Doctor shortages and their impact on the quality of medical care in Australia HawthorneLesleyanne BirrellBob 2017 Chronic shortages of Australian-trained doctors available for work in hospitals, in regional general practices and some speciality areas (like emergency) have prompted increased employment of overseas trained doctors (OTDs) brought in on temporary visas for this work. The numbers of permanent resident OTDs who have not been certified as reaching Australian medical standards yet are employed in these positions is also increasing. In the process, the quality of medical care in Australia is being threatened. Pagination? Copyright. Monash University and the author/s