If you are a newly fellowed GP still bound by Section 19AB restrictions, you may have heard a colleague or recruiter mention a “historical DPA” job. It’s not an official term used by the Department of Health. It’s general practice industry shorthand for a specific situation that can create rare and valuable opportunities.

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.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the RACGP Fellowship Exams and earned your FRACGP. This achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with exciting opportunities and important decisions. Whether you're an international medical graduate or a local GP, here are the main considerations to help you plan your next steps. Gaining Permanent Residency For international GPs, securing Permanent Residency (PR) is often a top priority. There are two main path

Learn how Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) affect International Medical Graduates accessing Medicare and working as GPs in Australia.

Learn how International Medical Graduates in Australia can reduce their 10-year moratorium through rural GP work and IMG programs.

Medicare’s 19AB rules require doctors who studied their medical degree outside Australia to work in an area of distribution priority area (DPA) for their first 10 years of practice here. The Department of Health offers a pathway called “scaling” to reduce the 10 year period by working in general practice in more rural and remote.

<p>Reduce Your 10-Year Moratorium Medicare’s 19AB rules require doctors who studied for their medical degrees outside of Australia to work in an area of distribution priority (DPA) for their first 10 years of practice in Australia. By committing to work in certain doctor-short locations, an overseas GP may be able to complete a GP Fellowship, [&hellip;]</p>