General medical practitioners

The distribution of general medical practitioners throughout Australia is uneven. In 2004, there were over 329 GPs per 100,000 population in major cities, 133 in outer regional areas and 95 in very remote areas. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006. Medical labour force 2004. National health labour force series no. 38. Cat. no. HWL 39. Canberra: AIHW.)

In light of the above figures, it is not surprising that general practitioners are received with open arms by locals when they set up practice in rural areas of Australia. There are many benefits in leaving a city practice behind. GPs in rural areas enjoy a closer-to-nature lifestyle, challenging clinical work, closer doctor-patient relationships and involvement with the local community.

The Australian health system is increasingly relying on overseas trained doctors. They represent around 25% of the total in medical professions. Overseas trained doctors considering to work in Australia can obtain information at www.doctorconnect.gov.au.

General practitioners in Australia are registered to practice with the relevant state and territory medical boards. The medical boards also deal with complaints from the public about particular doctors.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards of general practice in Australia.