How to become a GP in Australia?

A career as a general practitioner (GP) is highly rewarding because you can come home from work each day knowing you have made a valuable contribution to Australia's communities. It allows medical professionals to serve as primary healthcare providers and offer general health advice to the community. The process of becoming a GP in Australia involves a series of stages, including high school, medical school, and general practice training through the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.

Starting from high school, aspiring GPs should focus on achieving solid results in Year 12, particularly in science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects provide a solid foundation for medical studies and can contribute to a competitive application for medical school.

Upon completing high school, candidates must take the Medical School Admissions Test (MSAT) to gain entry into an Australian medical school. This test assesses a candidate's aptitude for medical studies and their potential for success in the field. Preparing well for this test is essential, as it is a critical point of contact between aspiring doctors and medical schools.

Once accepted into medical school, students will undertake a comprehensive curriculum that includes theoretical and practical knowledge in various aspects of medicine. Depending on the university and program structure, medical degrees in Australia typically take five to six years to complete.

Following medical school, graduates need to complete a one-year internship to gain hands-on experience in various hospital departments, including surgery, emergency medicine, and general medicine. This internship is a crucial step in building practical skills and bridges academic learning and real-world practice.

After completing the internship, candidates must apply for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, which provides comprehensive GP training for aspiring doctors. The AGPT program is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality primary healthcare services to the Australian community.

The AGPT program typically takes three to four years to complete, during which candidates gain experience in various aspects of general practice, including rural and remote settings. Upon successful completion of the AGPT program, candidates are eligible to apply for a Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). Achieving Fellowship status signifies that a doctor can practice independently as a GP in Australia.

There are many great reasons to specialise in GP. Aside from being one of Australia's most sought-after medical specialties, GPs work across a variety of areas of medicine, meaning no day is ever the same. Rural GPs are in high demand across Australia, and working a rural GP allows you to give back to Australia's remote and most in-need communities.

How to work as a GP in Australia at a glance

To become a GP in Australia, you must complete the following:

• Complete a Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine.
• Complete a 1-year internship at a recognised hospital where you will work across different departments.
• Apply for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
• Undertake 1-2 training as a resident before entering a specialist training program
• Obtain a GP fellowship. To become a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). You can choose to include rural practice training in your program. However, this will consist of a further year of training.

Is it hard to become a GP in Australia?

Becoming a GP is a long road that includes obtaining your medical degree, completing residency training, and then your fellowship. Still, at the end of it, you will find yourself with a gratifying career with many great job opportunities across Australia.

Are GPs in demand in Australia?

Yes, General Practice is one of Australia's most in-demand specialties. Practices and clinics are seeking GPs not only in the metro areas but also to work in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia. Some people in some of these regions currently need access to the health and medical services they need. Filling these roles means you will be helping where you are much in need.

Australia is witnessing a steady demand for General Practitioners (GPs), mainly due to its population's rapidly changing health dynamics. This growing demand is driven by various factors, from shifting demographic trends to changes in the healthcare delivery system and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.

Australia’s population is rapidly aging, with a projected rise in the number of people aged 65 and over, expected to double over the next four decades. This increase in the elderly population leads to a higher demand for healthcare services, mainly primary healthcare, predominantly provided by GPs. With older individuals often requiring more frequent and complex medical attention, the role of GPs becomes vital in managing chronic health conditions, preventive care, and serving as a hub for referrals to specialist care.

The shift towards patient-centred healthcare, emphasising preventive medicine and early intervention, also boosts GPs' demand. As frontline providers, GPs play an integral role in managing population health, promoting wellness, and potentially reducing the need for hospitalisation and specialist interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the role of GPs, with an increased reliance on primary care for testing, patient education, and vaccine distribution.

Australia also grapples with the urban-rural divide in healthcare access. While the major cities are generally well-served, rural and remote regions of Australia need more GPs. This disparity in access to primary care contributes to the overall demand for GPs. While partially successful, government initiatives and incentives to attract GPs to these underserved areas have not fully addressed the shortfall.

Changes in workforce dynamics are adding to the demand. Aspiring medical professionals are increasingly attracted to specialties over general practice, contributing to a gap in the GP workforce. Many of the current GP workforce is nearing retirement age, necessitating new GPs to replace them.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues calls for comprehensive and ongoing care that GPs are uniquely positioned to provide. This trend is expected to contribute significantly to the demand for GPs in the coming years.

The demand for GPs in Australia is influenced by many factors, including demographic shifts, changes in healthcare delivery, workforce dynamics, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases. Addressing this demand will necessitate strategic efforts from various stakeholders in the medical industry to ensure an adequate supply of GPs and maintain the effective delivery of primary care services across the nation.

How much do GPs earn in Australia?

The average annual salary for GPs in Australia ranges from AUD $200,000 to AUD $350,000

GPs with Fellowship recognised by RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) with no restrictions can expect to earn around $100 - $150 per hour or 70% of the billings, whichever is greater.

In permanent roles, you’ll often receive a guaranteed amount per hour (around $150) for the first three to four months. After this, you’ll receive the hourly rate or a percentage of the billings, whichever is greater. 

GPs can increase their earnings by taking on locum work or working in rural or remote areas. Locum GPs in Australia earn between $2000 and $3000 a day.

I'm an IMG. Can I work as a GP in Australia?

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs) aspiring to work as General Practitioners (GPs) in Australia, understanding the nuances of registration and job availability is essential. Australia offers a structured pathway for IMGs to become registered and practice as GPs, facilitating their integration into the healthcare system.

To work as a GP in Australia, IMGs must first secure registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This process ensures that all medical practitioners meet the country’s healthcare standards. The registration pathway generally involves verification of medical qualifications, completion of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams, and possibly, a period of supervised practice depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. Check out this RACGP road map for a more comprehensive overview.

Once registered, IMGs can apply for GP jobs across Australia. The demand for GPs is especially high in rural and regional areas, where health services are keenly needed. These locations often offer incentives to attract and retain healthcare practitioners, including higher pay rates and additional support for professional development.

Securing a GP job in Australia also allows IMGs to experience a diverse patient demographic, presenting a variety of medical conditions that enhance broad clinical exposure and skills development. Working as a GP in Australia offers a rewarding career and contributes significantly to the community by improving access to healthcare.

For IMGs looking to embark on a GP career in Australia, it's essential to navigate the registration process efficiently and be open to opportunities in less urbanised regions, where their skills can make a real impact.

In conclusion, whether you are living in Australia or an international medical graduate looking make the move, choosing to be a General Practitioner in Australia offers numerous benefits. GPs enjoy a varied work environment where they encounter various medical conditions, ensuring every day is both challenging and rewarding. Australia’s healthcare system is world-renowned for its high standards and innovative practices, providing GPs with ongoing opportunities for professional development. GPs in Australia often experience flexible working conditions, allowing for a better work-life balance. This role also offers the satisfaction of providing continuous and comprehensive medical care to families and communities, building relationships that enhance personal and professional fulfilment.