Category: Blog

Helping a UK GP Move to Australia Through the ESP Pathway

Every GP relocation journey has its own story, but some stand out because of the sheer determination, chaos, progress, and humour along the way. One of my recent placements — a UK-trained GP who made the move to Australia with her pets in tow — is one I’ll never forget.

I knew this wasn’t going to be a simple AHPRA application between the newly launched AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP), new primary verification portals and a very important set of furry family members to relocate, this was always going to be a journey.

But that’s exactly where we come in, to make sure no one has to navigate it alone.

AHPRA ESP: The Pathway

When my GP first started her application, AHPRA had only recently rolled out the ESP pathway. On paper, it was designed to streamline the registration process and in many ways, it does. But those early months? We had to sit tight and trust the process.

But we guided her through each step, checking requirements, contacting departments, escalating delays, and keeping the process moving while she balanced work, life, and preparing for an international move.
And in her words:

“There were so many technical bits and pieces throughout the process… I couldn’t have done it on my own. Thank you to Emma and Kirsty who are a WhatsApp message or phone call away, pushing through the process as smoothly as possible.”

Keeping Communication

One of the things I value most in this job is the relationship we build with the doctors we support. Relocating across the world is never just a paperwork exercise,  it’s emotional, stressful, exciting, and overwhelming all at once.

There were moments during her registration where we’d exchange  messages late at night, trying to solve the latest “platform malfunction” before it could cause delays. Somehow we always ended up laughing, even through the panic.

As she put it:

“Emma and Kirsty are a Godsend! I would have pulled all my hair out with how confusing and frustrating finding and arranging a job in Australia is… and thanks to them I have not developed any bald spots.”

We’ll take that as a win.

And Then There Were the Pets

Many doctors relocate with partners and children — but moving with pets adds an entirely new layer.

Quarantine timelines, vaccination schedules, transport logistics, crate specifications, customs requirements — it’s a lot. And because pets are family, the emotional stakes feel much higher.
Landing the Job and Making the Move

Once AHPRA registration was approved, everything became real very quickly. Flights booked. Accommodation organised. Pets cleared. Bags packed.

There’s always a surreal moment when a doctor messages to say they’ve landed — months of planning, stress, and paperwork suddenly turning into an actual life on the other side of the world. And for her, that life began in a supportive practice, sunny weather, and the kind of lifestyle that makes the entire journey worthwhile.

She summed it up perfectly:

“Oddly, I will miss the panicked (trying not to melt down on my part) emergency messages and calls to the team whenever another hiccup comes up. I dare say they won’t 🤣.”

Why We Do What We Do

Helping UK GPs transition to Australia or New Zealand through pathways like the ESP isn’t just about forms, certifications, and immigration rules. It’s about guiding real people — with families, careers, pets, hopes, and fears through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

If you’re a UK GP thinking about making the move, or a clinic looking to bring in overseas-trained doctors, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming,  not when you have the right support.

And if this GP’s story proves anything, it’s that even with website crashes, shifting processes, unexpected hurdles and pets with very expensive travel plans… the move is absolutely possible.

And worth it.

We have just returned from Australia, visiting fantastic medical centres to gain firsthand insight into where you could soon be working—and what practices are really looking for in their next GP. Our goal is to keep you fully informed and confident as you plan your transition into Australian general practice.

One topic that came up repeatedly when speaking with GP owners and exploring the changing landscape of primary care was this:
Do incoming GPs need a particular clinical interest? While not a requirement, many practice owners shared that having an area of interest can be incredibly valuable—for the practice and for your own growth, satisfaction, and earning potential.

Do you need a clinical interest to practise as a GP in Australia?

In short: No.
Plenty of traditional general practices simply want well-rounded, experienced GPs who fit naturally into a team.

However, many clinics view clinical interests as a major advantage. An area of interest can help you quickly build a patient base, complement an existing team, and enhance your earning potential—especially as more practices shift to mixed billing.

A handful of UK GPs tell us they worry that Australian general practice might be more procedural than they are used to in the NHS. This concern is very common—but the good news is that Australian clinics consistently emphasise the following:

UK training is highly regarded in Australia

GP owners repeatedly tell us that UK-trained GPs are extremely well prepared, especially in:

• complex chronic disease management

• mental health

• women’s and children’s health

• multidisciplinary teamwork

• continuity of care

These are all major areas of demand in Australia.

You can up skill before or after you arrive

Many UK GPs gain huge confidence by completing CPD or additional courses in areas like:

• skin cancer / dermoscopy

• minor surgery

• chronic disease management

• occupational health

• women’s health (IUDs, implants)

• aesthetic medicine

These courses are widely available and often very approachable—great for boosting confidence before your move or during your first months in Australia.

Which clinical interests are most beneficial?

A great starting point is your own passion—an area of medicine you genuinely enjoy.

But community needs also shape demand. Across Australia, the following specialties tend to be consistently sought-after:

• Women’s Health (particularly fitting IUDs and implants)

• Chronic disease management

• Minor surgery

• Dermatology and skin cancer

• Mental health

• Elderly care / aged care facilities

Beyond these, the GPs I met shared a wide range of niche interests—from sports medicine and medicinal cannabis to lifestyle medicine and men’s health. All are welcome in Australian general practice.

Importantly, skills developed through CPD or additional training can make a real difference, especially in areas like:

• Occupational health

• Skin cancer medicine

• Aesthetics

• Dermatology

• Minor surgical procedures

Even a short course or certification can boost your confidence, enhance your value to a practice, and make your transition smoother.

Why develop a specialist interest?

While not mandatory, having an interest can significantly complement your GP work:

Better healthcare access for patients

Managing more complex cases within the practice reduces specialist waiting times and allows for more accessible care.

Fewer external referrals

When your interest aligns with a patient’s needs, the clinic can keep more care in-house—which benefits both you and the patient.

Patient choice matters

Patients in Australia can attend more than one GP practice. If you’re known for an area of interest, you naturally attract the patients who need your skills—strengthening continuity of care and your long-term caseload.

How can a specialist interest help you as a GP in Australia?

Increased earning potential

• Mixed-billing practices charge privately for procedures such as skin excisions, dermatology, long appointments, and women’s health procedures. Fees for these can be substantially higher than standard consults.

• Interests like aged care or chronic disease management can dramatically increase your billings through long consultations and care plans—often around $300 per consult.

Greater job satisfaction

Many GP owners shared how their special interests keep their day varied and rewarding. Being able to integrate procedural work, lifestyle medicine, or niche clinical areas can prevent monotony and build a thriving, fulfilling practice.

Stronger patient base

While your patient list usually builds quickly (often 3–6 months), an area of interest can accelerate that growth.
Clinics will actively market your arrival—posters, emails, social media, and community outreach. If you bring a sought-after skill, you’ll stand out immediately.

Talking with Australian GPs (many UK-trained) highlighted how valuable it is to broaden your scope before or during your move. A small investment in CPD or additional courses now—particularly in skin, procedural skills, occupational health, or aesthetics—can pay dividends once you’re on the ground.

Conclusion

Transitioning to general practice in Australia offers genuine autonomy, excellent lifestyle balance, and a chance to shape your career around the areas you love. Conversations with Australian GPs who’ve made the move emphasized that developing a clinical interest—whether through CPD, short courses, or deeper training—can give you confidence, variety, and a strong start in your new practice.

If you would like to find out more or have a chat, please get in touch +44 7983 685945,

You can check out our latest GP Jobs here

Discover why this offers fantastic career prospects for your move down under.

The Australian government supports a special scheme, the Practice Incentives Program – Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP-IHI), which provides incentive payments to practices that deliver care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

• For patients who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, there are free annual health checks  available every 9–12 months — and follow-up care when needed.

• As a GP working in this space, this means there tends to be steady demand.

• Practices that deliver culturally appropriate and consistent care to Indigenous patients may qualify for additional funding or incentives beyond standard Medicare billing.

For a GP who chooses to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, there is both meaningful demand and a funding/incentive structure that can make it financially viable and more stable than many general-practice settings.

Why Aboriginal Health Work Is Especially Meaningful and Interesting

Working with First Nations communities isn’t just about increased demand or financial incentive.  It also offers deeply rewarding professional and community impact. Some reasons why this work can be particularly fulfilling:

• Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face elevated risks of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) and often have unmet health needs or limited access to regular preventive care.

• By offering culturally appropriate care, GPs can play a critical role in closing the health-gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, improving long-term health outcomes, and contributing to community wellbeing.

• The scope of work tends to be broad and varied: you are likely to be involved in preventive health checks, chronic-disease management, patient education, coordination with allied health, follow-up care, you will be opportunity to practice holistic primary care.

For many GPs, this mix of meaningful impact, continuity of care, and community engagement makes Aboriginal health work not just a job — but a vocation.

We currently have a Fantastic GP Job Opportunity in Brisbane Queensland

Why Brisbane Suburbs Makes Sense

• Regions around the City  — often outside of the largest metropolitan hubs — can offer a more balanced lifestyle compared with large urban centres, potentially with fewer of the pressures and burnout associated with inner-city practice.

• Serving Indigenous communities can combine the benefits of a general practice career with the unique rewards and supports associated with Indigenous health funding and community-oriented care.

• For a GP starting or re-orienting their career, this kind of role can provide stable demand, a diverse patient base, and the opportunity to make a real difference in population health.

Current GP vacancies

 

Further Reading

AHPRA Specialist Expedited Pathway- Supervised Explained

What is Life Like Working as a GP in Australia

The Fast-Growing Coastal City Offering GPs an Unmatched Lifestyle and Career Opportunity

Perth, Western Australia’s sun-soaked capital, is quickly earning a reputation as one of the most attractive destinations for UK and international GPs. Backed by massive investment from the state’s thriving mining and resources sector, Perth has transformed into a modern, affluent, family-friendly city,  all while maintaining its relaxed coastal charm.

Whether you’re seeking a better work-life balance, stronger earning potential, or more sunshine than you ever thought possible, Perth offers an enviable blend of professional opportunity and high-quality living.

A Coastal Lifestyle Built Around Sunshine, Space, and the Outdoors

Perth enjoys more sunshine hours than any other Australian city, and locals make full use of it. Life here is naturally outdoorsy: morning ocean swims, alfresco coffee on the way to work, and walks along white-sand beaches at sunset are part of the everyday rhythm.

Beaches and Coastal Living – Perth’s beaches — Cottesloe, City Beach, Scarborough and countless hidden coastal coves — are clean, safe and stunning. Unlike the busier east coast, the coastline here feels spacious and uncrowded. Families love the picnic spots, cycle paths, surf clubs and barbecues dotted along the shore.

Nature on Your Doorstep – From the Swan River to Kings Park to the wine regions of Swan Valley and Margaret River, nature is always close by. Weekends can be as adventurous or relaxing as you choose: paddleboarding, hiking, boating, wine tasting, or simply relaxing with friends in Perth’s many green spaces.

Space to Live and Breathe – Perth is known for its larger homes, generous gardens, and open neighbourhoods — a refreshing change for many UK GPs used to life in more compact, crowded cities. Families benefit from excellent public and private schools, safe communities, and short commutes.

A Modern, Affluent, Future-Focused City

Perth’s economy has been supercharged by ongoing investment from the mining and resources industry, resulting in:

• well-funded infrastructure

• new suburbs and expanding communities

• abundant healthcare needs

• high earning potential for GPs

• a stable, prosperous job market

This investment has created an emerging, forward-looking city with excellent public transport, new shopping and dining precincts, and a buzzing cultural scene. Perth is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most desirable cities for young professionals, families, and international talent.

New DPA Areas Offering Fresh Opportunities

With more suburbs in and around Perth now designated as DPA, overseas-trained GPs have increasing opportunities to join growing practices in some of the region’s most sought-after communities. This means you can enjoy the Perth lifestyle while building a rewarding medical career with high patient demand and strong practice support.

Closer to the UK and India — The “Right Side” of Australia

Perth offers a significant practical advantage: it’s geographically closer to the UK and India than cities on Australia’s east coast.

With flight times of around 21 hours to both destinations, visiting home is easier, quicker, and less exhausting. This makes Perth especially appealing for GPs with family ties abroad who want the benefits of Australian life without feeling isolated from loved ones.

If you’re looking for a place where your medical career can flourish, and where life outside of work truly feels like a lifestyle upgrade. Perth may be the perfect fit. Whether you prefer coastal living or thriving urban suburbs, we have GP vacancies across Perth to suit your needs.Please do get  in touch with one of our team to find out more

Further Reading

AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway: Key Updates from Our Brisbane Meeting

GP Salary Australia: How Much Can You Earn in 2025?

How to Gain FRACGP on the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway

If you’re an overseas GP considering a move to Australia, one of the biggest questions we get asked is: how do I secure long-term recognition and Fellowship status?

The good news is that the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has now confirmed that doctors on the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) can apply for Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP).

For many overseas doctors, this is the reassurance they’ve been waiting for. It means you’ll not only be able to live and work as a GP in Australia but also secure the long-term recognition that makes your career future-proof.

What’s required for your FRACGP application?

The application itself is quite straightforward. Here’s what the RACGP says you’ll need:

• Proof of your AHPRA registration (including confirmation that you’ve completed the ESP and that any conditions on your registration have been removed).

• An up-to-date CV.

• Evidence of ALS and BLS training completed within the last 12 months.

• Verified copies of your specialist GP qualification (such as MRCGP, MICGP or FRNZCGP), along with your completion certificates and details of where you trained.

How much does it cost?

The current fee is $990 plus GST. On top of that, you’ll need to be an RACGP member, which costs $1,440 a year. Many GPs already hold membership for CPD purposes, so you may have this in place already.

Two important steps in the process

It’s not just about paperwork — there are two additional steps you’ll need to complete:

1. Attestation from an RACGP Fellow

You’ll need an RACGP Fellow who knows you professionally (for at least 6 months within the past 24 months) to confirm your good character. They don’t have to be your direct supervisor — just someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity.

2. Collegiate Discussion

This is essentially a professional chat with RACGP representatives. It’s a chance to talk through your experience of working in Australia and to demonstrate your commitment to general practice.

When the ESP was first launched, some of the doctors we were supporting were worried that it might not lead to FRACGP,  The RACGP’s announcement has put those fears to rest and for international GPs, it means you now have a clear, recognised pathway to Fellowship. It also makes the decision to move to Australia much easier, knowing your long-term career is secure.

If you are considering a move  – Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your journey.