The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has two programs for doctors with an MBBS (or equivalent):
- Non-GP Observer places for eminent medical professionals invited to attend the hospital by a current hospital Head of Clinic.
- GPs with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency general registration are able to apply for a clinical attachment. Please refer to GP placement opportunities.
Non-GP Observer Program
As a specialist hospital, we offer Observer placements in ENT and Ophthalmology.
Non-GP Observers are granted observation rights to the hospital for a maximum of eight weeks. Periods greater than 8 weeks may be considered when the observer is sponsored by an affiliated organisation, but this is by negotiation and dates are subject to change depending on the hospital’s operational requirements. All observers must have received 3 approved covid vaccinations for attending and observing in a Victorian Health Care facility and the current seasonal influenza vaccination. Further information on approved vaccinations for health care workers can be found here.
Can Non-GP Observers perform clinical work?
No. Non-GP Observers have supervised observation rights only.
Non-GP Observers must not participate in the treatment of patients or participate in direct patient management, as they are not registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The observation approval may provide access to observe theatre but not scrub, and attendance is only possible when the nominated supervisor or their delegate is supervising.
Any Non-GP Observer performing clinical activities will have their approval immediately revoked.
Nomination process
Non-GP Observer placements are offered via invitation only from a Head of Clinic employed by the hospital. The hospital will email the relevant documents to nominees to complete and return. Nominees should return their signed forms three months in advance of their proposed Observer period.
We will only attempt to place Observers on the dates listed on their nomination form. Please list all possible dates in order of preference.
Observers cannot commence until approved by the hospital.
Nominations received outside of this process will not be considered.
Relevant dates
Observer placements are available between mid-February and mid-December.
Enquiries
For any enquiries regarding clinical observer placements, please email medicalelectives.observers@eyeandear.org.au.
Additional information
Visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain the appropriate visa and health clearance. The Eye and Ear cannot provide information to international doctors regarding the type of visa required. You will not be registered to work in Australia and we do not sponsor any visa applications. You will be a visitor to this hospital, observing and shadowing Clinicians. For information regarding visas, please refer to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship website https://www.border.gov.au/ Observers are required to ensure that they have the correct visa.
Fees
Government fees and charges may apply and remain the sole responsibility of the observer.
Information about Melbourne
For information about staying and working in Melbourne, refer to the Live in Melbourne website. Information about what to see and do during your visit is available from the City of Melbourne website.
