Author: emma

Why Regional Australia GP May Offer You More Than City Life

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Why You Should Consider Working as a GP in Regional Cities Rather Than State Capitals in Australia

Australia offers a range of opportunities for GPs, but the bustling metropolitan hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane aren’t the only places where careers can thrive. Over the past few years, regional cities across the country have gained increasing attention, not just for their unique charms and lifestyle benefits, but for the professional opportunities they offer as well.

Similar to the UK, there is a large proportion of the population live away from the State capitals; how many of you live in London?

If you’re considering a lifestyle change, here are some compelling reasons why working in a regional city might be the best decision for you.

A Better Work-Life Balance

One of the most attractive features of working in regional cities is the superior work-life balance. Many regional cities enjoy DPA status so there is no long commute to enjoy that beachside lifestyle and after work swim.

In regional cities like Geelong, Ballarat, or Newcastle, you’ll find that the overall pace of life is more relaxed. This slower rhythm allows for more flexible working hours, more leisure time, and a stronger emphasis on family and community, making it ideal for those who value quality of life.

Affordable Housing

The cost of living in major cities has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly when it comes to housing. In Sydney or Melbourne, property prices are at all-time highs.

In regional cities, on the other hand, housing is far more affordable. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, you’ll find that your dollar stretches further in places like Cairns, Bunbury, or the Central Coast.

DPA Availability

The majority of Regional cities in Australia are DPA, even within central suburbs. Therefore, no requirement to be a certain distance from the city centre. Cities such as Newcastle, Geraldton, Mackay and Townsville offer regional airports with easy links around Australia and to the state capitals.

Lower Cost of Living, More Disposable Income

In addition to affordable housing, other living costs in regional cities tend to be lower compared to state capitals. Groceries, dining out, utilities, and even transport costs can all be cheaper. As a result, you’re more likely to find that your salary goes further.

Closer to Nature and Outdoor Adventures

If you love the outdoors, regional cities offer an unbeatable lifestyle. Australia’s regional areas are home to some of the most stunning landscapes, from coastal regions to national parks, bushland, and mountain ranges. Imagine being able to take a quick hike before work or enjoy a beach day after a long week of work.

Whether it’s the surf breaks on the Gold Coast, the wineries of the Barossa Valley, or the hiking trails of Tasmania, regional areas offer a richness of natural beauty that’s harder to come by in the more urbanised capitals.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Regional Advantage

While working in a state capital may still seem like the gold standard for many, the benefits of working in regional cities across Australia are becoming impossible to ignore. From better work-life balance and affordable housing to career opportunities and strong community connections, regional Australia offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match in the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Whether you’re seeking a quieter, more fulfilling lifestyle, or you’re ready to explore new career opportunities outside the capital cities, regional cities in Australia could offer you the fresh start you’ve been looking for.

Take a look at some of our top regional jobs:

Regional town, 1 hour from Sunshine Coast

Regional Victoria, 3 months accommodation

Bunbury, South of Perth, 20K relocation assistance

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss areas around Australia and where would fit best with your lifestyle needs. We’ve travelled and lived in Australia so can provide advice and support from day one of your transition to Australia.

How to Guarantee a Steady Income from GP Billings – Australia

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Australia GP Billings

 When considering your relocation to Australia, you will be thinking about better opportunities for your family, better weather and lifestyle.

You must also consider your professional interests and decide what is important to you in choosing a practice. There are many great options, and it may feel difficult to narrow down which practice is best.

Australian General Practice

Australian and UK general practice is very different in terms of health system and practice model. Working as a GP in Australia is varied and challenging and will provide professional satisfaction. It is however, a very different way of working.

Working as an Independent Contractor

In Australia, rather than being salaried or earning a fixed session rate, GPs get paid a percentage of the total amount they bill in the practice. Most practices offer GPs 65% – 70% of billings. Your income will therefore depend not only on the number of patients you see but also on the complexity of the consultations.

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

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

Established GPs earn a very good income, an average of $300K per annum is reasonable allowing for 6 weeks leave and working 4 or 5 days per week. Some doctors earn much more than this. Figures from a 2024 industry report stated that GPs average around $360 – $380K per year. This figure reflects a full time working week.

The RACGP provide an Australia GP Billings calculator on their website

Will I Make Enough Money As a GP In Australia?

Australia GP practice is not like the NHS, where there the demand is always there and GPs are guaranteed an income irrespective of the number of patients seen.

To be successful and build a good income, GPs must understand Australian general practice and Australia GP Billings. Initially, you build up your patient base by making yourself available when patients are, this can potentially mean initially doing a weekend shift or working earlier or later in the day to catch commuters.

Ensuring you give a good service to encourage patients and their families to come back to you and gaining an understanding of the billings is crucial. It is essentially your own business and your patient base must be built up.

How Can The Practice Support Me?

In order to achieve this, a practice must have enough patients. There should either be a waiting list of patients or enough demand in the local area that, with advertising of a new GP, you should be up and running fairly quickly.

The interview process gives you the opportunity to probe these questions and to be reassured that there are enough patients to allow you to be booked up.

  • How will you promote me as a new GP in the practice?
  • Has the practice closed their books?
  • Has a recently GP left / retired?
  • Is there growth in the local population which will increase patient demand?
  • Or simply, does the current patient demand outstrip the number of current GPs?

Bookings are quite different from the UK where there is usually quite a wait to see a GP. That’s not always the case in Australia and patients book on the same day. I discussed this recently with a practice  in Brisbane. He has quite a large number of ’empty slots’ during the week however he said in reality, he rarely has empty time and bills incredibly well.

Practices spend a lot of money in recruiting a GP from overseas. There are sponsorship fees, professional fees (agency, immigration advisor etc), relocation assistance, plus the time involved with recruiting and supervising a new doctor within the practice. It is not in a practice’s interest to have a GP in a room not earning money. This is lost income, not only for the GP, but the practice also.

How Transition Medical Can Help

We spend time getting to know the clinic, so we can as best possible, match you up with your perfect practice.

We don’t work with every practice in Australia! If we feel that the practice cannot offer enough patient numbers or support in making the transition from UK to Australia GP then we won’t work with them. We want to ensure you have a long and happy career within the practice. Our support is available throughout your relocation process and thereafter.

That being said, it’s so important for you to get to get to know the practice and make sure it’s the right fit for you. The only way to do this is to have a face to face online chat and find out more.

If you want to talk about any of our current jobs or have any questions please do get in touch. We’re here to help!

Further Reading

Australia FAQs

How much do GPs earn in Australia

 

New Fast Track Registration for Specialist GPs moving to NZ

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Fast-track registration for provisional vocational specialist registration

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa, The Medical Council of New Zealand has this announced a GP new fast-track registration which was launched in November 2024 . The new pathway should streamline the registration process, enabling doctors from overseas to join New Zealand’s healthcare system faster and more efficiently.

What will this mean for IMGs?

This is a fantastic opportunity, if you have approved specialist qualifications from UK, Ireland or Australia and considering a move to work in NZ. You can apply to get specialist registration in fields such as general practice, psychiatry, dermatology, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, internal medicine, and anatomical pathology then this new pathway will make it a lot easier and quicker (within 20 days!)

Supporting Work-force needs

The new fast track registration hopes to enable more IMGs to come and work in NZ and address the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. This clever approach still recognises the need to maintain high standards of care, therefore doctors eligible for this registration will have their applications assessed against a set of core requirements to ensure they are well qualified and prepared without needing advice from the specialist medical colleges.

Conclusion

A faster more straightforward pathway makes the transition to practicing in the NZ even more enticing. NZ  is consistently voted one best places to live in the world; whether its the outdoor lifestyle, the culture or more relaxed pace of life your after, get in touch and see how we can help you make your next move.

From the blog:

What do GPs earn in NZ

The Growing Demand for GPs and Radiologists in NZ

AHPRA Expedited Pathway now open!

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New Pathway Now Open for Specialist IMGs

The new AHPRA expedited specialist pathway is available to specialists with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Following the launch of the new pathway on 21st October, we can now share some further information and help answer some of your questions.

Key Points:

  • The cost is significantly cheapest: $2,575 ($2,504 for NSW applicants)
  • Supervision: You will be supervised for your first six months in Australia
  • Processing times for paperwork to be completed will be reduced to 4-6 months rather than 12 months.
  • You will get specialist registration on the Expedited Specialist pathway, but you will not get a fellowship.The Medical Board encourages SIMGs to consider applying for fellowship. When you apply, you can give them permission to share your contact details with the relevant specialist medical college. The college can give you information about the process to get fellowship.
  • Moratorium: GPs on this pathway will still be subject to the 10-year moratorium unless they meet exemption criteria
  • Income: Medicare have confirmed that they will be changing their guidance in relation to the provider number applications. Doctors applying via the Expedited pathway will be able to apply for a specialist provider number and access full VR Specialist rates.

For those just starting on the PEP Specialist Pathway, switching to the AHPRA Expedited Pathway may expedite your entry to Australia. If you’re further along in the PEP process, staying on that pathway could provide more certainty and the benefit of RACGP Fellowship. We are here to help, so if you would like to discuss your options please get in touch with  our friendly team on info@transitionmedical.com   +44 (0) 7983 685945

Australia Introduces Expedited Specialist Pathway for International Medical Graduates

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A New Era in Healthcare

We are delighted to share further information about an exciting development for the healthcare system paving the way for  Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs). Set to launch on 21 October 2024, the new Expedited Specialist Pathway offers a fast-tracked route for eligible internationally qualified medical specialists to begin treating patients in Australia. It is designed to reduce paperwork as long as their qualifications are on a pre-approved list maintained by the Medical Board of Australia.

Who Is Eligible?

Medical specialists with certain qualifications from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand will be the first eligible candidates to apply for the pathway.  Other specialist fields such as anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and psychiatry will be added to the accepted qualifications list by December 2024.

How Does the Qualifications Assessment Work?

International qualifications are nominated by Australia’s specialist colleges, such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). These qualifications are then assessed by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) measuring them against an established framework to ensure they are substantially comparable to local qualifications.

To ensure patient safety, all specialists entering via this new pathway must adhere to the same standards as other medical professionals. These include:

•       English language proficiency
•       Criminal history checks
•       Recency of practice requirements

International specialists on this pathway will undergo a six-month supervised period, an orientation to the Australian healthcare system, and mandatory cultural safety education.

Why Was This Pathway Developed?

The Expedited Specialist Pathway is one of the key recommendations from the Kruk Review,  to alleviate pressure on the healthcare workforce by allowing competent, qualified SIMGs to integrate more efficiently into the system.

The traditional Specialist Pathway, which requires individual college assessments, will remain in place for those SIMGs who do not qualify for the Expedited Pathway. Transition arrangements are also available for SIMGs already on the Specialist Pathway who may be eligible for the new expedited process.

What is still to be confirmed?

Although Ahpra have released further information we are still awaiting confirmation of  new pathway fees and processing times. there are also queries around fellowship and how this new system will integrate with Medicare.

Once further guidance is released we will share it on our website.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Expedited Specialist Pathway marks a significant milestone in how international medical specialists are integrated into the Australian healthcare system. By reducing paperwork and streamlining the application processes.

Further reading

AHPRA Release Fast Track Pathway 14th Oct 2024

 

RACGP PEP Pathway

 

GP Salary Australia – How much can you earn

The Growing Demand for GPs and Radiologists in New Zealand: An Update

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Healthcare Shortages: A Pressing Concern

New Zealand has long been recognised for its breathtaking landscapes, excellent quality of life, and friendly communities. However, beyond the scenic allure, the country’s healthcare system is currently grappling with an urgent demand for skilled professionals, particularly General Practitioners (GPs) and Radiologists. This demand is fuelled by several key factors, including an ageing population, healthcare staff shortages, and evolving healthcare needs.

For healthcare professionals in looking for new opportunities and a fresh start, New Zealand presents a compelling option.  As medical imaging plays an increasingly critical role in modern healthcare, the demand for Radiologists has skyrocketed. However, with a limited number of trained specialists in the field, radiology wait times in certain regions have become a significant issue, impacting patient care and diagnosis timelines.

Ageing Population and Rising Healthcare Demands

According to Statistics New Zealand, 1 in every 6 people in New Zealand were in these older age groups. In 2028, 1 in 5 people in the population will be 65+ years.  This ageing demographic requires more medical services, especially in primary care and diagnostic fields like radiology, leading to higher demand for GPs and Radiologists who can manage complex health issues, chronic diseases, and provide timely diagnoses.

As these demands continue to rise, the New Zealand government has prioritised healthcare, making it a favourable environment for international medical professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

Recognising the urgency of the situation, New Zealand has been actively recruiting skilled medical professionals from abroad, especially from countries like the UK where the training standards are comparable. To attract talent, the government has introduced several incentives:

  • Streamlined immigration pathways: Doctors and medical professionals are on skilled migrant lists, which allows for fast-tracked visa processing and a smoother transition.
  • Higher salaries for GPs and Radiologists and support for relocation, more balanced work-life balance, flexible working conditions, and access to stunning nature, make it highly attractive.

Doctor Market Trends

With healthcare systems around the world facing pressures, New Zealand’s targeted approach to attracting international talent has created a prime opportunity for UK GPs and Radiologists seeking change.

  • Growing number of vacancies: More positions are being created and the opportunity for long-term, stable employment is strong.
  • Focus on innovation: New Zealand’s healthcare system is investing in modernising medical technology, particularly in radiology, where AI and advanced imaging techniques are being embraced.
  • Rural healthcare focus: The government is offering attractive packages and incentives for doctors willing to practice in more remote areas.

For healthcare professionals tired of the increasing pressures of the NHS, New Zealand offers a refreshing balance of rewarding work and a better quality of life.

How Transition Medical is Leading the Way

We recognise relocating for work is a significant decision, and we pride ourselves on making that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team has extensive experience in connecting UK GPs and Radiologists with GP opportunities or Radiology jobs in New Zealand’s healthcare system, offering:

Personalised recruitment services: We take the time to understand your unique needs and career goals, ensuring the right match with healthcare providers in New Zealand.

End-to-end support: From visa applications and medical registration to finding the perfect role, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way.

Trusted network: Following our visit earlier this year visiting the GP practices to continue to build our relationships, we are able to give you access to some of the best opportunities in the country.

If you’re ready for a change and want to explore new horizons, Transition Medical is here to help guide you through the process with expert advice and dedicated support.

Reach out to Transition Medical today and take the first step toward an exciting new chapter in your medical career!

AHPRA New Fast Track Pathway

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When Will the New AHPRA Pathway Be Released?

The Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) announced in April this year that they would be introducing a new fast-track registration process for internationally trained specialists like GPs, anaesthetists, obstetricians, and psychiatrists.

There has been a news release in September from AHPRA stating that this new pathway, initially prioritising GPs, is on track to open in October, however subject to Ministerial approval.

This is a potentially exciting initiative which aims to address healthcare shortages by recognising and validating overseas qualifications more quickly, allowing these skilled professionals to start contributing to Australian healthcare sooner.

What Does This Mean for GPs?

It’s difficult to predict what this will mean for GPs and how this may change the current pathway to FRACGP specialist registration however it is anticipated that it should be faster and (hopefully) a cheaper pathway.

It is likely that you will continue to have the requirement to verify documents via the AMC verification process however it will remove the need for the RACGP PEP program and its associated costs. This should then also streamline the Medicare provider number application reducing the processing time.

Until the pathway has been released, we don’t have any further information to share however Transition Medical will be one of the first to know and share how this will affect you.

Should I Wait For the New AHPRA Fast Track Pathway or Apply Now?

This depends on your circumstances and timeframes. If you are eager to get to Australia asap, then I would suggest to continue with current RACGP PEP pathway. Until the new fast track pathway has been approved by Ministers there is no set date for release. There is the possibility that this can be delayed.

If you have time to wait until the end of October then we will know what this means and how to proceed.

Background to the fast track pathway

The new AHPRA fast track pathway is being released in line with recommendations from the Kruk Review into health practitioner regulatory settings which was published in December 2023. The report criticised the lengthy and complex process for overseas trained doctors to enter Australia and published recommendations.

On the back of this report, AHPRA removed the need for overseas trained doctors to undergo an in person identity check in December 2023, allowing GPs to apply for all their paperwork whilst overseas and not wait to start work once they had arrived.

Further Reading

AHPRA Fast Track Pathway

AHPRA Update

RACGP PEP Pathway

FAQs Moving to Australia

Your RACGP PEP Specialist Stream Journey Explained

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Your PEP Specialist Pathway Journey

Introduction

We often get asked what’s the next part of the journey,  after you have applied and completed your PEP Specialist Stream comparability assessment.
The outcome of the comparability assessment will determine your eligibility for entry and also which stream (Substantially comparable or Partially Comparable) you can undertake. In this blog we’ll focus specifically on your Substantially comparable  stream journey, from the day you start working in your approved practice to the day you attain Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).

Supervision and Membership Requirements

Throughout the program, you must:
        •       Work under supervision.
        •       Maintain your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) medical registration.
        •       Remain a financial member of RACGP until you are admitted to Fellowship.
You will be well supported, your supervisor is a seasoned specialist GP approved by the MBA to provide supervision during your program. They play a crucial role in guiding you through your practice.
Upon starting the program, you will be assigned a Medical Educator (ME). MEs are RACGP staff members who are also experienced GPs with extensive educational and practical knowledge. They mentor and support your educational needs, ensuring you progress smoothly through the PEP SP. Regular meetings with your ME will be scheduled throughout your program.
During your induction, you will also get the opportunity to complete a practice workplace based assessment (a practice Clinical Case Analysis or CCA .  This will be used  later in the training program to  assess your competence against the standards set for a specialist GP at the point of admission to Fellowship.
During your training you must meet the below requirements:
  1. Supervised Practice
  2. Educational Activities
  3. Workplace-Based Assessments

These note a full list of requirements to be fulfilled before you can apply for Fellowship can be found here 

Supervised Practice

Before you start on the PC stream, RACGP will recommend the level of supervision you need while working in your approved practice. This recommendation will be based on your comparability assessment results and the context of your intended practice. Once you are 3 months into the program, you will sit with your supervisor and complete a Work Performance Report. This reviews performance criteria and highlights areas you have performed well in and areas for development.

Educational Activities

Educational activities include compulsory and optional tasks designed to ease your transition into Australian general practice.

Workplace Based Assessments

These help to assess your competence and include areas such as clinical information-gathering and interpretation,
making a diagnosis, decision-making and reasoning, clinical management and therapeutic reasoning. You will complete these while completing your training program.

WBAs comprise the following components: 

Multi-source feedback – Used to collate feedback from colleagues and patients on your interpersonal and professional behaviour, development and clinical skills. 

Clinical assessment – Once you have settled and spent at least 3 months in your new practice, you will complete a clinical assessment via videoconferencing and be made up of two components: direct observations and clinical case analyses (CCAs).  The direct observations and CCAs will be conducted by three independent assessors, separate to your mentor ME. 

Once you have completed the WBAs you will be considered for entry of admission to Fellowship.

You can find further information here or if you would like to contact us please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team here

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. 

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

RACGP 

Medical Board of Australia

DoctorConnect

Find out more about why Perth is so popular

 

Changes to RACGP process

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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.