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From dreaming of sunshine to finding your footing, here’s how we make your relocation a success.

Are you a General Practitioner in the UK or Ireland dreaming of a different pace? Perhaps you're thinking of better work-life balance, long summers by the beach, or a significant boost to your earning potential.

For many GPs, Australia is more than just a new job; it’s a new chapter for you and your family.

But a move of this scale—navigating medical registration, visas, and finding the right community—can feel overwhelming. It’s a journey that requires precision, deep industry knowledge, and most importantly, a human touch.

At Northbridge Healthcare, we believe in "People first. Always.". We specialize in supporting UK and Irish GPs through every single step of this transition. This guide is your starting point. We're here to turn your "what if" into a clear, confident plan.

Why Make the Move? More Than Just Sunshine

While Australia is famous for its incredible climate and outdoor lifestyle, the professional and personal advantages are just as compelling. GPs are in high demand across the entire country, from vibrant metro areas to stunning coastal towns.

Boost Your Earning Potential

GPs in Australia often enjoy highly competitive reward packages. Strong patient demand and attractive billings mean many doctors can significantly increase their income compared to the UK or Ireland.

Find a Healthier Work-Life Balance

The structure of Australian practices is often built around predictable hours and reduced on-call demands. This gives you back your time—time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply enjoy your new surroundings.

A Welcoming Environment for Your Family

Australia is renowned for its family-friendly lifestyle, offering excellent schools, safe communities, and spacious homes. It’s an environment where your whole family can thrive.

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Your "How-To": Navigating the Australian Medical Registration (AHPRA)

The most significant hurdle for many overseas doctors is the registration process. The great news? For GPs with UK and Irish qualifications, Australia now offers a fast-track registration pathway.

The Expedited Pathway for UK & Irish GPs

The Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) recognizes the high standard of training in the UK and Ireland.

If you hold an MRCGP (UK, CCT 2007+) or MICGP (Ireland, CSCST 2009+), you can apply directly for specialist recognition. This is a meaningful change.

This streamlined pathway significantly reduces red tape. It typically requires only six months of supervised practice, cultural safety training, and a brief orientation period, making it substantially faster than earlier routes.

What If I'm Not Eligible?

If you don't meet the criteria for the expedited pathway, don't be discouraged. This is where our ability becomes vital. Northbridge confidently supports candidates through all alternative routes, including the Competent Authority Pathway (CAP), the Fellowship Support Program (FSP), and standard pathways. We’ll find the right choice for you.

Understanding the "Rules": Where You Can Work in Australia

Once your registration is underway, the next question is where you can work. This is governed by a few key policies designed to ensure doctors are well-distributed across the country.

Accessing Medicare and Section 19AB

To work as a GP in Australia, you need to be able to "access Medicare" (the public health system). For most overseas-trained doctors (OTDs), this means you must initially work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA).

This isn't a limitation; it's an opportunity. The DPA classification is broad and updated regularly. It includes many attractive metropolitan suburbs, beautiful coastal communities, and, of course, regional towns. You are not limited to the outback!

The Modified Monash Model (MMM)

The government also uses the Modified Monash Model (MMM) to classify locations. Clinics in locations classified from MM2 to MM7 are eligible for international GPs but the GPs on the expedited pathway are eligible to work in MM+1 location, large regional centres or capital cities, creating even more flexible and attractive options for where you can choose to live and work. Some of these areas even come with incentives for regional service.

Our team lives and breathes this system. We won't just find you a job; we’ll find you a high-quality, RACGP-accredited clinic in a location that matches your personal and professional goals.

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People First: Relocation Support for You and Your Family

We know this isn't just a professional move; it's a personal one. Your success isn't just about the right clinic—it's about feeling supported and settled in your new life.

This is where our "people-first" promise truly comes to life. We are your relocation partner, guiding you through the practical side of the move from start to finish.

Our end-to-end support includes:

Visa and Migration Assistance

We connect you with trusted migration advisors to ensure your sponsorship and visa applications align perfectly with your employment.

Orientation and Settlement

We provide guidance on the big and trivial things: finding the right schools, navigating the housing market, setting up bank accounts, and understanding transport. We’re here to help your family settle quickly and comfortably.

Community and Career Growth

Our partnership doesn't end when you land. We help you build long-term roots by connecting you with professional GP networks and local community groups.

Why Partner with Northbridge Healthcare?

A quick search will show you many recruitment agencies. Northbridge Healthcare is different. We are a boutique, specialist division exclusively dedicated to general practice.

We blend deep industry knowledge with a people-first mindset.

We are GP-Focused Experts

We have deep knowledge of the overseas-trained doctor pathways. We speak your language.

We Provide End-to-End Support

From that first AHPRA application to accessing Medicare provider numbers, we guide you through the entire process.

We Champion Lifestyle Matching

We listen. We take the time to understand what you want for your career and your family, matching you with practices that align with your goals.

We Have Trusted Connections: Our long-standing partnerships across Australia allow us to secure roles that offer generous billings, flexible contracts, and genuine career growth.

Your Australian Journey Starts Here

For UK and Irish GPs, Australia offers a unique combination of financial reward, professional fulfilment, and an incredible lifestyle. With high demand for your skills and new streamlined pathways, there has never been a better time to make the move.

We're here to make that journey feel supported, meaningful, and right.

Australia is waiting for you.

Ready to start the conversation? Connect with us today for a confidential, no-obligation chat about your future in Australia.