Income is important. After years of training, exams and often significant personal sacrifice, every GP wants fair remuneration. Yet when doctors look back on the roles that brought them the greatest professional fulfilment — and the ones they left — the percentage split or base salary is rarely the deciding factor.

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.

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.

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.

Moving from rural or regional practice to a metropolitan area is achievable, but it requires understanding the DPA reality, timelines, and smart navigation.