From Pakistan to Rockingham Hareems journey through the WBA Program
When Hareem moved to Australia in 2020 with her family, she brought with her years of medical training and a dream to continue her career in a new country.
Like many international medical graduates (IMGs), the path to registration was challenging – but Hareem’s determination and the support of Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) made all the difference.
“I completed my internship in Pakistan in 2019 and passed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) multiple choice question examination in 2022,” Hareem explained.
“In 2024, I applied for the observership program at RGH, was selected after an interview, and completed six weeks of observership.
“Later, I was offered a place in the Work-based assessment (WBA) program.”
Accredited by the AMC, the WBA program offers IMGs an alternative to the traditional clinical exam.
Instead of sitting a single high-pressure test, candidates spend 12 months working under supervision, receiving real-time feedback and mentorship across six core clinical rotations.
For Hareem, this approach was life changing.
“One of the biggest benefits was the continuous, real-time feedback from supervisors,” she said.
“I received immediate guidance on my clinical reasoning, documentation, and procedural skills.
“This allowed me to correct errors early and refine my practice quickly to provide high quality care to my patients.”
Hareem also liked how the program encouraged reflective practice.
“Each assessment required me to think critically about my decision-making, communication, and patient management,” she said.
“It made me more systematic and confident, allowing me to provide exceptional patient-centred care.”
She completed rotations in general medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, and mixed terms in obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry and paediatrics.
“The WBA program is very structured and holistic,” she said.
“It judges a clinician’s performance day-to-day with real patients and scenarios rather than a high-pressure exam.
“That’s a great way to assess safe clinical practice while covering any gaps with continued mentorship and support.”
Now, after a year of hard work, Hareem is one of six candidates who have successfully completed the program and earned their AMC Certificates – a milestone that opens the door to general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
“It’s been great working at RGH this whole year, especially as my first job in Australia,” she said.
“The family at RGH is super helpful and supportive.”
“This program didn’t just help me meet professional standards - it helped me grow as a clinician and as a person.”
All six candidates will continue working at RGH in 2026.
For more information about the program, email RGH Medical Education
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