Becoming a GP involves many career choices as to which specialities a doctor can pursue, including spending time in rural and remote communities.
In almost every Australian family, there’s been at least one general practitioner that has long been regarded as an extended member of the household. A general practitioner – otherwise known as a GP – is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. General practitioners are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern.
General practitioners treat a wide range of medical conditions and health issues, and often issue referrals to see other medical specialists. GPs are responsible for diagnosis, treatment and care for health issues, the promotion of good health, preventing future health problems, and managing long term or ongoing medical conditions. In a nutshell, their job is to keep an eye on your health on a regular basis as both a preventative measure, and to ultimately keep Australians out of hospital.
However, where you live in Australia does affect your access to healthcare. Medical issues don’t discriminate based on postcodes, which is why spending time in the remote and rural communities as a GP is a worthy career path to consider exploring.
Working In Rural And Remote Communities As A GP
While the vast majority of Australians live in cities, around one third of our population choose to live in regional, rural and remote areas. A world away from the big smoke of the city, residents often include indigenous people, farming families, and a growing number of migrants and refugees looking to build a new life for themselves in the country or the outback.
For doctors who are relatively fresh to the medical field, taking on work as a GP in a rural or remote township is often quite the learning curve. While the ailments presented may mirror similar presentations by patients in the city, the isolation of these communities can often influence treatment plans. Hospitals are often thousands of kilometres away, which is why the role of a GP is crucial when it comes to preventative healthcare and avoiding potentially negative developments.
Rural life means that it’s not uncommon for a doctor to conduct a check up on someone’s front porch, on a farm, or even on the side of the road if that’s what the situation calls for. Needless to say, a rural or remote GP is required to think on their feet and be adaptable to best serve the needs of their community.
However, the social unity of rural communities is often highlighted by regional doctors as one of the best parts of living and working in regional pockets of Australia. The way of life is a complete contrast to the city, and the relationships formed between GPs and their local community is often deemed to be highly rewarding.
Not only does this career path provide a whole new appreciation for Australian culture, a lower cost of living and what is essentially a working holiday without any resemblance of city style traffic. It should also be noted that a stint in the country or outback also gives GPs the chance to gain valuable on the ground experience, with some even getting the opportunity to work with the renowned Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Whether you’re fresh out of medical school and need to practice your craft, or you’re a seasoned healthcare professional in dire need of a tree change, making the choice to work as a GP in a regional or rural community often provides an educational experience that goes far beyond the realms of medicine.
GP Career Opportunities In Queensland
If you’re on the hunt for a doctor or general practitioner role in the Sunshine State, there’s a chance that you’ll either want to work a little, a lot – or somewhere in between. Queensland based opportunities with House Call Doctor offer flexibility, with shifts that fit around your current workload, personal commitments, or even just lifestyle preferences.
Whether you’re looking to increase your earning potential, gain experience, or even just have a desire for greater job satisfaction, opportunities with House Call Doctor offer local medical practitioners a chance to explore what out of hours and locum healthcare is like, while still retaining a sense of freedom and flexibility. If you’re looking for an opportunity to broaden your career horizons, are you –
- An Australian or Internationally Trained Medical Graduate
- Have full registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Have two years post graduate experience, including experience in paediatrics, accident and emergency, general medicine and surgery
If you can answer yes to all of the above, then why not consider registering your interest for locum general practitioner doctor jobs with House Call Doctor today, and be a part of the medical revolution.
