General Practitioner Jobs in Australia
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA
Your Pathway to General Practitioner Opportunities in Australia
Are you a GP seeking a fresh start in a healthcare system renowned for its excellent patient care and attractive work-life balance? Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for internationally trained GPs looking to make their mark.
With strong demand for qualified professionals in DPA (Distribution Priority Area) and MMM (Modified Monash Model) regions, there has never been a better time to explore your career potential in the southern hemisphere.
WHY WORK AS A GP IN AUSTRALIA?
Australia’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, providing quality, safe and affordable health care for its citizens who enjoy some of the longest life expectancies in the world.
Enjoy a balanced lifestyle, complemented by Australia’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and family-friendly communities. GPs and their families enjoy a high standard of living with access to public and private healthcare and world class education.
Attractive Income
Benefit from competitive financial compensation packages, relocation allowances, and incentives for working in high demand areas.
GPs work on a fee for service basis and earn high incomes, generally surpassing the salaries available in the UK NHS.
Job Security
Robust national employment law and contracts protect your rights to secure employment.
Professional Growth
Enhance your clinical skills and broaden your experience in an invigorating healthcare environment, with access to advanced technology and structured education programs.
Pursue opportunities to obtain further qualifications in many specialist fields including emergency medicine, anaesthesia, obstetrics, dermatology and rural and remote medicine.
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Navigating Licensing, Visas, and Work Permits.
Our goal is to simplify the administrative complexities so you can focus on what you do best.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Medical degree from WHO recognised organisation
- Internship / pre-vocational training of 1-2 years
- Specialist / vocational training in general practice or family medicine
- Specialist qualification in general practice or family medicine eg MRCGP, FRACGP
- Three qualifications from UK, Ireland and New Zealand allow GPs to use the
expedited pathway to specialist recognition with the Australian Medical Board; MRCGP, MICGP and MNZCGP. (All other candidates must use the standard pathways to specialist or general registration, depending upon the qualifications held.)
- Active unrestricted medical licence
- Minimum experience levels (for some jobs)
FAQs about working as a General Practitioner in Australia
Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) and Moratoriums
Geographical and medicare billing restrictions apply to international medical graduates who are permitted to work as general practitioners only in areas of physician shortage, deemed Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) with a 10 year moratorium which can be reduced by up to 5 years by gaining credits by working in specific remote areas.
Priority areas are usually in a regional, rural or remote location, although some areas are just 30-60 minutes drive from major cities.
There are good reasons to work in these areas:
- it is an important step to having your skills recognised
- the cost of living is low
- communities are welcoming and supportive
- there are more job opportunities for International Medical Graduates
- Financial incentives are available for working in more remote locations through the General Practice Rural Incentives Program
International medical graduates have to work a 10 year moratorium in the DPAs although this can be reduced by gaining extra credits working in defined remote areas.
The Modified Monash Model (MMM)
The Modified Monash Model (MMM) is a classification system which recognises the challenges of rural and regional healthcare. Designated MMM areas often provide additional support, financial incentives, and professional development pathways for GPs ready to step into vital community roles.
General Practitioner Remuneration
Financial remuneration varies by location and practice but most GPs work on a fee for service basis and pay a percentage of their total fees to the practice management company to cover the administrative and property costs.
The split varies but is in the range of 60-75% to the GP and 25-35% to the practice management. Most GPs can earn in the range of AUD$ 200,000-500,000 pa.
Practices often include a sign up or retention bonus and a relocation allowance.
District Medical Officer Jobs
District Medical Officer (DMO) positions are for general practitioners with at least 10 years experience and are based in rural and remote hospitals and health campuses.
DMOs provide enhanced primary care covering emergency departments, in patient services and often practice anaesthesia and obstetrics. Additional qualifications are required to practice anaesthesia, obstetrics and emergency medicine but can be obtained locally.
Rural and Remote Medicine
Rural and Remote Medicine is a newly recognised speciality in Australia with its own College and specialist qualifications which are open to general practitioners interested in acquiring advanced skills to equip them to work in rural clinics and hospitals.
More information is available in this section Rural and Remote Medicine