Surgery Locum Jobs

A Locum Surgeon is a highly experienced Specialist doctor who steps in to temporarily fulfill the role of a consultant surgeon, usually in situations of staff shortages, leave, or periods of increased demand. As a consultant, this professional not only performs surgical procedures but also provides expert advice on patient care, guides treatment plans, and leads medical teams. They often play a key role in making high-level decisions about a patient's healthcare, and their expertise may be sought in complex cases. Like all locum roles, this position offers the benefit of flexibility and exposure to a variety of clinical settings. Nevertheless, it also calls for a high degree of adaptability, exceptional surgical skills, and strong leadership. The credentials of Locum Surgeons are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

To work as a Locum Consultant Surgeon, an individual must have the appropriate qualifications and credentials, starting with a medical degree such as a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent. They must complete an internship and residency, followed by specialised training in surgery through a program like the Surgical Education and Training (SET) run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Upon completion, the surgeon is awarded the Fellowship of the College (FRACS), enabling them to practice as a consultant surgeon. Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory for all practicing doctors in Australia, including locum surgeons. 

Locum surgeons need professional indemnity insurance and may require various certifications depending on the hospital's requirements, such as Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification. A clean record, demonstrated through criminal record checks and working with children checks, is also crucial for maintaining medical registration and employment. 

To become a Locum Surgeon in Australia involves a rigorous path of education, training, and registration. Firstly, an individual must complete a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent degree. This is followed by a year-long internship and subsequent years of residency to gain broad clinical experience. After this, the aspiring surgeon enters a Surgical Education and Training (SET) program through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), which can take several years depending on the surgical specialty. Upon successful completion of the SET program, the surgeon is awarded a Fellowship from the RACS. Next, the surgeon must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to legally practice. To work as a locum, the surgeon can then apply to locum agencies, hospitals, or clinics that require temporary staffing. The surgeon should also maintain necessary certifications and professional indemnity insurance, and should be prepared to adapt to a range of different clinical environments and situations.

The earnings of a locum surgeon can vary greatly depending on factors such as the surgeon's specialty, experience, the location of the practice, and the duration and timing of the locum assignment. According to our jobs postings, locum surgeons could earn anywhere from $2,000 to over $4,000 per day. Rates do fluctuate and are often negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, many locum roles also provide benefits such as accommodation, travel allowances, and other expenses, which can significantly supplement the basic pay. It's important for surgeons to carefully review the terms of a locum contract to understand the temporary agreement.

Being able to pick your hours is one of the benefits of working as a locum doctor. Working time laws always apply to you, regardless of how many hours you put in. Typically, a full-time working week for doctors is around 38-40 hours, but it's not uncommon for surgeons, including locums, to work significantly more. In fact, some surgical specialties might require more than 60 hours per week. It's important to note that Australia has regulations and guidelines to manage doctor fatigue and ensure patient safety. As per the Safe Hours Agreement by the Australian Medical Association, doctors are recommended to not work more than 50 hours per week on average, though there are exceptions in certain circumstances. Locum surgeons should negotiate their working hours before accepting a position and ensure they are working within safe and legal boundaries.