The historic to contemporary challenges among international medical graduates seeking to practise in Australia

Recruitment of International medical graduates (IMGs) continues to be central to health workforce planning in Australia with the highest number of IMGs per capita globally. Australia's effort to increase IMG numbers is due to shortages and poor distribution of health workforce caused in the 1990s, however there is a need to consider the historical contexts that have embedded IMG recruitment and movement. Using primary and secondary sources of data, this paper examines history to help understand the circumstances and issues surrounding IMGs in contemporary Australia as it grapples with meeting the ever-growing demand for IMGs, particularly in rural areas where the greatest health disadvantage occurs. The analysis reveals that despite Australia's reliance on IMGs, as a group they encounter ongoing stigma, anti-competitive behaviour, public debate, and embargos.