New year, new role: finding the right GP position (and the right practice fit)

The start of a new year has a way of sharpening focus. For many GPs, it’s the moment you finally ask the question you’ve been putting off: *Am I in the right practice for the way I want to work?*

Whether you’re a GP already in Australia or you’re overseas and planning your move, the “new year reset” is a smart time to explore your options. But the key isn’t just finding *a* new role—it’s finding the *right* role in the *right* kind of practice.

Because not all practices are the same, and the differences matter more than most people realise.

Why the new year is the perfect time to reassess

In January, you’re not only planning your calendar—you’re planning your year. It’s when many GPs:

- Re-evaluate workload and burnout risk after a busy year

- Decide they want better flexibility (hours, days, telehealth mix)

- Look for stronger admin and nursing support

- Want a different patient demographic or clinical focus

- Consider a move (metro to regional, regional to metro, or interstate)

- Revisit income goals and billing preferences

Practices also tend to plan early for the year ahead—so there are often strong opportunities available now, before rosters get locked in.

The biggest mistake: choosing a role based on location or income alone

Location and earning potential matter—but they’re only part of the picture.

Two practices five minutes apart can feel like completely different jobs. The day-to-day experience of being a GP is heavily shaped by the practice style, leadership, and systems around you.

That’s why “practice fit” is the real driver of long-term satisfaction.

The key differences between practices (and why they matter)

Here are some of the most important ways practices vary—and what to consider as you explore new roles.

1) Practice culture and leadership

Some clinics are highly collaborative with regular clinical discussions and a supportive leadership team. Others are more independent and hands-off.

Ask yourself:

- Do I want a team environment or autonomy?

- Do I value mentorship and peer support?

- How are issues handled—proactively or reactively?

Culture is often the difference between feeling energised and feeling drained.

2) Appointment length and pace

The pace of a clinic can make or break your workday. Some practices run shorter appointment times with high volume. Others support longer consults and complex care.

Consider:

- Do I prefer a faster pace or more time per patient?

- Do I want a clinic that supports chronic disease management and longer consults?

- How are urgent walk-ins managed?

3) Billing style and patient demographics

Mixed billing, private billing, bulk billing—each model creates a different patient mix and workflow.

Think about:

- What billing model aligns with my values and goals?

- Do I enjoy high-volume acute presentations, or more continuity of

care?

- What’s the patient demographic (families, elderly, culturally diverse communities, etc.)?

4) Support systems: nursing, admin, and practice management

Support isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s what protects your time and your energy.

Look for clarity on:

- Nurse support (care plans, immunisations, procedures)

- Admin systems (recalls, results, triage, booking quality)

- Practice manager capability and responsiveness

- Onboarding and training for systems

A well-run practice reduces friction. A poorly run one creates daily stress.

5) Clinical interests and special skills

Some practices actively support GPs with special interests (skin, women’s health, mental health, aged care, procedures). Others are more generalist.

Ask:

- Will I be encouraged to build a niche?

- Is there demand for my special interest?

- Are there facilities and support to deliver that care well?

6) Flexibility and lifestyle fit

Flexibility means different things to different GPs:

- School hours

- Fewer evenings or weekends

- A set number of days

- A telehealth component

- FIFO or regional blocks (where relevant)

The best role is the one that fits your real life—not just your CV.

## Overseas GPs: the extra layer to get right

If you’re overseas, there are a few additional factors that can make a big difference to your first role in Australia:

- The level of onboarding and support (especially in your first 3–6 months)

- Supervision and mentoring availability (where required)

- Practice systems, software, and admin processes

- Community fit and lifestyle (particularly for regional placements)

- A clear, realistic view of billing and patient expectations

A good first placement sets you up for confidence, stability, and long-term success.

## How we help: matching you to the *style* of practice you’re looking for

At Doctor Connect, we don’t treat recruitment like a numbers game. We specialise in matching GPs with practices that align with how they want to work.

That means we take time to understand:

- Your preferred pace and consult style

- The kind of team and culture you thrive in

- Billing preferences and income goals

- Your clinical interests and the support you need

- Your ideal location and lifestyle requirements

- What you *don’t* want to repeat from past roles

Then we shortlist opportunities that fit—not just roles that are available.

Because a great match benefits everyone:

- You get a role that feels sustainable and rewarding

- The practice gains a GP who’s aligned with their model and community

- Patients get better continuity of care

## A simple “new year checklist” for GPs exploring a move

If you’re considering a change, start with these questions:

- What do I want more of this year (time, support, income, flexibility, clinical variety)?

- What do I want less of (burnout, admin burden, rushed consults, poor systems)?

- What practice style suits me best right now?

- What would make me excited to go to work again?

Even getting clear on those answers puts you ahead of most people in the market.

Ready to explore what’s out there?

If you’re thinking about a new role this year—whether you’re ready to move now or you’re planning ahead—message Doctor Connect today for a confidential chat. We’ll help you find a practice that matches your working style, your goals, and your lifestyle.