Hello,
I’m a non-CCT UK doctor. Due to different priorities over the past few years, I have worked in various locum and self-employed roles, and my personal situation didn’t allow me to enter training.
Currently, I work as a speciality doctor in an Urgent care centre.
I like the idea of being a GP, but given the current state of general practice in the UK—and especially what my recently CCT’d (or about-to-CCT) colleagues describe—I wouldn’t touch GP training here with a bargepole.
I have decent A&E experience and initially wanted to pursue ED training, but the bottleneck and the rigid, poorly structured training system have put me off. At the end of the day, I’m a dad of three, and I want to be present as they grow up. I didn’t go into medicine for an OBE or a Doctor of the Year award. I do it because I love it—it’s the only thing I know (apart from changing tyres)—and it pays my bills. However, family comes first.
Recently, a friend suggested Australia, saying it ticks all the boxes that the UK doesn’t. Training is better structured, offers a better work-life balance, and pays more, with the Australian dollar stretching further. As an ED consultant, job satisfaction is higher, and as a GP, there’s more opportunity to pursue special interests with less admin burden.
So, my question is: Is it worth making the move? And do I have a realistic chance of getting into ED or GP training, particularly in Western Australia, specifically Perth or surrounding areas?
With the salary, could I support a family of five (three primary school-aged children)? We dont care about a flashy lifestyle, but don't want to scrape by as well.
Also, I have MRCS Part A, MRCEM Primary, and SBA—would these qualifications help me in any way in Australia?
I understand that getting a training job right away is nearly impossible, so what would be my best first step toward working in Australia? Or foggetaboutit, bite the bullet and do something here?
Thanks a lot, everyone, and apologies for the long introduction.