The benefits of locuming as a consultant

Australia and New Zealand, with their varied healthcare needs and commitment to ensuring health services in both urban and remote areas, present unique opportunities for consultant doctors. One such avenue that many consultant doctors find both professionally and personally rewarding is locum work. Here, we explore the benefits of taking on locum positions as a consultant doctor in Australia or New Zealand.

1. Filling important healthcare gaps:

Consultants are in high demand, especially across specialties such as emergency medicine, anaesthetics, general surgery, and psychiatry. General practice and internal medicine are in high demand in New Zealand. By being in demand, you have more options and can pick and choose an opportunity that best suits you. Locum to travel and experience different parts of the country or discover a permanent position to give you more freedom.

Australia's vast geography means that while metropolitan areas might have a surplus of specialist services, rural and remote regions might experience shortages. Locum consultants are important in addressing these gaps and ensuring all Australians can access specialist care.

2. Improved work-life balance:

One of the standout advantages of locuming is the flexibility it offers. Consultant doctors can choose when they work, how long they work for, and even where they work. This level of autonomy allows for a better work-life balance, offering doctors the chance to take extended breaks or pursue personal interests alongside their professional commitments.

3. Increased earning potential:

Locum roles often come with attractive remuneration packages. This is particularly true for positions in rural or remote locations with a high demand for specialist services. In these areas, consultant doctors can often command higher rates, with added allowances or benefits, making locuming financially lucrative.

In Australia, a specialist doctor’s salary is in the top 10% of earners. In New Zealand, specialists can expect to earn four times the median income. Working as a full-time specialist gives you a great pay increase and could have you earning between $2,500 and $3,800 per day in Australia, or between $1,500 and $2,500 per day in New Zealand. That's earning potential of $360,000 in just six months! These day rates are relatively similar across all states and territories. However, there may be some variation depending on your specialty. You'll have more opportunities and can choose shifts to suit your needs and lifestyle.

4. Opportunity for travel and exploration:

For those with a sense of adventure, locuming provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Australia or New Zealand. From the coastal cities to the outback, locum positions can take doctors to diverse locations, allowing them to immerse themselves in varied cultures, environments, and experiences.

If adventures are not your thing, you might want to take a "working holiday" and even bring the family along. Medrecruit works with our consultants to orchestrate placements that accommodate a family's holiday needs.

5. Professional networking and development:

Working in different healthcare setups and regions facilitates interactions with a broader spectrum of healthcare professionals. This can lead to enriching knowledge exchanges and potential collaboration opportunities and influence future career decisions.

6. Less administrative burden:

Permanent positions often come with administrative responsibilities related to hospital duties, research, or teaching. Locuming primarily focuses on patient care, allowing consultants to delve deeper into their specialty without getting bogged down by extensive non-clinical tasks. When working with a medical recruitment agency like Medrecruit, you'll receive assistance with paperwork, travel and logistics coordination, and jobs found for you.

7. The opportunity to take a step back into retirement:

Locum work offers a flexible alternative for consultant doctors approaching retirement. It allows them to maintain their clinical skills and continue patient care without the demands of a full-time position. With the ability to choose when and where you work, consultants can balance professional commitments and personal leisure. This ensures a smooth transition into retirement while still earning a competitive income.

Locuming as a consultant doctor in Australia offers professional growth, financial benefits, and personal fulfilment. It's an avenue that addresses important healthcare needs and caters to the evolving aspirations of modern-day medical professionals. Whether driven by the spirit of adventure, the desire for flexibility, or the commitment to broadening clinical experience, locuming is a rewarding choice for consultant doctors.

Our Senior Division team is professional, knowledgeable, and committed to finding you the right role. Dr Kevin Naidoo started working with Medrecruit as a locum surgeon more than ten years ago and boasts the lifestyle benefits. You can check out his experience working with us below:

How a medical recruitment agency supports locum consultants:

A medical recruitment agency, like Medrecruit, can play a supportive role in facilitating locum placements for specialist doctors. We streamline the placement process by matching specialists with positions that align with your expertise and career aspirations. We handle logistical details such as credential verification, contract negotiation, and scheduling, allowing you to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. We also offer insights into various healthcare settings and regional needs, opening doors to unique opportunities across different locations.