By Mardi O’Keefe
If you’re participating in the Bonded Medical Program, you should be aware of recent changes to the scheme that may significantly impact how you think about career planning, specialty training and regional or rural work options.
Importantly, changes to the program now mean it is possible to complete all Return of Service Obligation (RoSO) requirements before obtaining fellowship. For some bonded interns, this could:
Allow earlier completion of some or all RoSO requirements.
Create greater flexibility later during specialty training and consultant practice.
Provide opportunities to gain valuable regional or rural clinical experience early in career development.
Allow you to complete both training and RoSO requirements concurrently in some settings.
Create strategic reasons to consider regional or rural work earlier in your career, before entering specialty training.
These changes are the result of extensive advocacy by the Federal AMA to improve the operation and flexibility of the Bonded Medical Program and address concerns raised by participants.
Key changes include:
Removal of the previous requirement that at least half of RoSO be completed after fellowship.
Recognition of some eligible work completed prior to formally opting into the updated program arrangements.
Greater flexibility for some former scheme participants to complete obligations on a part-time or pro-rata basis.
These changes highlight the importance of understanding how career direction, specialty training pathways and location choices may interact with RoSO requirements over time.
Further information is available via:
AMA Federal article Important changes to the Bonded Medical Program | Australian Medical Association
Mardi O’Keefe is the Director of Engagement & Professional Growth at AMA Victoria.