Australia is one of the world’s most desirable countries in which to live and work. It can also be very financially rewarding, making it a popular choice for many overseas doctors seeking a new adventure or a permanent move.

A vast, open land dotted with vibrant cities, rich with fertile countryside, mountains, lakes and sprawling deserts, Australia offers both warmer and cooler climates.

It has the 13th-largest economy with the sixth-highest income per capita in the world.

Yet its relatively small population of just over 26 million people gives it the sixth-smallest population density on the planet.

There really is something for everyone in Australia.

What is South Australia like?

South Australia is like a microcosm of Australia.

Relatively small in population terms, it has around 1.8 million people yet with an area surpassed only by Western Australia and Queensland.

Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers with lots of sunshine, average temperatures around 30°C and highs soaring beyond 40°C.

Its winters are mild with average highs around 15°C, lows that rarely if ever fall below zero and moderate rainfall.

Adelaide was rated Australia’s most liveable city in 2021 and the third-most liveable city in the world, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index.

Seaford lies in the heart of Adelaide’s glorious southern beaches offering unbridled sun, sand and surf to its residents, along with a rich and exciting cafe scene.

There are ample facilities at your doorstep including shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants and schools – everything you’ll ever need!

Working as a GP in Australia

Working as a GP in Australia can be challenging.

But it can also be an extremely rewarding experience both professionally and financially.

Here are some key points to consider:

Scope of Practice

GPs in Australia are normally a patient’s first port of call. They are responsible for providing primary health care to patients of all ages. 

This includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions as well as providing preventative care, health education and referring to specialists.

At AHA Clinics, you’ll have the very latest technology at your fingertips, working in modern, comfortable consulting rooms.

And you’ll have a dedicated support team on hand to make your job run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Work environment

The typical GP in Australia works in private practice, community health centres or hospitals.

It can be a fast-paced and demanding job with long hours and a high volume of patients.

The great thing about working at AHA Clinics is that you can be assured of being busy with patients from the very first day on the job.

But equally, the number of patients you wish to see is up to you.

We will tailor your schedule to your personal needs.

Diversity of patients

Australia is a multicultural country so you can expect to engage with patients from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

As such, this requires you to be sensitive to many different cultural health beliefs and practices.

That includes appreciating Australia’s commitment to improving the health status of its Indigenous Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people.

Remuneration

GPs in Australia are well paid which makes it such an attractive proposition for many health professionals, particularly those from the UK.

Earnings are influenced by:

  • the number of patients seen
  • the number of patients bulk-billed as opposed to privately billed
  • weekend and evening loadings
  • your ability to perform any minor procedures such as skin work, aesthetics etc.

Average salaries depend largely on factors such as experience, location and the type of practice you work in but as a rough guide, they range between $250,000-$400,000. VR doctors at AHA can earn more than $500,000 per year.

Most Australian GPs are self-employed and take home a percentage of the income they generate.

Getting registered

To work as a GP in Australia, you must have a medical degree from an accredited institution.

Gaining a working visa may take 6-9 months and is done after you find employment.

AHA Clinics will work with you all the way to ensure a smooth and speedy transition.

You’ll need to be verified by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and may need to sit a FICPI (Fitness for Intended Clinical Practice Interview).

You’ll then need to be registered by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority) and may also need to complete further training in general practice and obtain a fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

You can then apply for a temporary working visa which may allow you to live and work in Australia for up to four years.

Finally, you’ll be given a Medicare Provider Number, allowing you to refer and bill patients as well as order diagnostics.

Work-life balance

At AHA Clinics, we believe strongly in promoting the work-life balance of all our healthcare professionals.

After all, what point is there in living in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet with everything the great Australian outdoors has to offer if you are too overworked to enjoy it?

The physical and mental health and wellbeing of our doctors is of the utmost importance to us.

That’s why we will always work with you to help you find the right work balance for your desired lifestyle.

Contact AHA Clinics today

There are so many great reasons to live and work as a GP in Australia.

A significant shortage down under has created a high demand for GPs, hence finding work won’t be difficult.

The financial rewards and quality of life in Australia significantly outweigh what you’ll be used to in the UK and Ireland or throughout Asia.

But you’ll still need to find the right practice that fully supports your career and lifestyle ambitions to make the move a success.

At AHA Clinics, we work closely with GPs moving to Australia by offering them personal support.

We give them access to our real estate partners, guidance with insurance, tax, accounting and financial planning.

We’ll even give you free use of a car on your arrival!

Our two clinics are situated at Seaford and Seaford Meadows with pristine sandy beaches within walking distance.

You could start your day at 8am and be riding the waves by mid-afternoon or relaxing with a sea view, sipping coffee, breathing in the clean, crisp ocean air.

Our purpose built, state-of-the-art facilities utilise natural light and make coming to work a dream.

If this sounds attractive to you, please get in touch.

We’d love to help you anyway we can.

You can learn more about our practice and register your interest here or email recruit@aharecruitment.com.au.

Our AHA leadership team will contact you soon to see how we can help and arrange an interview.