Melbourne is an attractive destination for international medical graduates (IMGs) and medical doctors seeking locum GP jobs in Australia because of several key factors that enhance both professional opportunities and lifestyle quality.
The city offers an incredible range of locum opportunities that allow GPs to practise in a flexible, supportive, and rewarding environment.
Diverse job opportunities
Melbourne has a significant demand for general practitioners, driven by its growing population and diverse healthcare needs. This demand translates into numerous locum positions across various settings, including metropolitan areas and rural locations.
The rise of telehealth services in Melbourne has also opened new avenues for GPs, especially those seeking flexibility in their work arrangements. Many practices have integrated telehealth into their offerings, so locum doctors are able to provide care remotely. In addition to traditional GP roles, Melbourne offers locum doctors opportunities to work in specialised clinics (more on this below).
A locum GP role enables you to choose assignments that suit your lifestyle, so you have control over your schedule.
Dynamic city life
Working as a locum GP in Melbourne not only provides high earning potential and professional growth but also allows doctors to experience the best of Australian life, from its thriving arts scene and café culture to the iconic beaches and natural landscapes nearby.
In fact, Melbourne consistently ranks high in global liveability indexes, and offers a rich lifestyle that appeals to many professionals. This cultural diversity not only enhances one’s personal life but also enriches professional experiences through interactions with varied patient demographics.
Contribution to community health
Locum positions often allow GPs to make significant contributions to community health, particularly in underserved areas. This aspect of locum work can be particularly fulfilling for those looking to make a difference while gaining diverse clinical experiences.
Moreover, engaging with the local medical community can also provide valuable networking opportunities, which can be crucial for career advancement.
The Best GP Locum Jobs in Melbourne
Find the best locum GP jobs in Melbourne and work with knowledgeable GP recruitment consultants to find a locum opportunity that suits your needs.
Roseville, Sydney, NSW
GP Job – North Shore Sydney
Established for over 100 years in the community
65% of mixed billings
High patient demand
Hastings, Melbourne, VIC
GP DPA vacancy – Mornington Peninsula
Rare DPA opportunity
Work in the beautiful Mornington Pensinsula
Well established practice with experienced owner
Seville Grove, Perth, Western Australia
General Practitioner Opportunity – Seville Grove, Perth
Permanent or 6-month locum position available from February 2025
70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first 3 months
Access to an onsite Molescan Clinic for specialised skin work
Somerton Park, Adelaide, Western Australia
GP Opportunity – Mixed Billing Clinic near Somerton Park
Permanent or 6 month Locum GP Role
Earn 70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first three months
Conveniently located near the beach and close to a vibrant shopping and dining hub
Huntingdale, Perth, Western Australia
GP Job Opportunity – Mixed Billing Role, Perth
Permanent or 6 month Locum GP Role
70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first 3 months.
Attractive sign-on bonus for a 2-year commitment.
Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia
GP Job – Mixed Billing Opportunity in a Purpose-Built Health Hub
3 x Permanent or 6 month locum positions available
$150 per hour for the first three months & then 70% of billings
No evening shifts
Karratha, Western Australia
Locum GP Job – Karratha, WA – Private Billing Clinic
Available now through to end of December 2024
$230 + GST per hour or 70% of GP billings (65% for Occ Med billings) – whichever is greater
Flights, car hire, and accommodation provided for the duration of the locum
Darwin, Northern Territory
GP Job – Tropical Darwin CBD with Occ Med Focus
Now to end of December 2024
$200.00 + GST per hour or 65% + GST of billings
Work in tropical Darwin
Hamilton, VIC
DPA GP position in stunning rural Victoria
DPA job in beautiful regional city
65% of private billings
Existing patient base
Gladstone, Queensland
GP Job – Gladstone Occ Health Locum Opportunity
9 Dec – 20 Dec 2024 and 6 Jan – 24 Jan 2025
$250 + GST per hour or 65% + GST of billings
Dream location in Gladstone
FAQs
What qualifications are required to work as a locum GP in Melbourne?
Generally, doctors should hold a Fellowship with RACGP (FRACGP), or Specialist Registration in Australia which qualifies them as specialists in general practice in Australia. FRACGP ensures GPs meet the rigorous clinical and professional standards set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Note that the qualifications required for locum work in Melbourne also depend on each clinic’s needs and registration type.
How much can a locum GP earn in Melbourne?
Earnings for locum GPs in Melbourne can be quite competitive, varying based on location, patient load, and clinic type. On average, locum doctor salaries in Melbourne typically range between $150 to $250 per hour, with some clinics offering minimum hourly guarantees plus a percentage of billings.
For instance, many locum GPs can earn 65-70% of billings, depending on their agreement with the practice. The flexibility of locum work allows GPs to take on as many shifts as they prefer, maximising their earning potential. Locum positions in areas of high demand or short-staffed establishments may offer even higher rates to attract qualified professionals.
What types of clinics or practices hire locum GPs?
In Melbourne, a wide range of healthcare facilities hire locum GPs. These include:
- General Practices: The majority of locum GPs work in general practice clinics. They typically provide essential primary care, conduct routine check-ups, and manage chronic illnesses.
- Medical Centres: These often require locum GPs for short-term cover, such as when permanent doctors are on leave or when there’s a sudden demand spike.
- Urgent Care Clinics: Melbourne has several urgent care centres that may hire locum GPs for after-hours services. They may cover emergency cases that are not severe enough for hospital treatment.
- Rural and Remote Practices: Many rural practices 1 to 4 hours from Melbourne are very keen on locum GPs for continuous care, as they face a shortage of permanent staff. These roles are ideal for GPs seeking diverse and challenging experiences while supporting underserved communities.
- Specialty Clinics: Some locum positions may involve working in specialised settings, such as mental health clinics, skin cancer clinics, women’s health centres, and telehealth services.
How can I find the best locum GP jobs in Melbourne?
Finding the right locum GP job in Melbourne, involves working with a reputable general practice recruitment consultancy, such as Alecto, that has long-established connections with clinics and medical centres across the city.
We can help you by matching your qualifications and preferences with positions suited to your skills and career goals. Job boards and healthcare networks are additional resources, but working with consultants often ensures a better, more streamlined experience.
What is the demand for locum GPs in Melbourne?
There is a high demand for locum GPs in Melbourne, particularly because of the city’s growing population and the need to fill temporary vacancies in healthcare. Locum GPs are often needed to cover for doctors on leave, manage patient overflow, and work in after-hours clinics, so they’re a vital part of the Melbourne healthcare system.
Rural areas in Victoria, the state where Melbourne is located, also experience significant demand for locum GPs. These places provide unique opportunities for doctors to work in varied environments while addressing healthcare requirements in communities in need.
What support does Alecto offer to Locum GPs?
Alecto’s services also extend to assisting with placement in clinics that align with your career goals, and offering resources to help you settle into life and practice in Melbourne.
With Alecto, you get access to a wide network of locum opportunities, ongoing support with your placement, and practical advice tailored to international doctors looking to make Melbourne their professional base.
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Why Alecto?
At Alecto Australia, we are committed to finding GP jobs that suit your individual preferences and needs. Because we specialise in sourcing the best GP jobs for the best GPs, we have access to the largest number of permanent GP jobs in Australia.