning and professional development through the provision of a range of education activities and events.

Applying for medical professional roles at LCLHN

Medical professionals interested in working at the LCLHN need to apply through the SA Health Careers website. You can view current vacancies or register your interest on the Employment Register by going to: Medical professional vacancies | Limestone Coast LHN.

For more information on working in SA Health, visit: Medical professional | SA Health