6 ways to build a gp patient base

Medipeople • September 7, 2017

6 Ways to Build a GP Patient Base


Starting at a new practice with no patients can be daunting, especially if you’re relying on the practice to send patients your way. Unless the practice has lots of new walk-ins or is short of GPs it could be a slow process to build a GP patient base. And then you might find yourself on the phone to a recruiter like us to find you a new practice. Here are 6 ways to build a GP patient base fast and keep you in that great job. Feel free to also check out our GP Guide for Working in Australia!


1. HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST


GP’s who have a special interest such as aged care, mental health, obstetrics, etc. and develop their skills in this area, have a greater chance to build a patient base fast. Qualify this special interest as your subspecialty and you will be the go-to GP in the practice. The practice will channel these patients your way, and your colleagues will ask your opinion and refer patients to you. This is an excellent way to build a GP patient base and a great way to increase job satisfaction.


2. CONTACT YOUR PATIENTS


You deal with all aspects of your patient’s wellbeing so you’re their trusted health adviser. Why not give your patients a call and follow up on specialists results, blood tests, etc. Many GP’s simply don’t do this. For one this is good practice as reports do sometimes slip thought the cracks, and also gives you the opportunity to build a true doctor patient relationship. By personally following up your patients, you offer tremendous value and they will have all their friends and family come to see you.


3. WORD OF MOUTH


As mentioned above, giving an excellent service will create tremendous value and boost your referrals quicker than you can say “no more appointments please”. Excellent service means taking the time to thoroughly examine, diagnose, and implement effective treatment. Good communication with your patients is paramount, showing that you care and following up post consultation will have your patients talking about you with everyone. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to build a GP patient base fast.


4. BECOME AN ACTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER


Your local council is one of the strongest referral networks available. Being known in your local community is an excellent way to network and promote your services. Request to write a health related topic in the council newsletter or offer to speak at related meetings. Being known as the local GP offering expert advice is an excellent way to advertise your services and get referrals fast.


5. JOIN A SPORT OR RECREATIONAL GROUP


Are you part of a sporting or recreation group? If not, you should be! This is good for your health and wellbeing and another great opportunity to meet likeminded people away from work. As you will be known as “the doctor” around the place, members will ask you for advice about their injuries and illnesses. This shouldn’t be seen as a negative but a golden opportunity for you to invite them to see you at your practice. Who said you can’t mix business with pleasure!


6. GET ONLINE


Don’t be shy? Show the world who you are. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn or your practice website, so patients can see your background and experience. Also don’t be afraid to add any interests or hobbies you may have. This shows you are human. Today’s patients often search through Google to find a new GP in their area. In the search results, you will often find practice reviews and comments below about the GP’s. Great comments about you builds credibility and equals more referrals. And that’s exactly what you want to build a GP patient base. Make sure the comments you receive are great. Read 10 Winning Habits Successful Doctors Have in Common, follow the best practice guidelines and your reviews will be “thumbs up” all the way!


PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER TO BUILD A GP PATIENT BASE FAST


The best way to build a GP patient base fast is to set yourself apart from your colleagues. A small difference in your field of interest and skills will stage you as the expert GP in your area. Your practice colleagues will channel patients your way. Your community groups are another excellent way of broadening your network and having fun at the same time. A personal call to your patients as a follow-up will set you apart from most of your colleagues. This is good practice and builds solid long lasting relationships with your patients who will have their friends and family from all over coming to see you.


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July 29, 2025
Why More UK GPs Are Choosing the Australian Lifestyle What happens when years of burnout, bureaucracy, and backlogs push even the most dedicated NHS doctors to seek something different? For an increasing number of UK-trained General Practitioners, the answer is clear: Australia. From Melbourne to Brisbane, Adelaide to Perth, the Land Down Under has become a magnet for GPs looking to restore balance, rediscover job satisfaction, and reclaim the lifestyle they envisioned when they first chose medicine. But what’s really driving this shift? Escape the Red Tape, Reignite the Passion In the NHS, it’s not uncommon for GPs to spend hours each day chasing referrals, ticking boxes, and wrestling with clunky IT systems. In contrast, Australia’s Medicare-based system, while not perfect, is far more streamlined. GPs here enjoy greater clinical autonomy, less paperwork, and more time for actual patient care. Higher Earnings with Less Financial Stress A UK GP typically earns between £80,000–£120,000 per year. In Australia, many GPs earn AUD $300,000–$400,000+ annually, with lower tax pressure and no pension clawbacks. Bulk billing and mixed billing models allow for transparent, predictable income, especially attractive to GPs exhausted by NHS contracts and QOF targets. Work-Life Balance Isn’t Just Talk — It’s Real GPs in Australia routinely work four to five days per week, with 15-to-20-minute consults and time set aside for breaks and admin. With most clinics closed on weekends, you get your life back. Want to surf before clinic? Hike after work? Pick up the kids from school? Here, you actually can. Sunshine, Space, and Safety for Families One of the biggest lifestyle draws is the environment. Whether it's family-friendly suburbs in Perth, the cosmopolitan buzz of Melbourne, or the coastal calm of Queensland, Australia offers clean, safe, and spacious communities with top-tier schools and outdoor living. It’s not just a career move; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Professional Respect and Career Development Australian clinics are often doctor-owned or corporate-run with a strong focus on GP support, mentorship, and continual development. Many offer relocation assistance, flexible working arrangements, and leadership opportunities. Your work is valued, not buried in bureaucracy. A Growing Community of UK Expats There’s comfort in numbers. Hundreds of UK-trained GPs have already made the leap, meaning you’re rarely alone. Peer support networks, social groups, and British communities are present in many major cities and regional hubs. Pathways Made Easier Than You Think Thanks to AHPRA's Expedited Specialist Pathway, the transition is smoother than ever. With the right guidance, UK GPs can be seeing patients in as little as 4–6 months from starting the process. Final Thoughts If you find yourself wondering whether the NHS grind is worth it, know that a different way is possible. Life after the NHS doesn’t have to mean leaving medicine; just finding the version that inspires you. Ready to explore your options? Let’s start with a confidential conversation. Click here to book a discovery call with our International GP recruitment team Or email chris.t@medipeople.com.au to request our free GP Registration and Relocation Guide.
July 25, 2025
Background: What AHPRA Promised AHPRA introduced the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) on 21 October 2024, aimed at specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) from jurisdictions with comparable training systems—initially focusing on General Practitioners (GPs), with anaesthesia, psychiatry, and obstetrics & gynaecology added by December 2024 ( ahpra.gov.au ). It was marketed as a faster alternative to traditional specialist pathways, aiming for: Application assessment in 4–6 weeks Full registration and practice commencement within 4–6 months Lower costs, less duplication, and a streamlined process But has it delivered? Where It’s Falling Short 1. Fewer Doctors Registered Than Expected As of May 2025, just 127 SIMGs had been registered under the pathway—out of 251 applications received. This includes: 125 GPs 1 anaesthetist 1 psychiatrist This implies that roughly 50% of applicants are still waiting for registration—a significant lag behind expectations. ( RACGP NewsGP ) 2. Documentation & Verification Delays While the promise was quick turnaround after submitting a "complete" application, in practice, many applications remain incomplete for weeks or months due to documentation issues. One major hurdle is: AHPRA requesting further evidence of training, particularly when the doctor's basic training was partially completed outside the UK. This training may not be recorded on the General Medical Council (GMC) certificate, forcing doctors to go back and retrieve transcripts or evidence from countries where: English is not the first language Medical documentation standards differ Institutions may be unresponsive or slow As a result, applicants can face significant delays even before the official 4–6-week processing window begins. 3. Delays in Supervision Planning & Job Approval Another common stumbling block is securing an approved supervised practice role. AHPRA requires a compliant job offer, nominated supervisor, and a formal supervision plan, all approved before registration is granted. But in many regions, especially rural or public health settings, employers are unfamiliar with the process or slow to provide the required paperwork. This adds further delays, pushing registration well beyond the ideal 6-month window. 4. Concerns from Medical Colleges The ESP has also drawn criticism from major Australian medical colleges: RACGP, ANZCA, and others have voiced concerns about the lack of Fellowship requirements, warning that doctors may enter practice without comprehensive assessment of their skills or familiarity with Australian health systems. Some have even called for the program to be paused, citing risks to patient safety and doctor support. These concerns have led to confusion among SIMGs, many of whom are unsure whether to proceed via the new ESP or the traditional college pathway. Summary: A Mixed Picture What Was Promised  What’s Happening in Practice 4–6 week processing Often delayed due to incomplete applications and document requests 4–6 month full registration 50%+ of applicants still waiting after 6 months Lower cost, less red tape True, but at the cost of reduced oversight from medical colleges Simpler documentation Delays occur when training outside the UK isn’t listed on GMC docs Job + supervision plan approval assumed fast In reality, this step can take weeks to months Final Thoughts The Expedited Specialist Pathway has opened new doors for international doctors, but its rollout hasn’t lived up to the speed and simplicity it promised. Key takeaways: Registration delays often stem from missing training evidence, especially for doctors with multi-country education histories. Workplace and supervision plan approvals are a major chokepoint. Medical colleges’ concerns may shape the future of the pathway. For SIMGs, the key is to start early, anticipate delays, and ensure that training evidence from all countries is available and translated, even if not explicitly listed by the GMC.