If you’re a GP thinking about relocating to Australia, you may have many questions. This may be early stages of thinking or you might be ready to move and want to find out more.
Here we answer your most frequent questions regarding working as a GP in Australia
Where can I work? – All overseas trained GPs are required to work in an areas which is Distribution Priority Area (DPA). This is in place for the first 10 years of your medical registration and you may hear it as your ’10 year moratorium.’
All the GP jobs on our website are suitable for you to apply. The areas where we find jobs are around Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Tasmania, the Central Coast and regional cities such as Busselton, Broome and Rockhampton. Check out the workforce locator map here to check the geographical classification of any location in Australia.
How long are the contracts? – Generally 2 years, some more rural practices may consider 12 months.
What is the Expedited Specialist Pathway? – The expedited Specialist pathway is for specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) with an international specialist medical qualification in General Practice. This offers a fast-tracked process, as you can apply directly to AHPRA for specialist registration without having to undergo a separate specialist college assessment.
What is the Practice Experience Program (PEP) Specialist Stream? It provides a pathway for international medical graduates with overseas specialist qualifications to gain Fellowship with the RACGP. Please visit the PEP Specialist Stream webpage for more details.
Will I still get specialist registration? Yes, depends on which pathway you choose as to when. On PEP once all Fellowship requirements have been met. On Expedited pathway you will receive it from registration.
What is WBA? – Workplace Based Assessment- completed approximately 6 months from commencing employment, provides a framework for evaluating performance and progress in practice.
What’s does the PEP pathway to Fellowship look like?
Do I need to sit exams on the PEP Pathway?
After satisfactorily completing all of the program requirements, substantially comparable participants will be eligible to apply for FRACGP. Partially comparable participants are eligible to enrol in the Fellowship exams after completing the WBA requirements.
If you are considering a move or just want to chat through options we have a dedicated team who will guide you through every step of the whole process. Visit our latest GP jobs or contact us directly for more information.
How long does the paperwork take? – Depending on which pathway you take, we advise allowing around 6 months for Expedited Specialist Pathway and approximately 9 months from job acceptance to visa approval for PEP Specialist stream pathway.
Do I have to work under supervision? Yes for PEP Pathway, but just for 6 months if you’re substantially comparable. A period of self -reflection, peer review and clinical case analysis. There are no exams if you are substantially comparable. The expedited Specialist Pathway also includes a six-month period of supervised practice, as well as an orientation covering Australian healthcare and cultural safety.
Will my earnings be affected during supervision? – No, in fact while completing the supervision period, you will have access to the full Medicare rebate (A1 rates) This means you bill the same as a vocationally recognised GP whilst working towards FRACGP.
Further Reading
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