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General Practitioner Jobs in Australia

Your Pathway to General Practitioner Opportunities in Australia

Are you a GP seeking a fresh start in a healthcare system renowned for its patient-centered care and excellent work-life balance? Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for internationally trained GPs looking to make their mark. With a strong demand for qualified professionals in DPA (Distribution Priority Area) and MMM (Modified Monash Model) regions, there has never been a better time to explore your career potential in the southern hemisphere.


Why Consider GP Roles in Australia?

  • Quality of Life: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle, complemented by Australia’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and family-friendly communities. GPs and their families enjoy a high standard of living with access to public and private healthcare and world class education.
  • An excellent healthcare system: Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. It provides quality, safe and affordable health care and its citizens enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world.
  • Professional Growth: Enhance your clinical skills and broaden your experience in a supportive healthcare environment, with access to continuing education and advanced technology with opportunities to obtain further qualifications in many specialist fields including emergency medicine, anaesthesia, obstetrics, dermatology and rural and remote medicine.
  • Attractive Compensation: Benefit from competitive remuneration packages, relocation allowances, and incentives for working in in-demand areas. GPs work on a fee for service basis and earn high incomes, generally surpassing the salaries available in the UK NHS.
  • Job Security: robust employment law and contracts protect your rights.
  • DPA and MMM Areas: Gain opportunities in regions that actively welcome international GPs—often accompanied by additional incentives, streamlined registration pathways, and the chance to make a real difference in underserved communities.


Understanding DPA and MMM Areas

  • DPA (Distribution Priority Area): Locations identified as having a shortage of medical practitioners. Internationally trained GPs can fill these critical roles, ensuring communities have access to essential healthcare services.
  • MMM (Modified Monash Model): A classification system that recognises the challenges of rural and regional healthcare. MMM areas often provide additional support, financial incentives, and professional development pathways for GPs ready to step into vital community roles.


Working in DPA or MMM regions not only enhances your career profile but also allows you to genuinely improve health outcomes for patients who rely heavily on your expertise.


Professional Requirements

Candidates for general practitioner jobs must have completed a postgraduate residency or vocational training program in general practice or family medicine and hold a specialist qualification. Three qualifications from UK, Ireland and New Zealand allow GPs to use the expedited pathway to specialist recognition with the Australian Medical Board; MRCGP, MICGP and MNZCGP.


All other candidates must use the standard pathways to specialist or general registration, depending upon the qualifications held.

Additional skills sought for general practitioners include:

  • emergency medicine
  • anaesthetics
  • obstetrics
  • rural and remote medicine


How We Can Help

At Odyssey Recruitment, we specialise in connecting skilled GPs with positions which match their career goals, lifestyle preferences, and visa requirements. Our experienced team offers:

  • Expert Guidance: Navigating Australian medical registration, understanding DPA/MMM classifications, and transitioning into local practice.
  • Tailored Job Matching: Access exclusive GP vacancies which align with your clinical interests, preferred location, and family needs. Positions include general practitioners in metropolitan and rural practices, district medical officers (procedural and non- procedural) and rural and remote medicine specialists.
  • Ongoing Support: From securing interviews to negotiating contracts and settling into your new community, we are with you every step of the way.


Take the Next Step in Your GP Career

Ready to explore a world of opportunities in Australian general practice? Let us help you find the perfect position, whether in a bustling urban setting or a welcoming rural community.


Your journey to a fulfilling GP career in Australia starts here. Let’s make it happen, together!




FAQs about working as a General Practitioner in Australia

  • Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) and Moratoriums

    Geographical and medicare billing restrictions apply to international medical graduates who are permitted to work as general practitioners only in areas of physician shortage, deemed Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) with a 10 year moratorium which can be reduced by up to 5 years by gaining credits by working in specific remote areas.


    Priority areas are usually in a regional, rural or remote location, although some areas are just 30-60 minutes drive from major cities.


    There are good reasons to work in these areas:

    • it is an important step to having your skills recognised
    • the cost of living is low
    • communities are welcoming and supportive
    • there are more job opportunities for International Medical Graduates
    • Financial incentives are available for working in more remote locations through the General Practice Rural Incentives Program

    International medical graduates have to work a 10 year moratorium in the DPAs although this can be reduced by gaining extra credits working in defined remote areas.

  • General Practitioner Remuneration

    Financial remuneration varies by location and practice but most GPs work on a fee for service basis and pay a percentage of their total fees to the practice management company to cover the administrative and property costs.


    The split varies but is in the range of 60-75% to the GP and 25-35% to the practice management. Most GPs can earn in the range of AUD$ 200000-500000 pa.


    Practices often include a sign up or retention bonus and a relocation allowance.

  • District Medical Officer Jobs

    District Medical Officer (DMO) positions are for general practitioners with at least 10 years experience and are based in rural and remote hospitals and health campuses. DMOs provide enhanced primary care covering emergency departments, in patients and often practice anaesthesia and obstetrics.  

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