Locations

Moving from a regional or rural placement to a metropolitan area is one of the most significant decisions a GP will make after Fellowship. For many newly fellowed FRACGPs and international medical graduates, the appeal of city life — better family opportunities, greater anonymity, stronger collegiate support and lifestyle amenities — is strong.

This FAQ addresses the most common concerns doctors raise in their first days and weeks on the ground. Clear answers can significantly reduce stress and help you move from landing to consulting more smoothly.

Arriving in Australia to begin work as a General Practitioner is exciting — and intense. Between visa activation, identity documents, PRODA setup, practice orientation and family logistics, the first month can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a clear sequence and the right support, most doctors move from landing to seeing patients efficiently and confidently.

or many newly fellowed FRACGPs and international medical graduates, the choice of where to practise is as much about lifestyle as it is about clinical opportunity. In 2026, Western Australia — and Perth in particular — continues to stand out as one of the most compelling destinations in the country.

Dr. Raj had trained and practised as a GP in th eUK, one of the countries whose specialist qualification appears on AHPRA’s accepted list. He knew the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway could mean specialist registration in Australia much faster than traditional routes — but he still needed to complete the online application smoothly.

For overseas-trained specialist General Practitioners (GPs), Australia offers excellent opportunities to practise at the highest level. However, navigating the visa and permanent residency (PR) landscape can feel complex—especially when combined with RACGP assessment pathways, AHPRA registration, and Medicare provider number requirements.

For many doctors considering a move to Australia — especially those on the PEP Specialist Pathway — the first question that often comes up is: “What’s the sign-on bonus or relocation allowance?”

Imagine stepping off a plane in Australia, heart racing with excitement and a touch of nerves. You’ve trained as a GP overseas, built years of experience helping patients in your home country, and now you’re ready to bring that care to Australian communities. For Dr. Anita, a dedicated general practitioner from overseas with a recognised specialist qualification, that moment arrived in early 2026. Like many international medical graduates (IMGs), she knew the path to practisi

Many GPs who began their Australian careers in regional or rural areas (MM2–7) eventually consider moving to a major city (MM1). The appeal is understandable — better access to specialist services, more career opportunities for partners, quality schooling options, and greater lifestyle variety.

Western Australia’s rural and remote communities have reached a historic milestone. For the first time, more than 1,000 general practitioners are practising across MMM 2–7 locations. According to Rural Health West’s latest Rural General Practice in Western Australia – Annual Workforce Update (as of 30 November 2024), there are now 1,009 GPs working in these areas — a 5.8% increase (55 more GPs) from 954 the previous year.