Australia on track for doctor shortages

Medipeople • February 7, 2020

Australia on Track for Doctor Shortages

Australia is heading for an acute doctor shortage in the coming decade, especially of full-time GPs. This trend emerges as fewer medical graduates enter the market and demand for health services rises, new research from Deloitte Access Economics shows.


By 2030, researchers project a shortfall of 9,298 full-time GPs – 24.7% of the GP workforce – according a new report released. Recent planning has failed to take into account the increasing trend for GP’s to work part-time and the growing demand for GP’s in subspecialties such as skin and cosmetic medicine.


The GP deficit is set to be most extreme in urban areas, with a shortfall of 7,535 full-time GPs (31.7%) by 2030, while regional areas can expect a deficit of 1,763 (12%).


The report recommends removing the limit on overseas-trained doctors working in urban areas to quickly boost labour supply. Recent changes to GP recruitment have made it harder for overseas trained doctors to work in Australia. Changes to District of Workforce Shortage has left many practices completely unable to find fully qualified and unrestricted GP’s. In addition tightened visa restrictions have increased the cost burden for practices who have no choice but to recruit a GP from overseas.


Implementation of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy (SHRS), to restrict overseas-trained doctors practising in urban areas will exacerbate the underlying supply shortfall in these areas, it says.


Over the medium-to-long term, the report suggests increasing registrar enrolments, particularly in urban areas, “will assist with delivering a better geographical alignment of the GP workforce to meet demand”. This may serve to curb the negative effects of the doctor shortage Australia is likely to experience in the next decade.


Are you looking for GP work in Australia? Let us know today!


Source Inclusions from shortlist.com.au

MediPeople at the 2025 RANZCP Congress – Thank You, Gold Coast

July 2, 2025
Thank You, Gold Coast !

Medipeople at the American Psychiatrist Congress – Los Angeles 2025

June 3, 2025
Medipeople at the American Psychiatrist Congress – Los Angeles 2025 It was a privilege to attend this year’s American Psychiatric Congress and be part of a special event hosted at the iconic Dodger Stadium. We had the opportunity to connect with incredible psychiatrists from Australia, the UK, the Philippines, and the USA. A huge thank you to Stephen Price for co-hosting this memorable evening. At Medipeople, we’re passionate about going further—creating meaningful experiences that bring our doctors together and support global collaboration in mental health. Thank you also to the American Psychiatric Association for hosting such an outstanding congress. If you are planning to attend San Francisco in 2026 please reach out.

Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025
UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option.  What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.