Passing your RACGP Fellowship exams is more than a professional milestone — it’s the moment you finally gain true autonomy over where and how you practise medicine. For many new FRACGPs, the dream combines meaningful clinical work, financial security, and a lifestyle that actually supports family and wellbeing. If that sounds like you, Mandurah GP jobs FRACGP deserves serious consideration as your post-Fellowship destination. The Ideal Regulatory & Demographic Sweet Spot Mandurah offers a rare and powerful advantage for doctors still navigating the 10-year moratorium under Section 19AB. The region maintains Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status, meaning eligible GPs can secure a Medicare provider number and begin billing immediately upon Fellowship. At the same time, you’re only a 50-minute train ride or roughly one-hour drive from Perth CBD. This proximity gives you direct access to the capital’s specialist networks, cultural offerings, and extended family — without sacrificing the coastal sanctuary you return to each evening. You won’t have to worry about patient flow either. Mandurah and the broader Peel region face a significant GP shortage alongside robust population growth. With over 104,000 residents and continued annual increases, new Fellows stepping into local practices can expect a dense, immediate patient base and highly lucrative billing potential from day one. Exceptional Medical & Family Infrastructure The healthcare ecosystem here is strong and growing. Anchored by the major Peel Health Campus, the region benefits from established multi-doctor clinics, excellent nursing and allied health support, and seamless specialist referral pathways. Future hospital precinct developments will only strengthen this foundation. For your family, Mandurah delivers advantages that pure regional postings simply cannot match: Education — Access to high-quality local private schools and proximity to Perth’s selective and well-resourced public options. Spouse Careers — Easy commuting distance to Perth’s expansive corporate, government, mining, and technology job markets. Lifestyle Infrastructure — World-class waterways, marinas, dolphin cruises, boating, fishing, and vibrant café strips that make weekends genuinely restorative. Connection with Anonymity – The Perfect Balance One of the most underrated benefits of Mandurah is what many GPs call “connection with anonymity.” In smaller rural towns, you are often the town doctor 24/7 — recognised at the supermarket, asked for advice at the school gate. Mandurah gives you the space to switch off completely outside clinic hours. Yet you remain connected to Perth’s diverse multicultural communities, places of worship, authentic international cuisine, and established social networks. It’s the best of both worlds: professional belonging during the day and genuine personal privacy at home. Why Mandurah GP Jobs FRACGP Stands Out for in 2026 Regulatory advantage — DPA eligibility removes a major barrier for many Fellows. Demand-driven income — High patient volumes and mixed billing opportunities in a growing population. Lifestyle premium — Coastal living with city access that supports long-term career sustainability and family happiness. Supportive environment — Established clinics with strong teams rather than isolated single-doctor postings. Future-proof location — Ongoing infrastructure investment and population growth ensure sustained demand. Mandurah isn’t just a place to practise medicine — it’s a premium lifestyle choice where your hard-earned Fellowship can translate into both professional fulfilment and personal thriving. How Doctor Connect Can Help You Make Mandurah Your Reality Navigating DPA requirements, negotiating contracts, and securing the right practice fit can feel overwhelming after the intensity of Fellowship exams. That’s where Doctor Connect excels. As specialists in GP recruitment across Australia, we maintain deep relationships with quality practices in Mandurah and the Peel region. We help you: Identify current DPA-eligible opportunities that match your clinical interests and family needs Handle the full provider number application and exemption process Negotiate favourable billing splits, sign-on incentives, and supportive working conditions Provide relocation guidance and introductions to local networks Whether you’re an Australian-trained Fellow or an IMG completing your moratorium obligations, we take the administrative burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most — starting your independent career in a location you’ll love. Ready to explore Mandurah opportunities? Contact the Doctor Connect team today for a confidential discussion about current roles, DPA confirmation, and how we can fast-track your transition.

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. How to Effectively Use These GP Job Search Criteria Australia 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. 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 about GP job search criteria Australia. We’ll help you clarify your priorities and connect you with opportunities that align with your career, lifestyle, and values.

One of the most common questions new FRACGPs ask during job interviews is: “Does the practice bulk bill or do mixed billing?” It’s a fair question — your billing model directly affects your income, patient volume, clinical style, and even your risk of burnout. But the real question isn’t just which model a practice uses. It’s whether you should limit yourself to only bulk billing jobs, only mixed billing jobs, or remain flexible. Here’s a clear, balanced breakdown to help you decide what’s right for you. The Case for Bulk Billing Only Advantages: High patient volume and strong, predictable demand — especially in DPA locations and lower socio-economic areas. Easier to fill appointment books quickly, which helps new Fellows build confidence and income fast. Access to rural bulk billing incentives in many regional and outer-metro DPA practices. Aligns with values of accessible, equitable healthcare for many doctors. Challenges: Lower rebate per consultation means you generally need to see more patients per hour to achieve target income. Higher risk of burnout if patient complexity is high and support is limited. Less time for thorough consultations, procedures, or building deeper patient relationships. Bulk billing can work extremely well in high-demand DPA practices with excellent nursing support and efficient systems. However, it requires strong practice infrastructure to protect your time and income. The Case for Mixed Billing / Private Billing Advantages: Higher average income per patient, allowing many GPs to see fewer patients while earning the same (or more). More time for complex consultations, chronic disease management, and procedures. Greater professional autonomy and satisfaction for doctors who prefer longer appointments. Often found in more affluent metro and outer-metro suburbs. Challenges: Slower patient ramp-up for new Fellows — it can take longer to build a full book. Some patients may choose not to pay the gap, affecting appointment availability. In certain lower socio-economic or DPA areas, a full private billing model may not be sustainable. Mixed billing practices often appeal to GPs who value work-life balance and deeper clinical engagement. However, success depends heavily on location, practice reputation, and marketing. Why Flexibility Usually Wins for New FRACGP Billing Model Choice Most experienced GPs and recruiters agree: rigidly committing to only one model can limit your options — especially in your first 2–3 years post-Fellowship. Here’s why staying flexible is often the smarter strategy: Location matters more than ideology. A well-supported bulk billing practice in a strong DPA area can outperform a struggling mixed billing clinic in a saturated suburb. Patient demographics drive sustainability. The “best” model depends on the suburb’s socio-economic profile, age distribution, and existing competition. Your stage of career matters. Many new Fellows benefit from higher volume early on to build speed, confidence, and income, then shift toward more mixed billing later. Support systems matter more than the model itself. Excellent nursing teams, care plan support, and efficient administration can make either model highly profitable and sustainable. Income is about the combination of volume + rate + efficiency, not the model in isolation. The most successful GPs we place are those who evaluate the entire package — billing model + patient flow + support + lifestyle — rather than fixating on one variable. Key Factors to Weigh When Evaluating Billing Models When comparing job offers, ask these questions: What is the realistic daily/weekly patient throughput? Get actual numbers from current doctors. What is the average billing per doctor per session? Transparent practices will share this. How strong is the nursing and admin support? This often determines whether bulk or mixed billing works best. What is the local competition and patient demand like? Does the practice allow you to gradually introduce gap fees if desired? How does the model align with your personal values and desired consultation style? How Doctor Connect Helps You Navigate the Billing Decision Choosing between bulk billing and mixed billing is rarely black and white. That’s why working with a specialist GP recruiter makes such a difference. At Doctor Connect, we don’t push one model. Instead, we take the time to understand: Your income goals and risk tolerance Whether you’re still under Section 19AB/DPA requirements Your preferred consultation style and work-life priorities The realities of specific suburbs and patient demographics We then present you with a curated shortlist of opportunities — some bulk billing, some mixed, some flexible — and help you compare them objectively using the full set of criteria that actually matter. Many of the GPs we place end up in practices that offer elements of both models or allow flexibility as their patient base grows. The bottom line: Don’t limit yourself to only bulk billing or only mixed billing jobs. Stay open, evaluate each opportunity holistically, and choose the model (FRACGP billing model choice or combination) that best supports your income, clinical satisfaction, and lifestyle in 2026 and beyond. Ready to explore GP opportunities with the right billing model for you? Contact the Doctor Connect team today for a confidential discussion. We’ll help you cut through the noise and find practices that genuinely align with your goals.

International medical graduates (IMGs) with specialist qualifications represent a vital pillar of Australia’s general practice workforce, making up over 54% of GPs nationwide. For Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) seeking a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) via the Specialist Pathway, the RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream (PEP SP) offers a structured, self-directed pathway. This six-month program combines workplace-based assessments with targeted education, helping eligible SIMGs transition smoothly into Australian practice while contributing to communities in need—particularly in regional and rural areas. However, success hinges on meticulous preparation, especially Part B of the PEP SP application—the critical stage involving job offer approval and the Letter of Support from Practice. This document verifies that your proposed supervisor and practice meet rigorous RACGP and AHPRA standards for training quality, patient safety, and comprehensive general practice delivery. At Doctor Connect, we specialise in connecting SIMGs with practices that align with these exacting requirements. Our deep understanding of the PEP process positions us to help you navigate Part B efficiently, minimising delays and maximising your chances of approval. Why PEP Application Part B Matters: Securing Your Foundation for Success After completing Part A (the RACGP Comparability Assessment, which determines if you are substantially or partially comparable to an Australian-trained GP), you must secure an approved employment offer. Part B then requires detailed submission on the PEP SP application platform, including supervisor details, practice information, and—most importantly—the Letter of Support from your nominated practice. RACGP assesses this to confirm the placement provides genuine, high-quality supervised experience. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions are a leading cause of delays. Understanding the guidelines upfront empowers you to prepare proactively with your practice. Supervisor Eligibility: Building Trust Through Verified Expertise Your nominated supervisor must demonstrate they can provide effective mentorship. The Letter of Support (or accompanying checklist) requires confirmation of the following: Completion (or commitment to complete) the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) online education and assessment module on supervised practice for IMGs. Full, unrestricted AHPRA registration as a specialist general practitioner. A minimum of three years’ full-time equivalent (FTE) practice in Australia with general and/or specialist registration prior to appointment. Current practice as a specialist GP delivering comprehensive general practice care. Explicit confirmation that the supervisor is aware of and has agreed to the nomination. Evidence required: A link to an online booking system or a signed statement from the practice confirming current active practice. Pro Tip: Choose supervisors with recent experience mentoring IMGs. Their established track record often streamlines RACGP verification. Practice Information and Work Hours: Ensuring Alignment and Legitimacy The practice must demonstrate legitimacy and operational readiness: Active online presence (website, Facebook page, or digital listing) showing accessibility to patients. Practice address must exactly match the one listed on the official website (RACGP verifies this online). Candidate work hours in the Letter of Support must precisely match those in your formal offer letter. These elements assure RACGP that the practice is a genuine, patient-facing operation capable of supporting your supervised training. Onsite vs Remote Supervision: Flexibility with Accountability Onsite Supervision: Confirm whether your supervisor is based at the practice address (Yes/No). Remote Supervision: If the supervisor is not onsite, you must upload a detailed Remote Supervision Plan (or the AHPRA Supervised Practice Plan – SPPA-30 form). This document, on practice letterhead and signed by the practice manager, must clearly outline how effective supervision, communication, and oversight will be maintained despite physical distance. Remote arrangements are permissible but require robust documentation to satisfy AHPRA and RACGP standards for patient safety and training integrity. Special Requirements for New Practices: Proving Establishment and Quality New practices (open to patients for less than 6 weeks at the time of application) face additional scrutiny to confirm they deliver comprehensive general practice and can support training. Once the practice has been open for a full 6 weeks, submit a formal letter on practice letterhead, signed by the practice manager, addressing: Confirmation that the practice provides comprehensive general practice, with detailed elaboration on: Provision of preventative care Continuity of care Delivery of patient-centred healthcare and coordination according to patient, family, and community needs Confirmation that the practice manager has read and understood the RACGP Standards for General Practice Training (3rd Edition). Confirmation that the practice has read and understood the RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th Edition). Exact date the practice opened. De-identified patient demographic reports for the first 6 weeks (covering gender, age, length of consultation, and Medicare item numbers used for billing). Any accreditation held (e.g., AGPAL certificate). This rigorous process ensures new practices meet the high standards expected for PEP placements. Summary of Key Uploads for Part B Evidence of supervisor’s current practice. Supervision plan (SPPA 30 form). Proof of practice’s online presence. Evidence of supervisor’s 3+ years FTE Australian practice (e.g., AHPRA registration history). For new practices: Practice manager’s eligibility letter + demographic reports + accreditation documentation (if available). All RACGP-requested information must appear on official practice letterhead and be signed appropriately. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Many applications stall due to mismatched hours, insufficient elaboration in new-practice letters, weak evidence of supervisor experience, or incomplete remote supervision plans. Start early: Collaborate closely with your practice manager and supervisor. Use checklists. Double-check every detail against RACGP requirements. Practices experienced with PEP placements (like many in Doctor Connect’s network) understand these nuances and can prepare documentation efficiently. How Doctor Connect Supports Your PEP Journey Navigating PEP as an IMG involves more than paperwork—it requires the right placement from day one. At Doctor Connect, we go beyond traditional recruitment. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful GP placements, we specialise in matching SIMGs with practices that have eligible supervisors, compliant operations, and genuine support for your development. Whether you need help identifying PEP-ready opportunities, preparing Part B documentation, or understanding remote supervision logistics, our team provides personalised, end-to-end guidance. We maintain strong relationships with practices across Australia that actively welcome and support international doctors on their path to FRACGP. Take the Next Step Toward Your Australian GP Career The PEP Specialist Stream represents a clear, supported route to specialist registration and Fellowship. Mastering Part B is not just about compliance—it’s about positioning yourself for a successful, fulfilling transition into Australian general practice. Ready to secure a compliant, supportive PEP placement that sets you up for success? Contact Doctor Connect today for expert guidance tailored to your situation. Explore current opportunities aligned with PEP requirements or book a confidential consultation with our IMG-specialist team. Your Australian GP journey starts with the right partnership. Let Doctor Connect help you make it seamless.

Congratulations on passing your RACGP Fellowship exams — a true milestone that opens doors. Moving from rural or regional practice to a metropolitan area is achievable, but it requires understanding the DPA reality, timelines, and smart navigation. The DPA Reality in 2026 (FRACGP metro transition) You can move to metro areas, but if still under the 10-year moratorium, you must secure a role in Distribution Priority Area (DPA) locations. These are government-identified communities with GP shortages relative to national benchmarks. While true inner-city CBDs are rarely DPA, thriving pockets exist in outer-metropolitan suburbs, growth corridors, and socio-economically diverse areas. Pro Tip: You can live in a non-DPA inner suburb and commute to a DPA practice — Medicare and RACGP focus on the clinic’s physical location. What to Expect: Income, Workload & Patient Mix Metro DPA clinics often feature strong patient demand and waitlists, supporting solid billing from day one. You’ll encounter complex chronic disease, mental health, diverse populations, and paediatrics — far from “simple scripts.” Many GPs find the mix professionally rewarding while gaining lifestyle and FRACGP metro transition benefits (shorter commutes, family support, cultural amenities). Your Post-Results Timeline (July Onwards) Mid-late July: Official results released. Immediately after: Apply for FRACGP Fellowship. Upon Fellowship: Update AHPRA to full Specialist GP registration. Parallel: Secure metro DPA job offer. Final step: Apply for a new Medicare provider number (with 19AB exemption) — typically 4–6 weeks processing. How Doctor Connect Accelerates Your Transition Navigating DPA maps, paperwork, and negotiations is complex. As specialists in GP recruitment, Doctor Connect provides: Targeted DPA mapping and verified metro opportunities Full administrative support with RACGP, AHPRA, and Medicare applications Negotiation expertise on billing splits, sign-on incentives, and supportive practice environments Ready to make your metro move with confidence? Contact the Doctor Connect team today for personalised DPA-eligible opportunities.

Doctors moving to Australia through the AHPRA Expedited Pathway or the RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway may qualify for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Specialist Skills stream visa. This visa is designed for organisations unable to find suitably qualified doctors within Australia—a situation particularly common in regional Australia. Stages of Immigration for General Practitioners 1. Preceding Stage – Business Sponsorship Application The employing practice applies to the Department of Home Affairs to register as a business sponsor. This application is valid for five years and is the employer’s responsibility and cost. 2. Stage 1 – Nomination Application Each GP and their family requires a separate nomination application. Responsibilities include: Running labour market testing through job advertisements. Providing a signed employment contract. Submitting details to the Department of Home Affairs to receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for the GP. 3. Stage 2 – Visa Application and Medicals Using AHPRA registration, GPs demonstrate they have the necessary skills and experience. Key requirements include: Meeting medical and character requirements (police check and visa medical). Booking a visa medical after receiving a HAP-ID number in the referral letter from ImmiAccount. Generating a TRN via the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system on the Department of Home Affairs website. Tip: To avoid delays, complete the police check and visa medical once your AHPRA application is lodged. Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway for GPs There is a clear pathway for General Practitioners and their families to gain Permanent Residency in Australia. Key points: PR ensures a stable GP workforce in regional Australia. Discuss your PR strategy with a qualified immigration agency. GPs over 45 working in regional areas for at least two years may still become eligible for PR. Visa Costs for General Practitioners Fee Paid By Amount (AUD) Business Sponsorship Application Practice $1,800 + GST Nomination Application Practice $2,500 + GST Visa Application – Main Applicant GP $3,210 Visa Application – Dependant 18+ GP $3,210 per person Visa Application – Dependant under 18 GP $805 per person Fees are subject to change. The GP usually covers Department of Home Affairs visa fees. Important Notes Doctor Connect does not provide immigration advice. We can connect you with experienced immigration solicitors specialising in GP migration. Additional costs may apply for solicitor services. For official guidance, contact the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration solicitor: Doctor Connect SIDSS Visa Information.

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 pathways: General Skilled Migration (GSM): This includes visas like Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (State Nominated), and 491 (Regional Provisional). These are points-tested and do not require employer sponsorship. Employer-Sponsored Migration: This pathway includes Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage). These can lead to PR after three years of work. Relocating to a Metro Location Many newly Fellowed GPs consider moving closer to major cities for lifestyle, family, or career reasons. However, Medicare access restrictions (Section 19AB) may require you to work in DPA areas. Recent DPA Updates Include: WA: Armadale, Byford, Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Swan QLD: Noosa, Maroochy, Surfers Paradise, Palmwoods NSW: Campbelltown (partial DPA) ACT: Molonglo SA: Mount Barker These updates mean more metro-adjacent areas now qualify for DPA status, making relocation easier for overseas-trained GPs. Children’s Schooling Australia offers high-quality education with multiple options: Public Schools: Free for permanent residents; temporary visa holders may pay fees. Private Schools: Include Catholic and independent schools with tuition fees. International Schools: Offer IB curriculum, ideal for globally mobile families. School Zones Matter: If you’re targeting a specific school, consider living within its catchment area. This can significantly impact your children's education and social integration. Finding a Supportive Practice Choosing the right practice is crucial for your long-term success. Look for: Accredited Training Practices: Especially if you're still completing Fellowship requirements. Mentorship & Supervision: Practices that offer guidance and peer support. Flexible Work Arrangements: Part-time, contractor, or salaried roles depending on your goals. Practices in DPA areas often offer incentives and are more open to supporting new Fellows. Working in a DPA Location DPA (Distribution Priority Area) classification is essential for overseas-trained GPs to access Medicare billing. These areas are identified based on GP shortages and patient needs. Benefits of Working in DPA Areas: Easier visa approval: Access to a wider range of visa options. Medicare access: Essential for billing and patient care. Better job offers: DPA areas often have higher demand for GPs. Challenges: While DPA locations may be further from major cities, recent updates include metro-adjacent suburbs, making it easier to balance work and lifestyle. Final Thoughts Gaining FRACGP is a major achievement—but it’s just the beginning. Whether you're planning to settle permanently, relocate to a metro area, or find the right school for your children, thoughtful planning will help you build a rewarding career and life in Australia. Thinking About Your Career Options After Fellowship Exams? Completing exams and gaining fellowship is a natural time for you to consider new options, potentially a DPA GP job, close to a capital city. Doctor Connect specialises in helping newly Fellowed GPs find the right supportive practice that matches your long-term career aspirations. If you are experienced in Family Medicine, have good exposure to Australian General Practice, and are using a structured approach to your study for the exams like the platform Pass GP Academy, then we are confident that you will do well in your exams. It’s a great idea to discuss this with a Doctor Connect Recruitment Consultant when you are making plans. We can match you with practices that offer suitable jobs with three, six, or even twelve months’ notice ahead of time—then you’ll know what you are working towards.

Medicare Provider Number Application - PEP Specialist PathwayMedicare Provider Number Application - PEP Specialist Pathway What? – Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. Why? – Medicare workforce rules prescribe where IMGs are able to work as a General Practitioner in Australia Why? – Medicare provides the bulk of income for you as a General Practitioner, so you will need to have a valid Medicare Provider Number. On the PEP Specialist Pathway, after you have completed RACGP PartC, your Medicare Provider Number application will be lodged on your behalf by the RACGP. While waiting for your Immigration to be completed, you can fill in, and sign, the Medicare Provider Number Form (HW019) The doctor needs to complete questions 1-15 and sign manually on the last page (please ask us your queries), we will make sure the remaining questions are filled in correctly. Then, once you have received your Visa Confirmation, then you need to: Complete Part C on the RACGP Portal, and Email these documents to pepapprovedplacement@racgp.org.au Personal page of your passport Visa confirmation – from Immigration) Copy of your Current Medical Registration – from AHPRA Letter of Support From Practice Completed and signed Medicare Provider Number Form (HW019) It can take around 2 – 4 weeks for RACGP Part C to be processed, and then RACGP submits the endorsed application to the Medicare Provider Number team on your behalf. Then your final wait for the Medicare Provider Number processing begins. From 24 hours after the email has been sent to the Medicare Provider Number team, we can call the phone number 132150 to confirm that they have received these documents, ask them to check and make sure they aren’t missing any documents, and also ask what their current number of processing days is. At different times of the year, and with higher or lower workloads, this final process can take 20, or perhaps 10 working days. For planning purposes, until it speeds up, we would recommend that you allow around 14 calendar days for processing. Usually, in the final two weeks of waiting for the Medicare Provider Number, GPs on the PEP Specialist Pathway plan to arrive, visit their practice, meet their supervisor, and settle into other parts of their new life.

Welcome To Hobart, Tasmania When it comes to beauty, a comfortable lifestyle, and work opportunities, it is hard to by pass Tasmania, especially its capital city. Welcome to Hobart! But what makes the city such a memorable one? Well, for a start, while Tasmania is certainly a part of Australia, it is what’s known as an Island off an island (a picture tells a thousand words). It is located 240 kilometres to the south of Australia mainland, so getting to Tasmania is done by plain or boat. But don’t worry. Although it is called an island, Hobart, Tasmania’s capital has a population of more than 250 thousand people. It also has many other features that create a great lifestyle. On top of all that, Hobart is also proud to be ranked as the safest capital city in Australia. The History Founded in 1804, Hobart today is Australia’s second-oldest capital city after Sydney. But before it experienced such an impressive growth of population and became an ultimate destination for visitors, the city served as the southern ocean’s main whaling port. It was in the early 20th century that the city began experiencing a large growth in population, thanks to a booming economy as a result of the strong mining and agriculture industries. Learn more about Tasmania, Hobart, the history, and everything it has to offer today, Life in Hobart We mentioned that Hobart is the capital city of the Island, and when touring the city, one can expect the views and the atmosphere that only an island can provide. If it’s an outdoor adventure such as a hike or breathtaking views, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking, you can be certain that Hobart has it on offer. But if it’s art, food and museums you are after, Hobart has Just as much of that and plenty of playgrounds and open areas for families. And the food we mentioned? Hobart and Tasmania in general are known for the fresh produce and an incredible number of options when it comes to dining. On top of all that, the city is known for hosting several great festivals, concerts and sports events. The city also has the weekend markets that have been running for more than 50 years. Population With a population of more than 250 thousand residents, Hobart is home to people and cultures from many corners of the world. Some of the many languages that are spoken amongst those living there, include English, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and more. Schools and Education Hobart and the area has over 120 schools, including primary and high schools (both public and private). It is also the home to several universities, including the University of Tasmania. The city also has many options for those with younger children. The Weather While the city has experienced some hot weather in the past, Hobart is known for its cool weather and cold winters. In summer (December – March) the temperatures range between 17 – 23 degrees. The winter days average a temperature of anywhere between 5 – 17 degrees. Safety and security Hobart, together with the other Cities of Tasmania is in Australia’s top six safest cities. In fact, Hobart is ranked the safest capital city in all of Australia. For emergencies and every day operation, the city has police stations, fire stations and all the emergency services required. Hospitals and health When it comes to hospitals, Hobart has both public and private options. The public hospital (The Royal Hobart Hospital) is located near the city centre and has just over 500 beds while also serving as the Hobart teaching hospital for the University of Tasmania. Further information for GPs Hobart, Tasmania is DPA MM2 The median weekly household income is $1,542 We currently have a number of work opportunities for GPs who are looking to relocate to this great location

We have had great feedback from doctors sitting PTE – typically this is the fastest to book, and also the fastest to get a result. Also – please contact us to ask about people’s experience in clubbing their results successfully with AHPRA. What are the English Language Test Requirements to work as a doctor in Australia? AHPRA accepts the IELTS, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. They will only accept results from these exams if they were obtained less within 2 years before the date you lodge your AHPRA application, unless you lodge your application for registration within 12 months of finishing your last period of employment. For IELTS you will need a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each four components. For OET you will need a minimum score of B in each of the 4 components you are tested in. For the PTE Academic, you will need a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills. For the TOEFL iBT you will need a minimum total score of 94 and a minimum score of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking. Whilst there are several online versions of the English Language Test- some even run by OET and IELTS- AHPRA has informed that they will not accept the results of these exams. Information from: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspxhttps://www.australiavisa.com/visas/english-and-skills-assessments/english-tests/ https://ielts.com.au/australia/about/who-accepts-ielts/organisations-that-accept-ieltshttps://ielts.com.au/australia/results/ielts-band-scores/reading-band-scorehttps://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/ https://www.pearsonpte.com/who-accepts-pte/australia/visashttps://advancemed.com.au/blog/english-requirements-for-doctors/

Why the Next 18 Months Matter More Than the Last 18 Years How practice owners can build transferable value before the proposed 2027 capital gains tax reset. In short: if the proposed rules proceed broadly as announced, value created in your practice before 1 July 2027 may be worth materially more after tax than value created after it. That makes the next eighteen months a practical window for owners who want to strengthen earnings, reduce buyer risk, and improve sale readiness. If you own a medical practice and you have ever thought about selling — in two years, five years, or ten years — the federal budget delivered on 12 May 2026 may have changed the timeline worth focusing on. Every dollar of post-2027 goodwill gain would be fully taxable at up to 47% combined, unless it can be reduced under the small business CGT concessions. In practical terms, the tax on that portion of your goodwill could be effectively doubled. There's good news buried in this. There is no change to the Small Business CGT concessions, so if eligible, these concessions should continue to be applied to reduce capital gains on active assets such as ownership in practices. But the concessions would be doing heavier lifting against a bigger taxable number, so they may not fully insulate you the way they used to. What this could mean in practice: value built before 1 July 2027 may be worth more after-tax than value built after it. If you were going to sell in 2030 anyway, the dollars you add to your practice over the next eighteen months would likely be taxed on the old, friendlier basis. The dollars you add after that potentially won't be. So the question isn't whether to sell — that's a longer conversation. The question worth asking is: what can you do between now and 30 June 2027 to make the practice meaningfully more valuable, so that more of your sale proceeds sit on the right side of any cut-off? Here's what actually moves the needle. 1. Add doctors if you have the rooms and patient demand This is the single biggest, most overlooked value lever for practices with capacity. If you have spare consult rooms and a patient base that's regularly being told "the next appointment is in three weeks," you're sitting on EBITDA you haven't earned yet. Every additional GP you bring on between now and mid-2027 does three things to your sale value: They add normalised EBITDA at a multiple. Most practice valuations work on a multiple of normalised earnings. A new GP billing $500K in their first full year, on a typical service fee arrangement, might add $125–175K of EBITDA to the practice. At a 4–5x multiple, that's $500K–$875K of enterprise value from a single recruit — most of which crystallises on the old CGT basis if you settle a sale before the indexation regime applies to those gains. They reduce key-person risk. A practice with eight contributing GPs is worth a higher multiple than a practice with three, all else equal. Buyers pay for resilience. They demonstrate growth, not just scale. Buyers love a graph that goes up and to the right. Two years of visible practitioner growth — with the billings and patient activity to back it — tells a story that supports premium pricing. The constraint, of course, is that recruiting GPs in Australia in 2026 isn't easy. The pipeline is tight, IMGs take six to twelve months to land, and good doctors have options. If this is the lever you want to pull, start now — not in twelve months when every other practice owner is doing the same thing for the same reason. 2. Improve earnings quality, not just revenue Practice buyers — whether corporates, mid-market consolidators, or another GP — don't pay for revenue. They pay for normalised, sustainable, transferable EBITDA. A practice billing $4M with one GP doing 60% of the work is worth dramatically less than a practice billing $3M across six evenly contributing GPs. The work in the next eighteen months: Reduce key-person risk. If you, the owner, are responsible for more than 25–30% of clinical revenue, your practice has a discount baked into it that no buyer will pay full multiple on. Recruit, delegate, and visibly transition patients to other GPs. Diversify your billing mix. Practices that are heavily reliant on bulk-billing or a single income stream get priced more conservatively than practices with a balanced mix of private billing, chronic disease management plans, mental health care plans, and allied health rental income. Document everything as recurring. Buyers pay multiples on what they believe will keep happening. If 40% of your revenue is from regular care plan reviews, immunisations, skin checks, and chronic disease programs — make that visible in your reporting. Don't bury it in a P&L line. 3. Get your numbers acquisition-ready early In transaction advisory work, the single most common reason a sale process stalls or a price gets chipped down is bad data. Practices that look attractive from the outside turn out to have: A general ledger that mixes personal and business expenses Owner remuneration that needs heavy add-back adjustments to normalise No clean separation between service fees, rental income, and clinical earnings Twelve months of patient activity data that nobody has ever pulled into a dashboard If you fix this now, you get two things. First, you understand your own business better and can manage it more profitably. Second, when a buyer's diligence team turns up, they don't find reasons to discount the headline number. A clean three years of normalised EBITDA, a documented service fee model, and a clear practitioner-by-practitioner P&L is worth a meaningful uplift on the final price. Not because the practice is "worth more" intrinsically — but because the buyer's risk perception is lower, and they'll pay closer to the top of the multiple range. 4. Tighten your doctor agreements and lease This sounds boring. It's not. When a buyer is looking at a medical practice, two documents tell them how much of what they're buying is actually theirs after settlement: Service agreements with each GP. Restraint clauses, notice periods, service fee arrangements, and the clarity of the contractor relationship all materially affect value. A practice where every doctor is on a tight, current, well-drafted agreement with a sensible restraint sells for more than a practice where half the doctors are on handshake arrangements from 2014. The premises lease. A short remaining lease term, or a lease with no option to renew, is a red flag to any buyer. They're not just buying a business — they're buying a business in a specific location with a specific patient catchment. If your lease has under five years to run, renegotiate. If you own the premises, decide now whether you want to sell it alongside the practice or retain it and lease it back. Both have implications for the deal structure. 5. Invest in what buyers can actually see There's a temptation to "spruce up" before a sale. Some of this is worth doing. Some isn't. Worth doing: Modernise clinical software if you're still on a legacy version (Best Practice and MedicalDirector are both fine, but the version and configuration matter) Tidy the patient experience — booking system, online presence, Google reviews, signage Make sure the practice is on top of accreditation and that recertification is well clear of any sale window Address any compliance gaps — PRODA, AHPRA practitioner currency, infection control, the lot Not worth doing: Major capital refurbishments in the year before sale. Buyers don't pay back capex pound-for-pound, and you'll erode your free cash flow during the very period when buyers are looking at recent trading. Hiring extra admin staff to "look bigger." It just dilutes your margin. 6. Bring the structure conversation forward This is the bit that needs a good accountant, not a blog post. But the headline: The way your practice is held — sole trader, company, discretionary trust, unit trust, partnership — could affect how any CGT changes hit you, what concessions you can access, and what restructuring options exist between now and 2027. This makes the question of business structure more important than it has been in 25 years. Different structures may produce different outcomes under the new rules. The budget also flagged expanded rollover relief for three years from 1 July 2027, specifically to support businesses wishing to restructure out of discretionary trusts into a company or fixed trust without triggering a CGT liability on transfer. If this lands as proposed, it would be a genuine and time-limited opportunity. If your practice is held in a structure that may not be optimal under the new regime, there could be a window — limited, but real — to restructure without triggering a tax event. Most practice owners don't know this yet. The ones who do are already talking to their advisors. 7. Decide what kind of sale you want Practice sales come in three broad shapes, and each has a different value-building strategy: Sale to a corporate or consolidator. Higher multiples, more diligence, longer earnout periods, and usually a requirement that you stay on clinically for two to three years post-sale. To maximise value here, focus on EBITDA scale, governance, and showing that the practice runs without you. Sale to an internal successor (an associate or junior partner). Lower headline multiple, but cleaner transition, and you can structure the deal across multiple years to manage tax. To maximise here, start grooming the successor now — they need 18+ months of visible leadership before they can credibly borrow against the practice to buy you out. Sale to another local GP or practice group. Somewhere between the two. The buyer is sophisticated enough to do diligence but not large enough to pay corporate multiples. Value-building here is about being the "tuck-in" that obviously makes their group stronger — geographic fit, complementary services, doctor pipeline. You don't need to commit to a path today. But knowing roughly which direction you're heading shapes what you spend the next eighteen months on. A measured view on timing It's worth being honest about where this all sits. The Federal Budget 2026 CGT changes are proposed legislation only and have not yet passed Parliament. The detail will move between now and any commencement date, some elements may be softened, others may be tightened, and the final shape of the rules will only be clear once exposure draft legislation and ATO guidance are released. So this isn't a "sell now or be punished" message. It's a more measured one: practice owners who use the next eighteen months to recruit, lift the quality of their business, clean up their numbers, sort their structure, and think clearly about the right kind of buyer will end up better off regardless of exactly where the policy lands. The fundamentals of practice value — earnings quality, doctor depth, clean data, sensible structure — matter under any tax regime. If the legislation passes broadly as announced, you'll be glad you started early. If it's softened, you've still built a more valuable, more resilient business. The best time to start building practice value is always five years before you sell. The second-best time is whenever you decide that the value of your life's work is worth a deliberate eighteen months of effort. What to do next: if a sale is even a medium-term possibility, use the next eighteen months to improve earnings quality, reduce key-person risk, tidy your data, and review your structure. Those steps can strengthen your position whether the legislation lands exactly as proposed or not. This isn't financial or tax advice — the CGT reforms are still moving through legislation and your situation deserves a proper conversation with your accountant and a transaction advisor.

A job opportunity, more often than not, is one of the main reasons people find themselves relocating to a new city, state, and often, even a new country. And while a job opportunity is a great reason to consider relocating, it is often the lifestyle that makes one settle and stay. Welcome to Broome, Western Australia. Located just over a 2-hour flight from Perth, the unique town, also referred to as a beach resort town, is unlike any other place. The beaches, the views, and lifestyle are certainly all part of it. However, the development in recent years and job opportunities are a great reason for one to consider a GP position in the town. Things to do When it comes to past events, culture, stories, and people, Broome offers a rich history. In-fact, Broom is known for so many things. To some it is the pearling industry that plays a main role when visiting the city. Harvesting and farming pearls and pearl shells is not only a major attraction for visitors but a major part of the Kimberley economy. In 2014 it was worth 67 million dollars. To others it is the red sand, the incredible beaches, and the many other attractions it offers. For families, Broome is one of the only places in the world where one can walk on the beach a find a dinosaur footprint or join a tour that tells you all about the prehistoric animal that used to live there. If that part of history is not as fascinating to you, one can always visit a crocodile farm, experience whale watching, go on one of the many hikes in the area or simply enjoy one or many of the breathtaking views and beaches. Population, Diversity, and religion The Town was founded in the 1880’s. Founded as a pearling port resulted in the town becoming home to a large multicultural population. Countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan and European countries, all settled in while the aboriginal people and culture were already there. The mix of many cultures has resulted in Broom being able to offer something for everybody. From a religious point of view, Broome has churches, Temples & Mosques. Schools and Education Home to a population of over 14, 000 people, Broome offers several options when it comes to education. The town has four primary schools, and two high schools. It also has a Notre Dame University campus. So, when it comes to relocating a family, the town has plenty to offer. The weather in Broome As we mentioned, Broome is known for its beautiful beaches and topical climate. The town experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which lasts from April to September, is characterised by hot and sunny weather. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during this time. This is also the best time to visit Broome. Especially if you’re interested in outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and beach-going. The wet season, which lasts from October to March, is characterised by heavy rain and humidity. While the weather may not be as favorable for outdoor activities during this time, it is still a great time to visit Broome if you’re interested in exploring the town’s natural beauty. The wet season brings lush green vegetation, waterfalls, and spectacular thunderstorms. Overall, the weather in Broome is generally warm and tropical all year round. The Local Hospital in Broome Yes, there is a hospital located in Broome, Western Australia. The hospital is called Broome Regional Hospital and it is operated by the Kimberley Population Health Unit. It is a general hospital that provides a range of services to the local community including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and a variety of medical and surgical specialties. The hospital also offers a range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Additional information for GPs about Broome Broome, in the Kimberley Region of WA, its DPA, MM5 and RA4 Moratorium reduction Broome offers a moratorium reduction to 4 years on the 5-year-scheme. Income The median weekly household income in Broome is $2,222 If you are looking to find out more information about Broome and what life there could look like, we invite you to visit the Broome Website.