Author: emma

Considering Moving to Australia as a GP? Your FAQs Answered Here

Posted on by emma

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. 

How long does the paperwork take? – Approximately 9 months from job acceptance to visa approval 

Do I have to work under supervision? Yes initially 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. 

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. 

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 once all Fellowship requirements have been met. 

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. 

Further Reading

RACGP 

Medical Board of Australia

DoctorConnect

Find out more about why Perth is so popular

 

Changes to RACGP process

Posted on by emma

The RACGP process is changing.

We have recently been made aware of some changes happening within the RACGP PEP stream. This application is the main pathway for GPs to be able to gain specialist recognition with the Medical Board (AHPRA) in Australia.

The changes will affect the Practice Experience Program Specialist Pathway (PEP) and take effect from the 1st July 2024. The changes will be applicable to both substantially and partially comparable outcomes.

What are the RACGP PEP changes?

The good news is a higher percentage of GPs will be recognised as substantially comparable and the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) will be simplified. There will be some administrative changes to enable the upload process to be much smoother.

Here is the bad news, unfortunately the process will be more expensive. This will affect GPs going through the process, not starting work in Australia before the 1st December 2024 and those yet to apply.

The program fee will be increased from $8000 to $11,900. This fee is paid during your registration process after your visa has been approved. There will be an additional fee of $300 per year which is paid whilst you are going through your supervision period.

Although, hopefully the changes coming in will make the process more streamlined, an additional cost of $3,9000 is not ideal in an already expensive move.

It is however a one-off fee, and once you are established in Australia, you will have the opportunity to make a much higher income than in the UK so offsetting some of this expense. Many practices also offer relocation assistance to help with some of the costs.

As always, our services are free of charge. We will manage the process for you and provide expert expertise and advice. We are always able to provide guidance and reassurance along the way. To hear how some of our GPs have settled and some video testimonials on our service, take a look at our testimonials page.

If you need any help in your move or want to find out more about how these changes affect you, please do get in touch for more information.

GP Recruitment NZ – GP Support

Posted on by emma

GP Recruitment New Zealand

Moving to NZ as a GP is something you’ve probably been thinking about for some time and wondering when is the right time to make the move. Living and working down under has many benefits – a wonderful work / life balance, amazing scenery and outdoor activities and of course much more time with the family.

Kirsty and Emma have just returned from a wonderful trip to New Zealand, meeting practices and seeing first hand the benefits of working as a GP in New Zealand.

UK trained GPs are still very much in demand in New Zealand, and we have lots of fabulous GP jobs to choose from across both the north and south island.

Relocating to New Zealand as a GP can be a daunting process so you want to make sure you have the right team behind you to support you all the way.

Why Choose Transition Medical?

Our team will support you through the entire process from initial arranging of interviews and advice on contracts through to managing your medical registration and visa application.

It’s a reasonably complex and time consuming process where the advice and support we can provide is invaluable. Once we have secured you your dream job, the next step is to apply to the Medical Council of New Zealand.

The MCNZ have strict English language requirements, comparability and referencing requirements. We will advise on which Registration pathway is most appropriate for your experience, qualifications and long-term (or short term) goals for working in New Zealand.

In general, the MCNZ recognise GP training from the UK and Ireland. Unlike Australia, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the MRCGP qualification making it easier to find a post if you don’t have it. If you haven’t completed your GP training in the UK or Ireland then you are eligible if you have a minimum of 33 months experience from a comparable country.

As part of our expert GP Recruitment team, we have Licenced Immigration Advisors who will advise on the most appropriate visa for you and your family and ensure this application is processed seamlessly.

Once your visa has been approved, we will support you in arranging Professional Indemnity Insurance, setting up new bank accounts, arranging your final Medical Council interview and much more.

Once in New Zealand, you will be allocated a Supervisor within the practice who will be on hand to ensure your smooth transition into practice. All new doctors entering New Zealand have this requirement and find it extremely useful whilst getting to grips with the new healthcare system.

We have many years experience finding GPs jobs for GPs moving to New Zealand and managing all the paperwork associated. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your next steps don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Further Reading:

What is life like for GPs in New Zealand

Hear what life is life for a GP who is working in Auckland

8 Reasons to GPs to move to New Zealand

How does the Cost of Living compare in New Zealand to the UK

GP Salary Australia: How Much Can You Earn in 2024?

Posted on by emma

You may be thinking about relocating to Australia and want to know more about your GP salary in Australia. Here we give you a 2024 breakdown of what your income could be.

GPs in Australia generally earn a good income and can afford a comfortable lifestyle. In the majority of cases, GPs relocating from the UK earn at least the same for doing fewer hours per week. One of our doctors has described working in Australia

‘Life in Australia – people are friendly, you see fewer patients and have longer appointment times for more pay.’

Click here to see Emma’s video testimonial about life as a GP in Australia.

Australia GP Salary 2024

Figures from a 2024 industry report, state that GPs average around $360 – $380K AUD. This figure reflects a full  time role working more than 32 hours per week.

Your GP salary in Australia will be variable dependant on a number of factors including:

  • The total hours you work
  • The number of patients you see
  • The percentage you receive
  • How many weeks annual leave you take
  • The complexity of the patient consultation

General practices in Australia operate as private businesses, either owned by a single GP, GP Partners or larger companies. The majority of practices operate as mixed billing where they see a mix of patients who are privately billed or bulk billed through Medicare.

Usually, patients who are under 16, over 65 and hold health cards are bulk billed and everyone else is private billed. The standard consultation fee for the practice will remain the same when the patient is bulk billed and may vary between practices when privately billed. Recent Medicare statistics report that in the year 2022 – 2023, 51.7% of patients are routinely bulk billed, 25.6% usually bulk billed, 12.2% sometimes bulk billed and 10.5% never bulk billed.

How much will I earn as a GP in Australia?

As we’ve discussed, the average income reported is around $360K per year. This figure will be dependent on the above factors and may be more or less dependent on the way you work. Some of our practices have GPs there earning more than $500K per year and some earning $300K to work a 3 day week. It’s up to you!

Please do get in touch with one of our team to find out more about your move to Australia.

Further Reading

Top 10 Tips for GPs relocating to Australia

GP Salary Calculator

The Advantages Of Using A Recruitment Agency

Posted on by emma

Are you a GP moving to Australia or New Zealand?

The prospect of practising medicine in these countries can be exhilarating, offering opportunities for professional growth, cultural exploration, and a high quality of life.

However, navigating the complex process of securing employment overseas can be daunting.  In this blog, we’ll explore why engaging the services of a recruitment agency such as Transition Medical is a smart move for doctors embarking on this exciting journey.

Expertise in Overseas Placements

We can provide invaluable expertise and experience in facilitating transitions and understand the unique requirements involved in securing medical positions. From visa applications to registration processes, we can streamline your relocation, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your family. We understand the importance of work-life balance and work with like-minded practices, as such we will help negotiate hours and overtime commitments meaning you can have that much-sought-after balance.

Negotiating Salary and Relocation costs

Negotiating salary and benefits can be daunting, especially in another country when they use a different system. We will negotiate salary and benefits on your behalf, ensuring you receive an offer reflecting your skills, expertise, and market rate.

Access to Exclusive GP Job Opportunities

We maintain close relationships with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organisations across both countries, giving you access to exclusive job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. We also have a wide range of job opportunities giving you more choices and increasing the chances of us finding you the right role.

Efficient and Time-Saving Process

Attempting to navigate the job market in Australia or New Zealand independently can be time-consuming and inefficient. We have procedures in place to expedite the job search and placement process, ensuring that you secure employment promptly.

Ongoing Support and Assistance Throughout

Our assistance doesn’t end once you’ve secured a job offer.  We will continue to offer assistance and support throughout the medical registration and visa application processes. Read our GP testimonials to find out what our doctors who we’ve helped have found our services.

Transition Medical offers numerous advantages for doctors seeking employment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re considering moving Down Under, we can offer exciting opportunities to help you realise your professional ambitions. Please get in touch to find out more.

 

 

Transitioning to General Practice in Australia: The Role of Clinical Interests

Posted on by emma

Emma is currently travelling around Australia, visiting the wonderful medical centres to gain insights into where you could be working and what they seek in GP recruits. We’re committed to keeping you informed about easing your transition into Australia general practice.

During our conversations with GP owners and exploring the changing landscape of general practice, one recurring topic was whether GPs coming to Australia needed to have a specific area of interest While its not mandatory, many clinic owners suggested that it would be useful for an incoming GP to have an area of clinical interest to complement their practice.

Let’s discuss this further.

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

The short answer is no. Many traditional general practices seek well-rounded GPs with comparable qualifications and experience and a great team fit into the practice. However, some practices view having a clinical interest as a great way to build your patient base and ensure a consistent workload.

Which Clinical interests are beneficial?

Personal Interest: Pursuing a field of medicine you’re passionate about is an excellent starting point.

Community Needs: Local community demands may vary based on practice location and patient demographics.  However, certain clinical areas are generally in demand across Australia, including;

– Women’s Health and the ability to fit coils and implants is highly desirable
– Chronic disease management
– Minor Surgery
– Dermatology
– Mental Health
– Elderly care including Aged care facilities

Don’t limit yourself to these areas, the GPs I spoke to had wide and varied interests from geriatric care to medical cannabis to sports medicine.

Why do I need a specialist interest?

As mentioned, this is not an absolute requirement however having a specialist interest  can complement general practice in several ways:

Improving Healthcare Access: Managing complex cases within the practice reduces pressure on specialist waiting times and can offer more affordable care options for patients.

Reducing the referrals to Specialists: If a patient presents with a particular condition, the practice will refer the GP surgery to the most appropriate doctor. This allows the patient to be treated within the clinic rather than elsewhere.

As patients currently have the choice of GP and can register with more than one GP practice, going to a preferred doctor with an interest in their care benefits both patient and doctor.

How will it help you in GP in Australia?

Increased earning potential

– Many practices have or are moving to a mixed billing setting where they charge some patients and bulk bill others. It is still very common to bulk bill children, pension, and health care holders. In this scenario, the private fees charged for minor surgery, dermatology, fitting coils, etc are much higher.
– When bulk billing a patient, having an interest in aged care or chronic disease management is excellent and will increase your potential by utilising chronic disease care plans where you can charge approx—$ 300 for a consult. Most practices have robust procedures in place for maximising income from these.

Increased Job satisfaction

– Some GP Owners I spoke to really enjoyed the varied aspects of general practice and being able to do a wide range of procedural work as well as standard family medicine kept his day interesting. Another has built his patient base around medicinal cannabis and any surgical work he can safely and competently do in the practice.

– Continuity of Care: For patients with chronic conditions, seeing a GP with a special interest in their specific health concern can be invaluable. It allows for a more streamlined and personalised approach to managing their ongoing needs, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship.

Building your Patient Base

With the nature of general practice, there is an element of building your patient base which can take between 3 – 6 months. Some practices may have a retiring GP or have had to close their books and are turning patients away. Others may have a huge growth of housing in the area and expect a large increase in patients for your arrival.

In any practice, however, before you arrive, the team will be advertising you as a new doctor. Marketing will be done in the local area to let the patients know you are available for appointments. This can be greatly enhanced if you have any area of interest to complement the team and attract patients who need your specialist care. I found it useful having chats with the Australian doctors (many of whom are UK-trained and have made the transition) and getting their insights into ways to manage your practice in Australia.

Conclusion

Transitioning to general practice in Australia offers autonomy in managing your workload and patient care. Conversations with Australian doctors, many of whom underwent similar transitions, provided valuable insights into navigating the Australian healthcare landscape.

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

 

 

Talking with a UK Trained Rural GP working in rural Australia

Posted on by emma

Transition Medical were contacted by a rural farmer and local community member to assist the rural town of Wudinna to find a GP. The community of 600 people had been without a doctor for almost 2 years. Patients were having to either drive 2 hours to the nearest GP or fly to Adelaide for treatment.

Dr Ernest Wong, a newly qualified UK trained GP signed up for this amazing experience of being the only rural GP doctor in the town. Ernest started work in October 2023 and has put together this wonderful picture of life as a rural GP in Australia. We loved working with Ernest and the team at Wudinna and his placement there has made such a huge difference to the local community.

Happy Reading! Emma Cook, MD Transition Medical.

Dr Scott Lewis, my GP supervisor, flew me out in his plane to the tiny town of 600 people. This was our third flight together and he still hasn’t told me where the parachutes are. I tried not to think too much about that, instead focusing on the excitement of things to come.

Dr Ernest Wong and his Supervisor

I was going to be the new and only doctor in a grain and cattle farming community in a district which covered an area five times the size of London. Besides being the GP for the community, the role also includes providing cover for the local A&E (2 trolleys), acute hospital (8 beds) and nursing home (10 beds).

Wudinna Hospital – If you need a CT scan? The nearest one is 200 km (125 miles) away!

Having arrived in summertime (harvest season), the days are hot and the nights cool. The climate is a hot mediterranean climate that reminded me of Spain.

Not-so-subtle signs that this is a farming community.

Just as we got to the hospital, a paramedic was transporting an elderly patient to the air ambulance (Royal Australian Flying Doctors). I wasn’t expecting Scott to say; “Oh by the way, she (paramedic) is the mayor”. Turns out all the paramedics in town are volunteers! Such is the realities of rural life – everyone must pull together to survive.

 

The mayor is also a part-time columnist.

In my first clinic I was confronted by my biggest challenge yet – a manual blood pressure cuff – which I had not touched in years as a doctor in England. The rest of my day was mostly bread-and-butter GP stuff – minor illness and injuries, chronic disease management, repeat prescriptions and driving license medicals – all whilst grappling with IT, Medicare billing and a gazillion drug brand names (unlike the UK, it is not mandatory to prescribe in generics).

Strangely, the work felt a lot more relaxed compared to the NHS. The tempo is much lower, there is more autonomy and patients are extremely understanding. I have been called away to emergencies several times to return to find that patients have been rescheduled, so I almost never miss lunch or leave the clinic after 5.30 pm.

Providing on-call cover for the hospital was terrifying initially but one gains confidence after a few weeks of support “just a phone call away”. Consultants in various specialities are available 24/7 for video advice and guidance. It also helps that the nurses are local and have a deep understanding of the local community.

 

Nothing says “straya” like spiders!

People here are tough as nails. I saw a 92-year-old man with terminal lung cancer walking into my consulting room unaided without breaking a sweat. He wanted a repeat prescription. Probably fitter than most of my 50-year-old patients in England, I thought. On the flip side, if a stoic farmer presents to A&E during harvest season, best to drop everything and attend to him as it might be something catastrophic.

The community has been welcoming, having provided me with a car and furnished house, complete with a vegetable garden planted ahead of my arrival! I have also received freshly caught fish and baked goodies from at least 4 people so far, and invitations to various social gatherings. It feels refreshing to be looking after a community who are clearly appreciative of my efforts.

 

I was part of a children’s school project, apparently.

Overall, I am glad to have made the Transition down under, one which would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Emma and Kirsty at Transition Medical – from their putting me in touch with the right people to their help with jumping through the numerous regulatory hurdles.

For more information on how you can live an adventure in Australia, please do get in touch or see our GP Jobs Page for further information.

Australian Medical Registration gets easier for UK Doctors

Posted on by emma

Navigating the Australian regulatory system and AHPRA registration for GPs and other Medical Specialists is complex and has increasingly become more so over the years. In comparison to other countries, Australia’s medical registration and visa application process is more expensive and takes longer.

This has led to the Independent review of Overseas Health Practitioners known as the ‘Kruk report.’ The findings of which have just been released.

You can read the final report here however we have outlined the significant changes which will make your transition to Australia much smoother:

AHPRA

 The Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) welcomed the findings of the Kruk review into the health practitioner regulatory settings and has implemented some significant changes.

From the 18th December:

  • Overseas based applicants will no longer need to attend in in-person ID check meaning you can apply for your Provider number whilst in your home country and have no wait to start work when you arrive.

Additional to this, since the interim Kruk report review, the average assessment time for international applications has reduced from 29 days to 10 days meaning there is less time to wait for your AHPRA registration assessment.

By streamlining the process, AHPRA are ensuring that overseas trained GPs and doctors will have a reduced administrative burden and reduce costs.

With the recent AHPRA changes announced plus the recent news of the RACGP removing the 10 clinical case studies, it’s allowing an easier pathway for UK GPs to work in Australia. This is just the positive news we were expecting to hear. If you’d like to find out how these changes impact your medical registration application or if you have any questions please do get in touch.

 

 

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Differences and Similarities in Radiology Healthcare Between UK and NZ 

Posted on by emma

The Differences in Radiology Healthcare Between UK and NZ Explained

The field of Radiology is ever evolving and the intricacies of practice can vary across countries.   As a Radiologist contemplating a move to New Zealand, it is important to understand the nuances between working in NZ and the UK. 

Radiology practices in New Zealand and the United Kingdom share fundamental principles, but there are notable differences influenced by healthcare systems, training pathways, and patient demographics.

Healthcare System

NZ has a public healthcare system with a mix of public and private radiology services. The UK has the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded system. Most radiology services are provided within the NHS framework.

Training and Certification

Radiology training in New Zealand is a five-year program overseen by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).  The UK has a structured training program within the NHS, leading to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification.Patient Demographics

In both countries, a large and diverse population contributes to varied cases and a high volume of imaging studies.Technology and Equipment

Both countries employ state-of-the-art technologyWork Environment
NZ may offer a more relaxed work environment with opportunities for outdoor activities.  The UK, with its larger population density, may have a faster-paced work environment, particularly in urban settings.Subspecialisation
In the UK, radiologists often subspecialise early in their careers due to the high demand and specialisation pathways. NZ may provide more generalist roles, especially in smaller centres where radiologists cover a broader range of cases.

 

Transition Medical has job opportunities for experienced Radiologists to join our teams across the country and can provide critical advice and assistance in processing Radiologist applications to a successful outcome. We provide our help at no charge to you!

If a work-life balance is important to you, New Zealand could be the perfect place to grow your career.

Further Reading

Are You a Doctor Considering Relocating to Australia or New Zealand?

Posted on by emma

Are you a skilled and ambitious doctor contemplating relocation to Australia or New Zealand? Australia and New Zealand are appealing due to their vibrant culture, great weather, excellent quality of life, and a thriving healthcare system.

However, the prospect of relocating as a doctor can be daunting, leaving you uncertain about where to start. This is where Transition Medical come in to help. We provide invaluable insights and practical tips to ensure a seamless transition to your new professional and personal life in Australia or New Zealand.

Understanding the Healthcare Landscape

Both countries boast world-class healthcare systems, and as a doctor, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to its excellence. Before making the move, you need to familiarise yourself with the working patterns and registration requirements.

It’s important to consider where you would like to work, what type of environment you thrive in and importantly, what lifestyle are you looking for? Having lived and worked down under, we can provide advice and guidance to help you make your decision.

Navigating the Medical Registration Process

Securing registration is a crucial step for practicing medicine. As a doctor you will be Licenced under the NZ Medical Council or AHPRA however there are many steps to take to gain this registration. We understand all the intricacies of the registration paperwork from submitting necessary documents to understanding English language requirements and the complex world of College memberships. We will case manage your paperwork and hold a comprehensive understanding of everything you need to do.

Doctor Job Opportunities

Australia and New Zealand offers diverse GP job opportunities and Radiology jobs for medical professionals, with demand across various specialties and regions. From metropolitan areas to regional hubs and remote positions,  discover the unique advantages each location offers for your professional growth and personal lifestyle preferences.

Cultural and Lifestyle Considerations

Relocating to a new country involves more than just a change in profession; it’s a lifestyle shift. Familiarise yourself with the way of life, cultural nuances, and the local healthcare ethos. Get excited about your new work-life balance and recreational activities on offer.

Navigating Doctor Visa Processes

A seamless visa application process is crucial for a smooth relocation. At Transition Medical, our Licenced Immigration Advisors will provide specialist advice and assistance to your unique situation. We will assist you in the application for both temporary and permanent residency visas. Get in touch for more information.

Community Integration and Support Networks

Building a support network is vital for a successful relocation. Connecting with fellow healthcare professionals who have already made the move can offer valuable first hand insights into the challenges and triumphs of living and working in Australia or New Zealand. As part of your relocation we can put you in touch with other doctors who have successfully made the move.

Relocating as a doctor is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and preparation. We are here to help you make the move; from deciding where to relocate to which practice to join and navigating the complex paperwork, we are on hand all the way. Arrange a call back to find out more.

Further Reading

What do Radiologists Earn in New Zealand

Australian GP Calculator

Moving your Family Pet Overseas

How to Give Yourself the Best Chance of Finding your Dream Job