Becoming a GP (General Practitioner) is very challenging and lengthy, requiring about 10-12 years of intensive education, exams, and practical training after high school, including a medical degree, internship, residency, and a 3-4 year specialist training program (like the AGPT in Australia). While demanding, the career offers significant rewards, autonomy, and a good work-life balance compared to some hospital specialties, but demands continuous learning (CPD) and resilience to manage complex patient care and high-stakes decisions.
This is usually 3 years but may include contributing time from other training or experience. GP training normally includes at least 18 months in an approved training practice with the remaining time in approved hospital or integrated training posts.
Entry-level GPs: Those who are just starting out or have a few years of experience might earn somewhere in the range of AUD$100,000 to AUD$150,000. This figure often increases as they gain more experience, build a larger patient base, or specialise in specific areas.
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A GP lifestyle in Australia that's hard to beat
From flexible working hours and well-paid contracts to paid travel and accommodation, Australia offers a lifestyle that's truly hard to match, especially for healthcare professionals looking for both career progression and personal freedom.
Easiest Doctor to Become: Family Doctor
The simple answer is that it takes the least amount of time. After your four years at medical school, (or a 3-year medical school) you can do a three-year family medicine residency, pass your board exams, and that's it, you're a doctor!
Demand for GP services is increasing because our population is changing. Between June 2019 and June 2023, the Australian population grew by 5.2%. But more importantly, our population is ageing. Over the same period, the number of people aged 65 years and over increased by 13.1%.
Vocational training towards RACGP Fellowship (FRACGP) is three years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The first year consists of hospital training (12 months), followed by general practice placements (18 months) and extended skills (six months).
Administrative burden – GPs often have a significant administrative workload, including medical note-taking, insurance documentation, and coordination with other healthcare providers. These administrative tasks can be time-consuming and detract from direct patient care.
Balamurali Ambati is a well-known ophthalmologist who made history by becoming the youngest doctor in the world at the age of 17.
For example, oral and maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery are both considered among the rarest specialties in medicine. In the case of oral and maxillofacial surgery, professionals are trained in both dentistry and surgery, which makes it an even rarer specialty.
For those prioritizing work-life balance, specialties like dermatology, ophthalmology, family medicine and psychiatry offer less stressful environments and lower rates of burnout.
Interventional Neuroradiologists. Interventional neuroradiologists use imaging to treat brain and nervous system problems. This field needs special skills and knowledge of the brain. It's one of the rarest medical specialties.
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The European Union of General Practitioners and BMA have recommended a safe level of patient contacts per day in order for a GP to deliver safe care at not more than 25 contacts per day.
13 high-paying low-stress medical careers
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally considered to be the minimum requirement for medical schools. Some schools may have a lower minimum requirement, such as a 2.5 or 2.75, but these are less common.