Work in Australia

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. With an excellent balance of public healthcare and a flourishing private health sector, Australia has accomplished what many other countries have yet to achieve; a quality, all-inclusive healthcare system.

For doctors, the range of work locations is second to none. From large teaching hospitals, to private clinics in a wide variety of geographic and lifestyle settings, right through to the elite Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides quality medical services to remote communities; the choices are fantastic.

Each of the capital cities and regional centres has their own unique character. Urban and rural communities are great places to live and raise a family and while the country is vast, the network of transport links and telecommunications is first-rate with more than 80% of the population living within 100 kilometres of the coast. The incredible choice of places and activities within Australia is outstanding.

From the incredible lifestyle choices and world-class services and facilities, through to the excellent career opportunities, why not enjoy one of the most enviable lifestyles in the world?

Health System

Many overseas trained doctors (OTDs) refer to lifestyle factors as their primary reason in coming to Australia and with diverse professional avenues available, these two factors provide a winning combination for doctors seeking one of the most attractive lifestyle opportunities in the world.

Australia’s prosperous private health sector is augmented by a universal public health system (Medicare) so you could find yourself working in a substantial city teaching hospital, a private clinic, or perhaps working for the acclaimed Royal Flying Doctor Service and flying to remote regions of the country.

As an overseas trained doctor, you are usually required to work in an area of workforce shortage. These are usually rural regions of Australia and also sections of the public hospital system in urban areas. With a wide variety of choices in both location and practice type, highly skilled doctors are always needed and valued.

Whatever choice you make, Direct Medics will find the right position for you and guide you in your application to work as a doctor in Australia.

Lifestyle

Australia boasts one of the most enviable lifestyles in the world. Due to the Country’s warm climate, Australians really know how to live their leisure time to the full.

Australians are passionate about sport and it forms a major part of the Country's culture, in terms of participation but also spectating.

With plentiful festivals and events held annually across the country, many enjoy throwing a tent or suitcase in the car and heading off camping in the wilderness or to a resort for some well earned rest and relaxation.

The Arts community prospers in Australia with music, film, art and street art being the most popular. Australia has also produced many notable artists from both Western and Indigenous Australian traditions.

Whatever your passion, there’s something in Australia for you.

Standard of Living

In January 2007, Australia had an unemployment rate of 4.6%. GDP per capita was $46,824 which is higher than that of the United States, UK, Germany, and France.

Salaries in Australia vary slightly from state to state but each state's Government fixes all doctors' salaries. The following table illustrates an approximate salary based on seniority.

The Quality of Living Survey 2009 from Mercer Human Resource Consulting placed Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane among the top 35 cities in the world in which to live, ranking them ahead of London, Tokyo and New York.

The survey also cited that Australian cities continue to stand strong as attractive destinations for overseas expatriates in the wake of the global financial crisis making it an ideal place to live and work.

The Environment

Although Australia is the world's smallest continent, it is the 6th largest country which includes the island of Tasmania, and many smaller islands.

Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, neighbouring countries including Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea and has a coastline nearly 35,000km long.

Australia itself comprises of 6 states and 2 territories: Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Tasmania (TAS---the island state), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The climate of Australia varies widely with over 40% of the landmass covered by sand dunes. Only the south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the Country has a tropical climate, varied between tropical rainforests, grasslands and desert. Temperatures are consistently in the low 30s all year round.

The People

Australia has a desirable international status for its multicultural diversity which is reflected in its friendly attitude towards the inclusion of people from other cultures into their local communities.

Australia's cities are melting pots of different cultures and influences from the original Australian Aboriginal to over 200 nationalities represented in Australia today.

English is the national language for around 80% of the population with Chinese, Italian and Greek being the next most common languages.

Australians are very down to earth, valuing authenticity and sincerity with a self- deprecating and dry sense of humour.

How to Register Interest

We seek to meet the needs of our doctors through an ongoing assessment of demand for work opportunities in Australia.

To register your interest in opportunities available in Australia please email au@directmedics.com.