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GP Recruitment Guide
Comprehensive guide to recruiting GPs for your medical practice
Recruiting qualified GPs is one of the biggest challenges facing medical practices in Australia today. This guide provides practical strategies and insights to help your practice attract and retain the right doctors.
Understanding the GP Recruitment Landscape
Before starting your recruitment process, it's important to understand the current landscape and challenges:
- GP Shortage: Australia faces an ongoing shortage of GPs, particularly in rural and remote areas.
- Regulatory Complexity: International Medical Graduates face restrictions on where they can practice (Section 19AB).
- Changing Preferences: Younger GPs often prioritize work-life balance and flexible working arrangements.
- Competition: Practices are competing for a limited pool of qualified GPs.
Recruitment Strategy Checklist
1. Define Your Practice Needs
- Determine the number of sessions and hours required
- Identify specific skills or special interests needed
- Consider long-term succession planning
- Assess your supervision capacity for registrars or IMGs
2. Create an Attractive Job Package
- Competitive remuneration structure (percentage of billings or salary)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development support
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Clear career progression opportunities
3. Craft a Compelling Job Advertisement
Do:
- Highlight your practice's unique selling points
- Include information about your team and culture
- Specify DPA/MMM status for IMGs
- Be clear about remuneration and benefits
Don't:
- Use generic descriptions
- Hide important details about workload
- Forget to mention location advantages
- Neglect to include contact information
4. Effective Interview Process
- Prepare structured interview questions
- Involve key team members in the process
- Offer a practice tour and team introduction
- Be prepared to answer questions about the local area
- Check references thoroughly
5. Onboarding and Integration
- Develop a comprehensive orientation program
- Assign a mentor or buddy
- Schedule regular check-ins during the first few months
- Provide support for administrative and Medicare processes
- Help with community integration for relocating GPs