GP Job Search: 6 Key Criteria for Choosing the Right Practice as a New FRACGP in 2026

Congratulations — you’ve passed your RACGP Fellowship exams. After years of training, you now have the power to choose where you practise. But with dozens of job offers and practice profiles flooding your inbox, how do you separate the genuinely good opportunities from the ones that could lead to burnout, frustration, or regret within 12 months?

At Doctor Connect, we help new FRACGPs every week navigate this exact decision. Over time, six clear criteria consistently separate the best practices from the rest. Here they are.

1. Location DPA Status

If you are still under the 10-year moratorium (Section 19AB), the practice must be in a current Distribution Priority Area (DPA). Even if you’ve completed your moratorium, confirming DPA status protects future flexibility.

What to check: Use the official Health Workforce Locator tool. Ask the practice for written confirmation of their current DPA classification. A good recruiter will already have this verified.

Red flag: Practices that are vague about DPA or push you to “sort it out later.”

2. Financial Package & Long-Term Income Sustainability

Don’t just look at the percentage split. Look at patient flow, billing model, and support systems that protect your earnings.

Key questions to ask:

• What is the average number of patients seen per day by current doctors?

• Is it mixed billing, private billing, or bulk billing dominant?

• How strong is the nursing and admin support for care plans, procedures, and MBS optimisation?

• Are there sign-on bonuses, relocation support, or retention incentives?

The best practices offer transparent data on historical billings and realistic ramp-up timelines. A lower percentage in a busy, well-supported clinic almost always beats a high percentage in a quiet one.

3. Clinical Support & Team Culture

You are no longer a registrar. You need a practice where you can thrive independently while still having access to support when you need it.

Evaluate:

• Number of doctors on site and their experience levels

• Quality of nursing and practice management teams

• Whether senior doctors are approachable for case discussions

• On-site procedures, allied health, and specialist referral pathways

The strongest practices foster a collegiate environment rather than isolated silos. During your site visit, observe how the team interacts and whether doctors seem genuinely happy and supported.

4. Workload, Hours & True Work-Life Balance

A “full-time” role can mean very different things across practices.

Clarify:

• Standard session structure and expected daily patient numbers

• After-hours/on-call expectations (and whether they are rostered fairly)

• Flexibility for family commitments or special interests

• Leave entitlements and how requests are handled

The best practices are transparent about workload and have systems in place to prevent burnout. They understand that sustainable doctors deliver better care and stay longer.

5. Location, Lifestyle & Family Fit

Your career decision rarely happens in isolation. Consider:

• Commute time and traffic reality

• Proximity to good schools (especially if you have or plan to have children)

• Partner’s career opportunities in the area

• Access to cultural communities, amenities, and support networks

• Overall “liveability” — will you and your family actually enjoy living here long-term?

Many GPs regret accepting roles purely based on money or “it’s a job” without properly assessing the lifestyle impact. The right location supports both your professional and personal life.

6. Values Alignment, Culture & Long-Term Career Path

Finally, ask yourself: Does this practice reflect the kind of medicine I want to practise and the values I hold?

Look for:

• Commitment to quality care over volume

• Support for your special interests or further training

• Clear pathways to partnership or leadership if that’s your goal

• Genuine respect for work-life boundaries

• How the practice treats its staff and patients

The best long-term fits are those where you feel aligned with the leadership team and can see yourself growing professionally over the next 5–10 years.

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How to Use These Criteria Effectively

Create a simple scoring system (out of 10) for each criterion when comparing offers. Bring your non-negotiables (e.g., DPA requirement, maximum commute time, minimum income target) and nice-to-haves.

During interviews and site visits, ask specific, evidence-based questions rather than vague ones. Request to speak with current doctors (not just the principal) and, if possible, visit during a normal clinic day.

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Why Working with a Specialist GP Recruiter Makes the Difference

Sorting through these six criteria alone can be overwhelming — especially while you’re still processing exam results or managing visa/provider number paperwork.

A dedicated GP recruitment partner like Doctor Connect does the heavy lifting:

• Pre-screens practices against your specific criteria

• Verifies DPA status and regulatory requirements upfront

• Negotiates on your behalf for better packages and conditions

• Provides honest insights into practice culture that you won’t find on job ads

• Supports you through the entire process — from first conversation to starting your first independent role

We specialise in matching new FRACGPs with practices that genuinely tick the boxes across all six criteria, not just the ones that look good on paper.

Ready to find the practice that’s right for you — not just the first offer that comes along?

Contact the Doctor Connect team today for a confidential discussion. We’ll help you clarify your priorities and connect you with opportunities that align with your career, lifestyle, and values.