Why Doctors Don’t Want to Work in Rural Communities (And Why They Should Reconsider)

Doctors in nearly every speciality are flocking to the big cities, like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to practice medicine. But what’s keeping doctors from working in rural areas where there are just as many deserving cities, towns and communities?

These rural communities have a high need for physicians and are willing to pay qualified candidates high wages for permanent and locum positions. But even with this in mind, doctors are still unconvinced. They aren’t ready to make the sea and tree change into the bush.

We’re here to explain the great benefits of becoming a rural doctor. Here are three debunked myths doctors have about working in rural communities:

1.   “It’ll get lonely out in the middle of nowhere.”

Life is all about opportunity, and moving and working inland will provide you with a chance to actually expand your network of friends and acquaintances. There are plenty of hospitals in rural cities that have a close team of doctors on staff. Not to mention, there are plenty of social groups and a lot of city-like amenities such as sporting arenas, music festivals, and shopping centres. The country isn’t made only of small farming towns.

While you might not be able to see your friends back home as often, you’ll be making plenty of new ones. So you definitely won’t be lonely—or bored for that matter.

2.   “It’s hard to make a name for myself as a small-town doctor.”

On the contrary, you’ll be better known by your patients and the surrounding communities than in the cities. City doctors actually are often forgotten since there are so many of them, and the vast bureaucratic system they work under makes it more difficult for them to advance in their career.

If you were to work in a permanent or locum position inland, then you’ll be one of a few doctors, if not the sole doctor, in the community. This places you in the spotlight and will provide you with well-deserved recognition and respect.

3.   “Business will be slow, and I won’t be able to make a living from it.”

Healthcare is less available to rural citizens. This means sicker people are waiting to be treated which also means there are long waiting lists for patients. Your business won’t be slow in the slightest. And since doctors are in such high demand, hospitals and clinics are willing to pay a pretty penny for you to work for them. The government is even providing subsidies for doctors who are willing to move and work inland, so why shouldn’t you consider making the sea and tree change?

Prescript Can Connect You with Rural Hospitals and Clinics

If you’re convinced and ready to make the move, then we can help. Prescript is a locum and permanent recruitment agency for doctors, hospitals and practices. 

Go to  www.prescript.com.au for more information on our recruitment services, blogs, location reports, and other resources.

1300 755 498 // contact@prescript.com.au

Never Presume Anything (and other tales)

I've just come back from a visit to a radiology clinic in Sydney. This time my appointment was for personal rather than for business reasons.  

It was my first X-ray and so the experience was all new to me. Before having my scan, I was shown to a cubicle where the radiographer told me to "get undressed." Did this mean that I had to go for the scan without clothes? Thankfully not - I only needed to remove my shirt and replace it with a trendy paper gown to cover my modesty. Once finished, I was asked to wait back in the cubicle but keep my shirt off. I waited for a few minutes before I was passed a sticky note with my name on.

Sitting for a while longer in the cubicle sporting my paper gown, I wondered whether I could get dressed again. A peep through the curtain revealed an empty room; the radiographer looking after me had vanished. I got dressed. Back at reception, I deduced that the sticker with my name on should be handed over. I was good to go. What about payment? Nothing for me to pay for, apparently – great! What about my results? They’d be emailed to my doctor, of course.

I left the clinic feeling glad that I had finally got around to having the scan done (it’d been on my “to do” list for weeks) but the whole experience made me feel a bit lost and puzzled. I realised something about good service and the way that we communicate with people.

The clinic staff were unquestionably friendly and efficient but by presuming that I knew what was going on throughout the process, I ended up feeling confused and a bit of an idiot at times - especially when waiting for no reason in my paper couture. 

This short interaction has made me reflect on the service that I provide to my clients and candidates. One of the things that I've learnt during my time in medical recruitment is to never presume anything and to explain and clarify each step of the process, no matter how obvious it might seem.

I once arranged a locum for a doctor in a rural Queensland town that she had never been to before. She told me that she would arrive at 4 o’clock the day before she started work. I made the necessary arrangements and emailed her the details of her hotel booking. Waking up that Sunday morning, my phone was lit up with missed calls and voicemails from the doctor asking why she had no hotel booking. As planned, she had arrived at 4 o’clock… in the morning!

I had assumed that she knew that her hotel would only be ready the night before her job started. She thought that it was obvious that she was driving through the night and would arrive early morning. I was so used to sending doctors to work in that particular country town that I had missed important details. 

“If I’d spent more time explaining things and asking the right questions, it would have saved her from being left outside in the cold.”

— Ian Ormesher

This was definitely an important lesson for me. Working in recruitment, it’s so important to be articulate about the way we do things and why. I send doctors to work in rural locations all the time but for each assignment I make sure that they understand where they need to be and what they should expect when they arrive. I never underestimate how nerve-racking travelling to a strange part of the country to work in an unknown clinic can be.

In offering a tailored and highly personalised service, it’s vital that I anticipate every bump in the road along the way. I’m proud to be able to provide this as part of the Prescript team. So far, our doctors have been pleasantly surprised by the level of detail that we go into and I’m yet to hear of one being left out in the cold - figuratively or otherwise.

Why not give us a try for your next locum or permanent job search?

For more information on Prescript, who we are and what we do, go to www.prescript.com.au

ICU Registrar or CMO Permanent Position in Sydney

ICU Registrar or CMO needed for this highly regarded private hospital in Sydney.

One of a kind position for an Intensive Care Registrar or Career Medical Officer to live and work in the iconic city of Sydney.

• Flexible start date; minimum 2-year contract
• Attractive remuneration plus option to salary package
• State-of-the-art Intensive Care department 

About You

For the Registrar position: You’ll be a minimum PGY4 and have at least 12 months experience working in ICU. This position can offer you the guidance and expertise of a very experienced team to further advance your career.

For the CMO position: You’ll either be looking for your next Career Medical Officer role or perhaps you have the ambition to become a senior CMO and a core team member of an ICU department. Initially you will commence as an ICU registrar as part of your training into the CMO position.

About The Role

You will be providing day to day medical care for the largest private hospital in NSW located a short drive from the bustling centre of Sydney. You’ll be rostered 7 days on, 7 days off with 1:3 weeks covering the ward. You will have access to a very experienced team of Visiting Medical Officers and Intensivists who will support you with their wealth of medical knowledge.

About The Hospital

This is a recently expanded tertiary referral hospital with strong ties with the nearby public hospital. The ICU is a state-of-the-art 30-bed unit and sees a wide spectrum of medical presentations including emergency, elective cardiothoracic, neurosurgical and acute medical cases.

Benefits

An attractive remuneration package of $118,432 - $169,000 plus superannuation is on offer based on your postgraduate experience. You will have access to salary packaging, indemnity cover, annual leave arrangements, professional development opportunities, plus additional shift and after-hours penalty rates. 

The Location

The cosmopolitan city of Sydney speaks for itself and sees people from all over the world relocate to make it their home. Set around the breathtaking Sydney Harbour, this city can offer you everything from hatted restaurants to world-famous beaches and a work life balance you can’t replicate anywhere else. See our location report to learn about the hidden treasures of Sydney.

Criteria

To be successful in this position, you must hold current registration with AHPRA and be at least PGY4 for the Registrar position and have a minimum 12 months ICU experience, or for the CMO position demonstrate your knowledge and experience working in ICU. 

To Apply

You will be taking over these positions from doctors who have worked at this hospital for over 15 years, meaning this is an extremely rare opportunity to work in a fantastic part of Sydney!

To find out how you can apply for this position call me at Prescript Recruitment on 0416 544 788, email georgia@prescript.com.au

Sydney - Location Report For Doctors

QUINTESSENTIAL SYDNEY

Such a stunning city with all the iconic sights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge that have become symbols of this incredible place – but there’s more to Sydney than the obvious big names.

Take a step into some suburbs outside the CBD, find some secluded beaches and harbour havens, meander pretty streets and dine in some of the hidden treasures that local foodies revel in and tourists make their mission to find.

HUNGRY?

How about some of the little restaurants and bars around Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington? These suburbs are close to the city but another world in culture and style.

There is a rich cultural diversity in the culinary world in Sydney too with the best in Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Lebanese being just a few on the long list.

WALK AND EXPLORE

The beaches and harbours of Sydney are a must see. So vast you could take a lifetime to explore them all. On a shorter trip, why not walk the famous Bondi to Bronte coastline? The pathway meanders along right on the edge of the cliffs and provides incredible views and photo opportunities. Especially beautiful are the early mornings and late evenings where the colours glow.

Watch the ever-present surfers carving it up on the waves and if it’s during the warmer months, enjoy a dip, between the flags on Bondi, Tamarama or Bronte Beach.

If an ocean swim is not for you, try the iconic Icebergs Swimming Pool or Bronte Pool. In the harbours, you might enjoy a swim at Camp Cove, Neilson Park or Watson’s Bay.

FANCY A SPIN ON THE HARBOUR?

Boats are a symbol of Sydney’s water culture and there are no shortage of enviable yachts, sleek launches and stylish cruising vessels to see. An accessible, quick, cheap and lovely way to get on the water is to take one of the Sydney ferries. A trip to the suburb of Manly, another famous beach spot, takes only half an hour by ferry from Circular Quay, right in the heart of the CBD. Great views are on offer from the ferries of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge too.

CULTURE

Walking and viewing some of the contemporary and traditional art collections and galleries around Sydney is a pretty good way to spend a few hours. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, beautifully situated in the parklands overlooking the harbour, is free to visit and has an extensive collection of Australian, European, Asian and contemporary art. The Museum of Contemporary Art, right down by the water in Circular Quay is another of the big hitters – check their site for the latest exhibitions.

As well as the ever-popular big galleries, a walk around the streets of arty suburbs such as Paddington is a sure way to take in some cutting edge exhibitions by practicing artists. The Martin Browne Contemporary gallery, and in nearby Woollahra, The Oleson Irwin Gallery, are a good starting points.

KEEPING HEALTHY

Sydney’s health food and fitness scene is thriving. Testament to this are the fit bodies on all the beaches at dawn every day, exercising and enjoying the natural surroundings. For visitors too, there are plenty of yoga or Pilates classes that can be attended on a casual basis. There are gyms and outdoor fitness programmes, swimming schools, dance classes and more.

To keep up the energy and the healthy approach to life, why not try some clean, organic juices, smoothies and food from some of the well-stocked organic shops that can be found in most suburbs?

MARKETS

Wandering a city’s markets is a perfect way to really get a feel for a place. Sydney has a host to choose from. Most are on weekends with a few standouts for food being Everleigh Markets in Redfern – Every Saturday morning. Everleigh is a farmers’ market packed with fresh, quality produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods and more. You can also dine there on freshly made food, coffee and juices for a hearty market breakfast. Other great food markets include Bondi Beach – Every Saturday morning and Marrickville – Every Sunday morning.

For clothes, arts and crafts, try Bondi, Glebe, The Rocks and Paddington. Check online for details of times and addresses.

MORE

Of course there is SO much more to Sydney – We hope you enjoy exploring and recommend you take also some suburbs further afield that are culturally rich and diverse.

Find your way and discover. Let us know any favourite spots, recommendations or discoveries.

Icebergs Swimming Pool - Bondi Beach - Sydney - Australia

If you are a doctor inspired to work & experience life in Sydney, Prescript would love to hear from you.  Click on 'Connect with Prescript' and you'll have the choice of 'Request a Call'; 'Subscribe for Updates' or 'Register as a Candidate'.

Choose Your Next ICU Locum With Prescript

Prescript is perfectly placed to help you find the best jobs available across Australia.

We work with the largest network of hospitals across Australia who require regular ICU locum cover. Locations include Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Albury, Bega, Tasmania, Western Australia and Canberra to name a few. Whether you're available for a weekend or a month, there are plenty of hospitals out there who would love to have you work with them.

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I have listed below some past and current locum opportunities:

Canberra Hospital, ACT

ICU Reg shifts:

• 14-17 August 1930-0900
• 28 Aug - 03 Sep 1930-0900

ICU CMO shifts:

• 09-15 Oct (0730-2030)
• 17-21 Oct - (1930-0900)

Rate: $140 to $180 per hour plus super (depending on experience and also salary packaging is available)

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Coffs Harbour Hospital, NSW
 

ICU Reg shifts:

• 10 -13 August (0800-2000) and 14 August (1930-0900)
• 4 - 6 September (1930-0900)
• 28 September - 1 October (0830-2000)
• 2 - 4 October (1930-0900)
• Rate: $100 per hour plus super (extra $15 per hour is PGY5+)

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North-West regional Hospital, Tasmania

ICU RMO/REG shifts:

• 06 – 13 August (0800-0800)
• Rate: $1200 - $1500 per shift

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Port Macquarie Hospital, NSW

ICU Reg shifts:

• 19 -22 August (0800-2030)
• 19 -22 August (2000-0830)
• 27-30 August (0800-2030)
• 4-7 September (2000-0830)
• Rate: $100 per hour plus super (extra $15 per hour is PGY5+)

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Bathurst Base Hospital in NSW

Consultant shifts:

• 18- 24 September
• 25 September- 01 October
• 16- 22 October
• 30 October - 05 November
• 20-26 November
• Rate: $2000 per 24 hours (plus super) inclusive of on-call and call backs
• Shifts: 0800-0800 on-call 24 hours

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Why would you choose to locum?

• Explore Australia – We are lucky to live in such a diverse country so tick some destinations off your bucket list.
• Experience different medicine – Take the time to locum at a regional hospital and see an entire spectrum of presentations.
• Work in a different hospital environment – Be the sole doctor in charge or work with a collaborative team and expand your network.
• Earn some extra cash – Locuming brings you great rates and some can offer salary packaging.
• Have a work life balance – Many of us chase the elusive work-life balance; choose where and when you work.

I have spoken with hundreds of ICU doctors over the last 4 years, meaning I can offer you a tailored bespoke service. I will provide you with 360 view of what to expect when partnering with me and what it's like to be a Prescript Recruitment locum doctor. I take the time to listen to what you want and discuss the finer details upfront so there are no surprises; this includes rates, shift types, how you are paid and what it is like to work in the ICU department. This ensures you are perfectly placed and enjoy your locum experience from start to finish.

Sound Interesting? 

Whatever your reasons are for wanting to locum, register your availability with me today and I will work on finding you a locum that matches your preferences. Either call me on 0416 544 788 or email me at georgia@prescript.com.au

To be eligible to apply for these positions, you must hold current general registration with AHPRA.

Canberra - Location Report

When you visit Canberra, prepare to experience one good thing after another. Because whether it's world-class wining and dining, iconic national treasures or breathtaking adventures, everything you're after is just moments away.

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QUINTESSENTIAL CANBERRA

Canberra is often overlooked by visitors to Australia in favour or Sydney and Melbourne, but it is the best location to explore Australia's culture and heritage through its many galleries, museums and the old & new federal parliament buildings.

Known as the ‘Bush Capital’, it is surrounded by forest, farmland and nature reserves.  Canberra is a planned city with wide boulevards lined with large buildings and green open areas surrounding spacious suburbs.  The focal point is Lake Burley Griffin, with its impressive water jet fountain.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

The Australian War Memorial – very moving with exhibits from dioramas of battlefields to modern interactive displays

New Parliament House – daily, free guided tours. See the House of Representatives and the Senate and stand on top, under the giant flagpole and admire the view.

Galleries – the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia are great to explore and show key moments and people which help tell the story about Australian identity.

The annual Floriade Festival – flowers (in their thousands), plants, music and market stalls. It gets incredibly busy, but worth going for the atmosphere.  This year it runs from Saturday 17 September until Sunday 16 October 2016.

Lake Burley Griffin – put on your trainers and cycle around its 35-kilometre perimeter, or if that is too ambitious you can walk/jog certain scenic sections.  From a certain look out point you can see Yarralumla which is the official residence of the Governor-General and where The Queen stays on her visits.

FOOD & DRINK

PLACES TO EXPLORE NEARBY

Canberra Wineries - Did you know that within a 40 minute drive there are 140 vineyards with more than 33 wineries? Take a tour and sample some distinctive, award-winning cool climate wines. Click here for a fun list to work your way through....

Jervis Bay is a two hour drive from Canberra on the New South Wales south coast.  Famous for its white, sandy beaches. 

Australian Alps - Bushwalk in Namadgi National Park or venture further afield and climb Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest peak. 

 

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WANT TO WORK IN CANBERRA?

Prescript Recruitment helps great doctors find great places to work – if you want to experience life in Canberra contact us and we’d be pleased to help you with locum and permanent positions.  Click on the button below to request a call, subscribe for updates or register as a candidate.

Radiologists - Step Into Your New Role

Step Into Your New Role – Radiologists and Clinical Directors

If you are a FRANZCR Radiologist wondering what might be on offer as the next step in your career, we encourage you to speak to us and inquire about the positions that are available that are often never formally advertised.

Whether you’re looking for:

• Career advancement

• A new location

• A leadership or director role

• A first step as a FRANZCR doctor

• Assistance with a DWS or AoN position

Whatever your situation, we specialise in helping you with tailored, professional, practical service that costs you absolutely nothing.

Prescript Recruitment is engaged by Australia’s top providers in clinics, private and public hospitals to help them get the best staff on board. We work with permanent job opportunities, locum roles both long and short-term, part-time or flexible employment and teleradiology.

Why not give us a quick call or email and have a friendly, confidential chat about your interests?

We can give you some ideas and options to consider. We negotiate top packages and excellent conditions for radiologists and maintain long-term, professional relationships with our clients and doctors.

Please do get in touch with Nicola Speer today +61 4054 29799 or email nicola@prescript.com.au

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About Prescript Recruitment

For more information, a great place to start is www.prescript.com.au

You'll find information about our locum and permanent recruitment services for doctors, hospitals and practices.  You'll also find links to our blogs, location reports and other resources.

1300 755 498 // contact@prescript.com.au