THE Australian Medical Association has called for an end to the rule that overseas-trained doctors must take up hard-to-fill positions in the bush.

AMA president Dr Andrew Pesce said the requirement was discriminatory, and meant these doctors start work in Australia without many of the resources available to metropolitan-based peers.

International medical graduates who relocate to Australia can't obtain a Medicare provider number unless they agree to move to a designated area of doctor shortage for a minimum of 10 years.

Dr Pesce said improved incentives and support mechanisms were needed to encourage more locally trained doctors to take up positions in regional areas, while appropriately skilled IMGs should be able to voluntarily consider a career in the bush.