There are many benefits that come with working as a Locum doctor in Australia. We have outlined the top 5 positives you can embrace through a Locum Medical Career:

Career Flexibility

The locum life can involve a relatively high level of freedom enhancing your flexibility to decide your working hours and the location and practice you wish to work at, and possibly negotiate your salary. With locum work, doctors are able to develop a perfect work-life balance whilst experiencing a range of medical disciples and different working environments. Furthermore, Locum work can help doctors intending to change career paths, especially if they have been employed by the same practice for many years. Locums usually experience less anxiety, fatigue and more time for personal commitments while general practitioners struggle with burnout and stress.

Increased Income 

While having the advantage of meeting many new people, grow their professional network, and work with a diverse range of patients, Locum Doctors can earn a much better income since locum work generally pays well. As a Doctor struggling to build up their bank account and lead a financially stable life or trying to pay off student medical debts, working part-time as a locum doctor can be very helpful to earn an extra income. Your income as a Locum depends on where you work and the type of medical services provided. The average locum pay rates range between $150 and $500 per hour. However, locums working in emergency medicine ad general surgery are paid higher rates compared to those who work in family medicine.

Chance to Travel

Some doctors consider becoming a locum doctor due to the opportunity to travel. You can choose to take up positions across the country. Travelling or work can be a very unique lifestyle. Several Locum doctors bring their families with them on assignment. This can present the opportunity to explore locations with your family during holidays. However, it should fit your current lifestyle and commitments.

Professional Development

Not only will you experience travelling to new destinations, you will also gain experience in many aspects of medicine and thereby enhance your professional career. Just imagine arriving at a new hospital and working with new patients, meeting new colleagues who might possibly be well experienced to learn from. Not to mention having the chance to bridge the gap in the practice where a Doctor was desperately needed and be respected for your service.

Reduce Doctor Shortages

The shortage of Doctors in certain Rural and Remote Australia can be the most important reason to become a Locum Doctor. According to an article published by Australian Financial Review, Cornerstone Health Founder Henry Bateman admits that it is increasingly difficult to recruit GPs in outer metropolitan areas despite the growth of metro suburbs. By filing temporary positions, you are alleviating the need for that hospital, contributing better to the Healthcare landscape.

Other benefits include the chance to explore a variety of career options before deciding on a permanent position, the ability to switch between various roles and sectors, and the ability to take control of your work choices more than you would in a permanent position.

Now that you understand the importance of locum jobs are,  consider applying today! We have plenty of locum jobs available for doctors of any specialty or seniority.  Not sure how to get started? View our blog on How to become a locum doctor in Australia. It's time you start your next adventure!