Demand for doctors in Australia

There has been a lot of media coverage recently mentioning a doctor shortage in Australia and New Zealand.

The healthcare sector in Australia has seen consistent growth in recent years, and as the population continues to age and expand, the demand for medical professionals has surged. While there is a need for various healthcare professionals, certain specialisations are in particularly high demand in Australia. Some of the most sought-after doctors include general practitioners, psychiatrists, surgeons, and medical professionals specializing in rural and remote medicine.

General practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront of primary healthcare, providing essential medical services to communities across the country. With an aging population and an increase in chronic illnesses, the need for GPs has grown significantly. They play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions, as well as providing preventive care and health education. As the first point of contact for many patients, GPs are vital in ensuring the health and well-being of Australians.

Psychiatrists are in high demand in Australia, as mental health issues have become more prevalent, and awareness of the importance of mental health care has grown. The need for specialised mental health services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions, has increased considerably. Psychiatrists, with their expertise in understanding and addressing mental health issues, are essential in providing appropriate care and support for those affected.

Surgeons, as discussed earlier, are also in high demand across Australia. As the population ages, the need for surgical interventions, including orthopedic, cardiovascular, and general surgeries, increases. In addition to the general demand, there is a particular need for surgeons in rural and remote areas, where healthcare services often struggle to attract and retain highly skilled medical professionals.

Rural and remote medicine specialists play a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of communities in geographically isolated areas. These doctors must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge to cater to the diverse health needs of their patients. The Australian government has recognised the importance of improving access to healthcare services in rural and remote areas and has implemented various initiatives to attract and retain doctors in these regions.

This article will cover what trends we are seeing as Australasia's largest medical recruitment agency as well as frequently asked questions.

Does Australia need doctors?

Yes! Doctors are in high demand in Australia for multiple reasons, the first of which is an excess of jobs available in rural and remote regions that need filling. The second reason is that Australia's aging population is growing, creating a demand for more GP doctors.

Is it hard to find a job as a doctor in Australia?

No, it is not hard to find a job as a doctor in Australia. We currently have over 2,000 doctor jobs on our books and if you are registered with APHRA and can practice in Australia you can register to access these.

If you are registered with MCNZ, we can help. Register and someone will be in touch to help you with the best pathway to living and working in Australia.

If you are an International Medical Graduate, your pathway to working in Australia varies and can be more complex. We recommend registering so one of our dedicated international team can point you in the right direction of which medical pathway you need to take.

If you are a doctor and you are trying to find a job in Australia, we would love to help!

Is it worth becoming a doctor in Australia?

Australia has a great health system and multiple job opportunities for doctors. A career as a doctor is seen as a very respected profession in Australia and you will feel like you are an important and integral part of the community.

Doctors in Australia earn great money and your family will be a part of a safe close-knit community with access to public and private health care as well as world-class education facilities.

Which medical specialties are most in demand in Australia?

Australia needs more specialists, including GPs, to work in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia. Some people in some of these regions currently do not have access to the health and medical services they need. Filling these roles means you will be helping where you are much in need.

Psychiatrists, Gynaecologists, Emergency Medicine, anaesthetists, psychiatrists, paediatricians and physicians are all in demand and have the ability to earn good money in Australia.

How much are doctors earning in Australia?

In Australia, the average doctor's salary is around $180,000, but what a doctor makes depends on a number of factors including; grade, specialty, and location.

The Australian Tax Office has revealed that the average salary in Australia is now just over $60,000, meaning even junior doctors are earning over the national average, and consultants can be earning over 6 times as much.

The highest-paid specialty in Australia is surgery, with an average income of around $400,000. Specialty surgeons (like neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists can earn over $500,000). Surgery is followed by anaesthetics and internal medicine (which are all in the over $300,000 bracket).

Locuming in rural and remote areas of Australia is a great way to boost your paycheck, currently, locum doctors in Australia are earning up to $3,500 a day.

In conclusion, the demand for doctors in Australia is on the rise, with particular emphasis on general practitioners, psychiatrists, surgeons, and rural and remote medicine specialists. These professionals are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of the Australian population. As the country continues to invest in its healthcare system and address the needs of its diverse population, the demand for skilled and dedicated medical professionals is expected to remain strong. This presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring doctors and experienced professionals alike to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Australians.

Want to know more about locuming in Australia? We can help and our service is completely free. Register to access over 2,000 doctor jobs.