Find an overseas GP - and pick up $3000!

Media release from the AMA (WA)

Do you know a GP living overseas who would like to come to Australia to work? If so, you could find yourself $3,000 better off.

AMA (WA) has launched a national campaign to tackle the country's critical doctor shortage, offering a $3000 reward to anyone who nominates a suitably trained overseas GP willing to start work here.

"We want to find an extra 500 doctors willing to join our medical workforce - and we'll generously reward any Australian who helps us achieve that goal," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"There are many communities in WA and throughout Australia in need of a doctor. We will import GPs to help meet that need."

Prof Geelhoed said if anyone knew of an overseas doctor with the necessary qualifications who was interested in coming to Australia, they only had to contact the doctor and email his or her details to the AMA (WA). The association would do the rest.

"If the doctor meets all the requirements, agrees to practise in Australia for at least 12 months and commences work by June 2011 – we will pay the nominee $3000," he said.

"It may even be an Australian GP working abroad long term who is interested in returning home."

Referrals through the AMA (WA) campaign can be made from December 1, 2009.

Prof Geelhoed said the association had been recruiting overseas doctors for more than 20 years and in that time had placed thousands of doctors in areas of unmet need.

"However, the shortage of doctors throughout Australia remains one of our biggest challenges and this latest campaign raises the ante to try and help solve the problem," he said.

Prof Geelhoed said the association would seek to recoup its costs for the campaign by being involved in the recruitment and placement process.

"The AMA (WA) will work closely with GPs who meet all the requirements, supporting and guiding them through the registration and immigration process as well as providing sponsorship and employment contracts for placement in Australia," he said.

He said the association would not attempt to recruit doctors from third world countries
where it would be devastating for many communities to lose their local GP.

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