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,

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