5 Year OTD Scheme

The Five Year Overseas Trained Doctor (OTD) Recruitment Scheme (also known as the 5 Year Scheme) is an Australian Government initiative to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced OTDs to work in some of Australia's smaller rural communities. 

Please note: From 1 July 2010, OTDs are limited to where they can work by Medicare Provider Number restrictions for a period of between five and ten years depending on the MMM classification of their primary location of medical practice.

By participating in the 5 Year Scheme and committing to work in remote locations in New South Wales (NSW), OTDs may reduce this time restriction to as little as three years.

To gain the benefits of the 5 Year Scheme, applicants must be willing and able to:

• Complete the required term of service in a location deemed eligible for the Scheme; and
• Attain Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM); and
• Attain permanent residency of Australia and/or Australian citizenship

Eligibility Criteria

• Have recognised general practice training and qualifications falling within Category 1 or Category 2 of the Australian Medical Council Specialist Pathway;
• Provide evidence they are eligible to be assessed for FRACGP or FACRRM within two years of commencing on the Scheme;
• Hold or obtain appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia;
• Intend to seek or currently possess permanent residency and/or Australian Citizenship; and 
• Will be providing at least seven sessions a week as part of their placement 

Application Process

NSW Rural Doctors Network will assess each application to review eligibility of both the practice and the applicant. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have general practice experience and potential eligibility for enrolment and completion of FRACGP and FACRRM within two years of joining the Scheme and all other eligibility criteria. 

For more information please view 5 Year Scheme Administrative Guidelines (Australian Government Department of Health).

To request application or further details on eligible locations please email the RDN Workforce Support Officer's or call RDN on 02 4924 8000.