A general practitioner (GP) is often the first point of contact in the Australian healthcare system, providing comprehensive medical support for community members. They’re the frontline, handling most cases and referring those that need expert attention to specialists.
GPs address a wide range of health concerns—from acute illnesses to chronic conditions—and perform crucial roles in preventative care and health education. Whether you need a checkup, treatment for an illness, or management of a long-term condition, your GP is there to help.
This guide highlights Australia’s general practitioners, explaining what they do, why they’re important, and how they’re compensated.
What is a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia?
A general practitioner or GP (not to be confused with a General Physician) is a doctor who has undergone specialised training in general medical practice. Patients typically see a GP first for health issues, and the GP will decide if they need to see a specialist. GPs are essential in their community, meeting patients regularly and delivering more tailored care.
Medical education of a GP
GPs must follow the general process of becoming a doctor in Australia. First, they have to complete their medical degree in medical school, which takes four to six years. Then, they have a mandatory post-graduate internship of one year and hospital rotations, which take at least another year but can be longer.
Once that’s done, the aspiring GP can apply for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program. It starts with another year of hospital training and 18 months of general practice placements. Finally, extra skills training adds another six months, totalling three years minimum. There’s an optional year for rural skills training.
The process culminates in a Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Fellowship (FRACGP), with an optional Rural Generalist Fellowship if the doctor decides to take the extra year. Only then can a GP work unsupervised anywhere in Australia.
GPs may also acquire additional certificates through optional courses to add to the types of cases they can handle. For example, they can train to gain procedural skills in anaesthetics and obstetrics, which are in high demand in rural areas.
Day-to-day activities of a GP
GPs undergo arduous training because they shoulder multiple responsibilities. Their day-to-day activities are diverse:
- Diagnosis and treatment of diseases, pain, and other medical conditions or symptoms
- Vaccinations to prevent various illnesses
- Prescriptions for medications and treatments
- Referrals to specialist health professionals for further care
- Ordering screenings and medical tests such as blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds
- Management of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension
- Medical checkups and physical exams to monitor overall health
- Preventative care and health education to promote healthy lifestyles
- Minor surgical procedures such as stitching wounds and removing moles
- Mental health support, including counselling and treatment of depression and anxiety
What Are Other Work Opportunities for GPs?
GPs have various work opportunities beyond standard practice, allowing them to diversify their careers and expand their skills. Here are some paths a GP can take:
Locum vs. permanent GPs
Locum GPs fill temporary positions wherever there are vacancies, allowing them to be more flexible and experience different work environments. Locum doctors generally get paid more per shift but have to rely on short-term openings, making managing finances as a locum doctor trickier.
Conversely, permanent GPs have long-term positions in a single practice. They make less per shift but can be assured of consistent hours. They have the stability to lay roots and become a fundamental part of the community, forming deeper relationships with their patients.
General practice clinics
GPs can work in general practice clinics, providing primary care services to the community. They are family doctors who are the cornerstone of patient care, focusing on comprehensive and continuous healthcare.
Hospital work
Some GPs choose to undertake roles in hospitals, such as working in emergency departments (GP ED work) or on wards. Their responsibilities in these settings are similar to general practice clinics, only often with more pressing cases and at a faster pace.
Specialty roles
GPs with additional qualifications can work in specialised fields like GP Obstetrics (GPO) or GP Anaesthetics (GPA). As mentioned above, these roles require extra training and allow GPs to provide specialised care within their general practice.
How Much Do GPs Make in Adelaide?
The earnings of GPs in Adelaide can vary tremendously depending on their experience, type of practice, specialisations, and location. For example, an experienced locum GP in Adelaide with extra certifications can make more than a freshly graduated GP in the same area.
The average Adelaide GP’s salary is AUD 307,231 annually, or an hourly rate of AUD 148. For comparison, the average GP salary in Australia ranges from AUD 200,000 to AUD 350,000, assuming they work five days a week full-time. However, most GPs set their own hours, so that figure is highly flexible.
This payment can come in the form of a fixed salary from the institution they work for, a percentage of billings, or a combination of the two. The different payment structures make getting an accurate figure even more challenging.
The Heart of Healthcare
General practitioners are crucial to Australia’s healthcare system. Their extensive training allows them to provide comprehensive healthcare and manage various health issues in multiple settings.
If you’re looking for your ideal locum or permanent practice in metropolitan and rural Australia, consider partnering with Australian Medical Placements! We can help you find the perfect job to match your skills and preferences.
