Phone interview tips for medical doctors

Medipeople • February 8, 2017

Phone Interview Tips for Medical Doctors

Great news that you have received an email from Medipeople offering you a phone interview for a hospital in Australia or New Zealand. The phone interview is a crucial step in the medical recruitment process and the degree of preparation required will vary depending on the seniority of the position. We know it can be frustrating to get the job you want, so here are some interview tips to help you get the most out of your next phone interview!

Lock in the date

Due the time difference, the interview time and date are most likely to be early in the morning or late in the evening and not ideal for anybody! Rather than ask to rearrange another time make every effort to be available at the requested time. It is likely that the interview panel have set times and cannot easily be moved about. Asking to move the interview runs the risk of it not happening at all!

Research the location and hospital

and hospital

You will have been provided with the standard job description and overview but why stop there. Check Google for more information about the area and hospital. Australia is a huge place and the hospital could be located in a town you have never heard of. Read up on the area. The panel will be impressed.

Research the phone interview panel

Thanks to Google and LinkedIN it is easy to find out information about our colleagues. If you can find information on the interview panel you many find common themes of clinical interest (or they may even be a fellow alumni). This is great preparation and will give you the chance to break the ice at the start of your phone interview.

Speak to your recruiter about likely interview questions and the interview format.

Once of the benefits of working with a company like Medipeople is the prep and advice candidates before interviews. It is likely they have sent previous candidates for interview to this hospital and know the likely questions and stumbling blocks. In addition, have a look at our article on 10 winning habits of successful doctors!

Provide two phone numbers

It sounds obvious but many a phone interview has been derailed by some kind of problem connecting to the number provided.

Prepare your interview space and technology

Decide prior to the phone interview where you will be based. Make sure there is minimal background noise and good phone reception. If you have a Bluetooth headset consider using it. Have a pad and pen to make notes of points or questions for later.

Manage your perception

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Greet the callers in a clear and friendly manner. Make sure you remember their names from your phone interview notes. Your clinical skills and experience are important but remember they are planning to hire a doctors from overseas. There is a lot of work required for hospitals to sponsor so they need your enthusiasm to shine through. Leave them in no doubt if you like the sound of the position that you will be prepared to accept the offer. Drink some water!

Ask relevant questions

Have one or two prepared questions you would like to ask them in your phone interview. Topics could include the job and hospital but also the local. If you have family you may want to know about the local schools or work opportunities for a spouse.

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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.

Updated: Fast-Track AHPRA Registration for General Practitioners

By Chris Tsolakis • March 5, 2025

AHPRA has launched the Fast-Track Specialist Pathway , providing a streamlined process for internationally qualified GPs and other medical specialists to obtain specialist registration in Australia. This new pathway is significantly faster and more cost-effective than traditional routes, reducing the time to start practicing in Australia from 12 months to approximately 4–6 months. At Medipeople, we are actively supporting GPs through this new process and ensuring smooth transitions into high-quality medical positions across Australia. Latest Updates March 2025 – Key Highlights & First Approvals The first successful Fast-Track application was approved in December 2024 after a two-month processing period, setting a promising precedent for future applicants. GPs must still complete visa and Medicare provider number processing before starting work. As more applications are processed, the timeline and requirements are expected to become even more efficient. Eligibility Criteria & Accepted Qualifications This pathway is currently open to GPs with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, including: MRCGP + CCT (UK) – from 2007 onwards MICGP + CSCST (Ireland) – from 2009 onwards FRNZCGP (New Zealand) – from 2012 onwards Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry are expected to be added in December 2024. How the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway Works Key Steps in the Application Process: Specialist Registration (With Conditions) – Bypass the RACGP assessment and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia. Supervised Practice (6 Months) – Includes orientation, cultural safety training, and workplace-based assessments. Workplace-Based Assessments – Supervision reports required at 3 and 6 months. Full Specialist Registration – Following completion of supervised practice and assessments. Processing Timeframe: AHPRA assessment: 6–8 weeks Overall process (including AMC, EPIC, visa & Medicare): 4–6 months This is a significant improvement over the traditional RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, which takes 9–12 months. Key Considerations for GPs Supervision & Job Requirements You must secure a job offer before submitting your application. A supervisor must be nominated by your employer as part of the process. The supervised practice plan is more detailed than traditional pathways, requiring specific training activities. Does This Avoid the 10-Year Moratorium? No, GPs on this pathway must work in a DPA area or secure a 19AB exemption. Exception: New Zealand medical graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of medical school are exempt from the moratorium. Next Steps: How Medipeople Can Help At Medipeople, we specialise in assisting UK, Irish, and NZ-trained GPs with navigating the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway, securing roles in trusted, high-net-worth practices across Australia. We provide expert guidance on the AHPRA, visa, and Medicare process. We match you with top-tier GP roles in sought-after locations. We ensure seamless supervision arrangements with practices that support international GPs. Get Started Today! To find out more about how Medipeople can help you secure a fast-tracked GP role in Australia, get in touch today!