Our top 4 most requested Special Interests for GP considering working in Australia
We are often asked “What are practices actually looking for, and how can I stand out?”
While Australia has a strong demand for General Practitioners across the board, certain special interests are particularly sought after. GPs who bring additional skills or focused experience often find it easier to secure roles, negotiate attractive packages, and build rewarding long-term careers.
Below, we explore four special interests that are consistently in demand across Australian general practice.
1. Skin Cancer Medicine
Why it’s sought after
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, driven by climate, lifestyle, and UV exposure. As a result, skin checks, early detection, and treatment are a core part of everyday general practice.
Practices value GPs who are confident in:
- Full skin checks
- Dermoscopy
- Early diagnosis of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
Even basic experience or a strong interest can make you highly attractive, particularly in coastal and regional areas.
How it helps you stand out
GPs with skin skills can:
- Build high-demand clinics quickly
- Increase billings through procedural work
- Offer services that reduce referral pressure on secondary care
Many practices actively support further training in skin cancer medicine once you arrive.
2. Minor Surgery
Why it’s sought after
Minor procedures are an essential part of comprehensive primary care, yet not all GPs are comfortable performing them. Practices therefore highly value doctors who can confidently undertake:
- Excisions and biopsies
- Suturing and wound management
- Lesion removals
- Abscess drainage
These services improve patient access and reduce hospital referrals.
How it helps you stand out
GPs with minor surgery experience:
- Are immediately valuable to practices
- Generate strong procedural income
- Help practices offer a broader scope of care
Even basic procedural confidence can significantly strengthen your profile.
3. Women’s Health
Why it’s sought after
Women’s health is a major driver of GP demand across Australia. Many patients actively seek GPs with an interest in:
- Contraception and family planning
- Cervical screening
- Menopause management
- Antenatal and postnatal care
With increasing emphasis on preventative care and continuity, practices are keen to build strong women’s health services.
How it helps you stand out
GPs with women’s health interests often:
- Develop loyal, long-term patient bases
- Complement multidisciplinary practice teams
- Attract strong word-of-mouth referrals
This interest is particularly attractive in community-focused and family-oriented practices.
4. Chronic Disease Management
Why it’s sought after
Australia has an ageing population and rising rates of chronic illness, including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory conditions
- Mental health conditions
General practice is central to managing these long-term conditions, and practices need GPs who are confident, organised, and patient-focused.
How it helps you stand out
GPs skilled in chronic disease management:
- Provide continuity of care that practices value highly
- Work closely with nurses and allied health teams
- Support government-funded care plans and reviews
This skill set aligns perfectly with Australia’s primary care model.
What This Means for GPs Considering Australia
You don’t need to be a sub specialist to succeed in Australian general practice. What practices are really looking for are GPs who can add depth, flexibility, and long-term value to their teams.
If you have experience or interest in any of the areas above, it’s important to:
- Highlight this clearly on your CV
- Discuss it confidently during interviews
- Be open to further training and development
With our support, we can help you position your experience clearly, match you with the right practices, and support you every step of the way.
Thinking about working in Australia and want tailored advice? Speak to our GP recruitment team today.
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