Cost of Living as a Specialist Doctor: Comparing NZ to America and England

Why More UK GPs Are Choosing the Australian Lifestyle What happens when years of burnout, bureaucracy, and backlogs push even the most dedicated NHS doctors to seek something different? For an increasing number of UK-trained General Practitioners, the answer is clear: Australia. From Melbourne to Brisbane, Adelaide to Perth, the Land Down Under has become a magnet for GPs looking to restore balance, rediscover job satisfaction, and reclaim the lifestyle they envisioned when they first chose medicine. But what’s really driving this shift? Escape the Red Tape, Reignite the Passion In the NHS, it’s not uncommon for GPs to spend hours each day chasing referrals, ticking boxes, and wrestling with clunky IT systems. In contrast, Australia’s Medicare-based system, while not perfect, is far more streamlined. GPs here enjoy greater clinical autonomy, less paperwork, and more time for actual patient care. Higher Earnings with Less Financial Stress A UK GP typically earns between £80,000–£120,000 per year. In Australia, many GPs earn AUD $300,000–$400,000+ annually, with lower tax pressure and no pension clawbacks. Bulk billing and mixed billing models allow for transparent, predictable income, especially attractive to GPs exhausted by NHS contracts and QOF targets. Work-Life Balance Isn’t Just Talk — It’s Real GPs in Australia routinely work four to five days per week, with 15-to-20-minute consults and time set aside for breaks and admin. With most clinics closed on weekends, you get your life back. Want to surf before clinic? Hike after work? Pick up the kids from school? Here, you actually can. Sunshine, Space, and Safety for Families One of the biggest lifestyle draws is the environment. Whether it's family-friendly suburbs in Perth, the cosmopolitan buzz of Melbourne, or the coastal calm of Queensland, Australia offers clean, safe, and spacious communities with top-tier schools and outdoor living. It’s not just a career move; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Professional Respect and Career Development Australian clinics are often doctor-owned or corporate-run with a strong focus on GP support, mentorship, and continual development. Many offer relocation assistance, flexible working arrangements, and leadership opportunities. Your work is valued, not buried in bureaucracy. A Growing Community of UK Expats There’s comfort in numbers. Hundreds of UK-trained GPs have already made the leap, meaning you’re rarely alone. Peer support networks, social groups, and British communities are present in many major cities and regional hubs. Pathways Made Easier Than You Think Thanks to AHPRA's Expedited Specialist Pathway, the transition is smoother than ever. With the right guidance, UK GPs can be seeing patients in as little as 4–6 months from starting the process. Final Thoughts If you find yourself wondering whether the NHS grind is worth it, know that a different way is possible. Life after the NHS doesn’t have to mean leaving medicine; just finding the version that inspires you. Ready to explore your options? Let’s start with a confidential conversation. Click here to book a discovery call with our International GP recruitment team Or email chris.t@medipeople.com.au to request our free GP Registration and Relocation Guide.

Background: What AHPRA Promised AHPRA introduced the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) on 21 October 2024, aimed at specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) from jurisdictions with comparable training systems—initially focusing on General Practitioners (GPs), with anaesthesia, psychiatry, and obstetrics & gynaecology added by December 2024 ( ahpra.gov.au ). It was marketed as a faster alternative to traditional specialist pathways, aiming for: Application assessment in 4–6 weeks Full registration and practice commencement within 4–6 months Lower costs, less duplication, and a streamlined process But has it delivered? Where It’s Falling Short 1. Fewer Doctors Registered Than Expected As of May 2025, just 127 SIMGs had been registered under the pathway—out of 251 applications received. This includes: 125 GPs 1 anaesthetist 1 psychiatrist This implies that roughly 50% of applicants are still waiting for registration—a significant lag behind expectations. ( RACGP NewsGP ) 2. Documentation & Verification Delays While the promise was quick turnaround after submitting a "complete" application, in practice, many applications remain incomplete for weeks or months due to documentation issues. One major hurdle is: AHPRA requesting further evidence of training, particularly when the doctor's basic training was partially completed outside the UK. This training may not be recorded on the General Medical Council (GMC) certificate, forcing doctors to go back and retrieve transcripts or evidence from countries where: English is not the first language Medical documentation standards differ Institutions may be unresponsive or slow As a result, applicants can face significant delays even before the official 4–6-week processing window begins. 3. Delays in Supervision Planning & Job Approval Another common stumbling block is securing an approved supervised practice role. AHPRA requires a compliant job offer, nominated supervisor, and a formal supervision plan, all approved before registration is granted. But in many regions, especially rural or public health settings, employers are unfamiliar with the process or slow to provide the required paperwork. This adds further delays, pushing registration well beyond the ideal 6-month window. 4. Concerns from Medical Colleges The ESP has also drawn criticism from major Australian medical colleges: RACGP, ANZCA, and others have voiced concerns about the lack of Fellowship requirements, warning that doctors may enter practice without comprehensive assessment of their skills or familiarity with Australian health systems. Some have even called for the program to be paused, citing risks to patient safety and doctor support. These concerns have led to confusion among SIMGs, many of whom are unsure whether to proceed via the new ESP or the traditional college pathway. Summary: A Mixed Picture What Was Promised  What’s Happening in Practice 4–6 week processing Often delayed due to incomplete applications and document requests 4–6 month full registration 50%+ of applicants still waiting after 6 months Lower cost, less red tape True, but at the cost of reduced oversight from medical colleges Simpler documentation Delays occur when training outside the UK isn’t listed on GMC docs Job + supervision plan approval assumed fast In reality, this step can take weeks to months Final Thoughts The Expedited Specialist Pathway has opened new doors for international doctors, but its rollout hasn’t lived up to the speed and simplicity it promised. Key takeaways: Registration delays often stem from missing training evidence, especially for doctors with multi-country education histories. Workplace and supervision plan approvals are a major chokepoint. Medical colleges’ concerns may shape the future of the pathway. For SIMGs, the key is to start early, anticipate delays, and ensure that training evidence from all countries is available and translated, even if not explicitly listed by the GMC.