Gold Coast Health has proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) cohort – the first group of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to complete the program since its local launch in 2023.
A special graduation event honoured the achievements of the five inaugural IMGs who completed the rigorous 12-month program designed to support their pathway to general registration through supervised clinical assessment.
Graduate Dr Ayesha Nawaz said the WBA program was instrumental in her transition to independent practice in Australia.
“The structured assessments and real-time feedback created a supportive learning environment where I could refine my clinical skills while gaining confidence in patient care,” Dr Nawaz said.
“Being part of a team that values IMGs and fosters professional growth has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I would highly recommend this pathway to any IMG looking for a well-supported and practical approach to general registration in Australia.”
Among the graduates, Dr Saheli Gamage has already secured a position on the Fellowship Training Program with the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), underscoring the impressive capabilities of IMGs.
Fellow graduate Dr Juan Torres-Orozco is now advocating for IMGs and working to enhance their experience at Gold Coast Health. (Read more on Juan’s story here.)
WBA Clinical Lead A/Prof Thangeswaran Rudra said he was grateful to Dr Raghu Murthy for his support in establishing the program, and to the Clinical Directors and supervisors who gave their time so generously.
“It’s been wonderful to hear such positive feedback about our trainees - and to see one already accepted into a competitive training program is a real credit to them and to the WBA model.”
Looking ahead, expansion of the program reinforces Gold Coast Health’s commitment to supporting IMGs. Since its launch in 2023, the program has welcomed multiple cohorts, and by the end of 2025, 33 trainees will have started their journey toward general registration.
Medical Workforce Services Director Sacha A’Bell said the program’s success is made possible by the dedication of more than 70 consultants and registrars who assess and support the trainees.
“The Program is a fantastic opportunity for our talented workforce to empower and upskill the WBA Trainees over 12 months, preparing them for the requirements of the Australian healthcare setting and General Registration,” Mr A’Bell said.
The WBA model offers a unique advantage through real-time, continuous assessment in the workplace. Over 12 months, trainees receive ongoing feedback from more than 40 experienced colleagues, enabling them to refine their clinical skills while building confidence and competence.
In contrast to traditional single-point assessments, the WBA approach integrates learning and practice simultaneously offering a smoother, more supported transition into the Australian healthcare system.
