General Practitioner
Consult with patients to manage their health and address medical conditions.
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Jobs on SEEK right now
Job growth
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Projected job growth in 5 years
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Typical salary
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What's it like to be a General Practitioner?
As a General Practitioner (GP) you will have broad medical knowledge and the skills to examine patients. A GP is usually the first port of call when a person has a health issue. GPs may treat common illnesses and minor injuries and refer more serious cases to other specialists. A GP is qualified to give general health advice and prescribe medications. They often act as the central point of contact for patients and coordinate their holistic health needs.
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Tasks and duties
- Providing patient-centered care that addresses patients' health needs and promotes wellness.
- Administrating basic medical treatments, such as injections, immunisations, skin cancer removals, wound dressing, stitches and minor surgical procedures.
- Keeping records of all patient treatments and interactions.
- Staying up to date with the latest medical treatments and medications relevant to general practice and primary healthcare.
- Advising patients on diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits that can improve health.
- Arranging the admission of patients to hospitals where necessary.
How to become a General Practitioner
- Complete a relevant degree such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine. Entry is based on Year 12 results, performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and an interview.
- Alternatively, complete an undergraduate degree followed by an approved postgraduate qualification, such as the Doctor of Medicine. Entry is based on prior completion of a bachelor degree, performance in the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and a score resulting from a semi-structured interview.
- Complete a 1-year internship at a recognised hospital where you will rotate through different departments.
- Apply for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia. You can then complete 1-2 more years of training as a Resident before entering a specialist training program.
- Obtain GP fellowship. To become a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP), you must complete the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program. This is an additional 3 years of general practice training and includes an exam. You can choose to incorporate rural practice training into your program, which involves a further year of training.
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Location
AustraliaIs General Practitioner the right role for me?
Job market trends for General Practitioners
Location
AustraliaProjected job growth
National increase over next 5 years
2021
2026
Source: National Skills Commission. General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK role reviews
Latest General Practitioner reviews
Latest reviews from 8 General Practitioners surveyed on SEEK.
All
Positive
Negative
Nov 2018
Medical Profession is challenging but if you are career focused and passionate, its really rewarding 👍
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
GENERAL PRACTICE
The good things
Being a medical professional was my dream, as you are helping the humanity as well as earning money from same profession.
If a General Practitioner is kind hearted passionate and career focused every ...
The challenges
Work life Balance was bit challenging in start but being well Organised and passionate about the career I overcomed it.
Read more
May 2021
General practice is a rewarding though demanding career in an ever-changing world
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
General practice
The good things
Autonomy, flexible working arrangements, variety of skills and clients, pretty good remuneration
The challenges
Time pressure, unpaid overtime, stress and pressure to make correct decisions, lack of security as a contractor
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