Australian immigration mess forces out top doctor
September 09 2009 by Matt Jones
Dr Trost is at odds with Australian immigration
A world renowned doctor who came out of retirement to work for twelve years in a short-staffed Australian hospital is facing deportation over a visa issue.
Dr Frank Trost is recognized around the world as a top orthopaedic surgeon. The 77 year old and his wife Nancy made the move to Australia from the US in 1996 to live out their retirement in a home by the beach. When word spread about his expertise, he was asked to join the understaffed Mackay Base Hospital and while under no obligation, he decided to do so.
He said: "I didn't come here to get a job, but when duty called, I felt I had a responsibility to help my fellow man. It has been nerve-racking, very stressful and strenuous, being in limbo for so long."
Trost is now on a temporary 457 work visa. He had a letter from the federal Australian immigration minister giving the impression that he would be able to have his retirement visa back when he stopped work, but it now appears this may be able to happen.
Dr Pitchford, director of orthopaedics at Gold Coast Hospital said: "If this is the sort of citizen we are kicking out, we should all hang our heads in shame.”
One of the few options available that will allow Trost to remain in Australia would be to take a general practitioners exam.
Dr Andrew Wilson, the deputy director-general of Queensland Health said:
"The issue he's come up against is that there's a requirement imposed by the medical board which bases its decision on the Australian Medical Council requirement that he sits certain exams and meets certain requirements to maintain his full registration. But the problem, as I say, from our perspective is that because of his registration status there isn't probably a lot that we can do to assist."
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