Why more GPs are Working as FIFO Doctors

August 20, 2025


The demand for General Practitioners with Emergency Medicine (ED) experience has never been higher in Australia’s rural and regional hospitals. Increasingly, GPs are taking up roles as FIFO (fly-in fly-out) doctors attracted by the mix of high income, flexible rosters, and rewarding clinical variety.


If you’ve ever wondered why so many GPs are choosing FIFO work, here are the main reasons - current opportunities in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), and Tasmania (TAS).


High Income Potential


For GPs with ED skills, FIFO GP/VMO roles offer some of the best financial rewards in the market:

  • 65% - 70% of billings
  • On-call payments $2,000 - $2500 per shift (location dependent)
  • Sign-on bonuses for certain categories of Visiting Medical Officers
  • MMM5–MMM7 incentives that boost Medicare billing opportunities


Compared to metro practice, this often translates into a significantly higher income, with the added bonus of reduced living costs while on assignment.


Lifestyle Flexibility


FIFO arrangements allow GPs to design a roster that fits their lifestyle.

  • All travel costs covered for FIFO work
  • Housing and car provided while on placement
  • On-call rotations range from 1:2, 1:3, etc
  • Options to balance blocks of intensive clinical work with time off back home 


For many doctors, this means enjoying the best of both worlds: maintaining family life or metro living, while also contributing to rural communities.


Clinical Variety & Professional Growth


Working as a FIFO GP/VMO means managing a wide scope of practice:

  • Emergency presentations ranging from trauma and cardiac cases to paediatrics
  • Continuity of care through general practice clinics
  • Significant clinical autonomy in very well supported departments
  • Exposure to presentations rarely seen in urban environments

This is especially appealing to GPs with ED experience, who want to keep their acute skills sharp while maintaining broad generalist practice.


Community Impact


For rural and regional hospitals, FIFO doctors are a lifeline. Communities in NSW, QLD, and TAS rely on dedicated GPs and VMOs to ensure continuity of care.

By working FIFO, doctors not only gain professional and financial benefits but also make a tangible difference in underserved communities.


General Offering  (Higher Rates Available)

  • 65% - 70% of billings
  • On-call payments $2,000 - $2,500 (location dependant)
  • Free housing and car + travel costs covered
  • FIFO flexibility (e.g. Ongoing 2:2, 3:2, and contract blocks available)


Is FIFO Work Right for You?


This opportunity suits GPs who:


  • Have Emergency Medicine experience
  • Want a high income with flexibility
  • Value variety and autonomy in clinical practice
  • Are keen to contribute meaningfully to rural health


More and more General Practitioners are working as FIFO doctors because it provides the perfect balance of income, lifestyle, and impact. With strong financial incentives, professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in rural communities, FIFO work has become one of the most attractive career options for GPs in Australia.


Enquire today to learn more about our current FIFO GP/VMO Opportunities!

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From Scotland to Brisbane: A GP’s Journey Through AHPRA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway

By Chris Tsolakis • November 17, 2025
Every so often, a placement stands out, not because it was the easiest, but because it marked a turning point in how we support GPs moving to Australia. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane is one of those stories. When I first connected with him, the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway was in the works but hadn’t officially started. He had initially submitted his RACGP Specialist Assessment, and then, the new pathway was announced, promising a much faster, cleaner route for UK GPs with CCT + MRCGP. We moved quickly, transferring his RACGP application and switching him over to the ESP to speed up his application. He became one of the very first GPs to go through this new process. And while the pathway itself was designed to be “expedited,” the reality of being first through the door was… interesting. There were delays, long pauses, and moments where we clearly saw AHPRA navigating a new internal process while dealing with a high influx of applications. Nothing moved clean or in a way we had expected. Because we corresponded directly with AHPRA daily, we were able to follow up, clarifying requirements, escalating where appropriate, and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks while the system caught up with itself. Eventually, after what felt like a marathon for everyone involved, Dr Idle was officially registered, visa approved, and on a plane to Australia. Today, he’s thriving in an exceptional practice, fully settled, and building exactly the future he hoped for when he first reached out from Scotland. It’s been almost two years now, and we’re still in touch, not just for professional updates but to support him as needed. Our support continues long after a doctor starts their new role. Relocating your entire life to the other side of the world is a huge step, and whether it’s career progression, financial, schooling, community, or simply a friendly chat, we’re here for it. And personally, even after twenty years in GP recruitment, it still gives me genuine joy when I finally meet a doctor in person after months of online correspondence and guiding them through the maze of registration, visas, logistics, and relocation. Seeing them happy, settled, and thriving is why I still love what I do. Since then, we’ve guided many more doctors through the Expedited Specialist Pathway. It has become smoother and more predictable than when it first launched. With the right guidance and careful preparation, most of the early delays can now be avoided. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane wasn’t perfect or straightforward, but it was meaningful. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for how international GPs come to Australia, and I’m proud we helped him navigate it before the pathway had even found its rhythm. If you're a UK GP considering the move, I’m always happy to talk through the process and help you understand whether it’s the right next step for you. With the right guidance, the transition truly can be life-changing, just as it was for Dr Idle.

Why GPs Are Re-Thinking Their Future

November 12, 2025
Across Australia, general practice is changing fast and so are the pressures on GPs. From increasing patient complexity to stagnant funding, many doctors are questioning whether their current practice truly supports the kind of medicine they want to provide. The Realities GPs Are Facing in 2026 Rising complexity, less time to care Recent RACGP data shows that over two-thirds of GPs are managing more complex, multi-condition cases than ever before. Many are spending longer with patients but without adequate remuneration or support. Funding that hasn’t kept pace Despite government incentives, Medicare rebates and practice funding haven’t matched the true cost of quality care. Practices are being forced to choose between bulk billing and financial sustainability, and GPs are feeling the strain. Administrative overload and burnout The non-clinical workload has ballooned. From compliance and care plans to IT and communication gaps, it’s no surprise that one in three GPs say they may leave practice within five years. Searching for better balance Most GPs still love what they do but want better systems, better support, and more time for patients. They’re looking for practices that align with their values: professionalism, autonomy, and patient-centred care. What a Better Opportunity Really Means If you’re a GP currently feeling these pressures, the solution might not be “more or less of the same” it might be finding a practice managed differently. Clinics that focus on quality over quantity, with: Busy, well-established clinics Special interest patient flow Strong nursing and management support Billing models that support growth Flexible work options Professional autonomy “Sometimes a fresh start can be life-changing for the better” Medipeople has been helping GPs find fulfilling roles across Australia for over 20 years, matching doctors with practices that fit their values, lifestyle, and professional goals. click here to learn more