April 6, 2022
5 REAL REASONS TO BE A LOCUM DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA
Locum doctors in Australia are more sought after than a COVID vaccine, predominantly in regional and remote towns and cities. But there is a growing need in metropolitan and suburban areas too.
Many doctors have at some stage thrown caution to their traditionally regimented-and-conservative-structure-of-medical-carers wind. And left for parts unknown with an equal amount of wanton trepidation and confidence.
Instead of listing generic sales statements of why you must get out to locum, here are five authentic and realistic ones based on real feedback from Blugibbon doctors.
1. SELF-CARE FOR LOCUM DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA
Locumming can help you take that break you so sorely need. Work less hours for more pay, and give you mental space to assess what path to take next. And of course rest for extended periods that previously were impossible.
2. TRAVEL FOR LOCUM DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA
3. MONEY TALKS
Locumming generally pays more, we estimate around double on average, no surprise there. But what you may find is it can pay even more handsomely for “crisis rates” or last minute adventures, sometimes up to three times your equivalent salaried pay.
4. EXPERIENCE AS A LOCUM DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA
Encountering a snake-bite wound in the Northern Territory, listening to the experiences and challenges of a Aboriginal community or bringing a new perspective to the treatment of chronic disease in a regional town may just add to your skillset as a doctor.
5. DIRECTION
As with self-care, taking a break from what seems like the pre-destined pathway already prescribed to you, could be a sound idea. Do you really want to continue on that Surgical training pathway? Is your character more suited to a faster-paced speciality? Thought you loved dealing with kids all day everyday and now not so sure? In summary, taking a year to locum could be a great way to figure out what you really want to do as a doctor. Also read our article about locum doctor wellbeing apps here
Recent Posts
Life as a Doctor Aboard the DLV2000 – by Dr. Mark Bolt When most people picture a locum medical job, they think dusty country hospitals or tropical island clinics. But for Dr. Mark Bolt, locuming has meant something entirely different this time... working 600km north of Broome on a giant floating construction site in the Timor Sea. Enter the DLV2000: part ship, part building site, part offshore medical outpost. It's a beast of a vessel, 182 metres long, 39 metres wide, with its own helideck, heavy-lift cranes, industrial workers in hi-vis, and one solo doctor on board for 28 days at a time. That doctor just happens to be Mark. From emergency med training to inspecting the ship’s galley with the captain (yes, really), Mark gives us a candid look into what life’s really like offshore. The routine, the downtime, the food (spoiler: it’s very good), and the kind of clinical presentations you’ll see when you’re hundreds of kilometres from land with nothing but ocean around you. Curious what it takes to be a ship’s doctor? Wondering if it’s worth the pay and adventure? Or just want to see what “remote medicine” truly means? Mark’s got you covered. Let’s dive in...
You don’t need to jet off to Japan or Europe to experience world-class skiing. Australia’s Snowy Mountains offer fresh powder, epic scenery... and for locum doctors, the chance to combine flexible work with a winter getaway. At Blugibbon, we’ve placed hundreds of doctors in the Southern Highlands and ACT region. With great access to Perisher and Thredbo via Canberra, many of our locums are discovering a whole new way to work, earn, and explore. If you’re considering a stint in emergency medicine, rural GP or general locum work this winter, here’s your insider’s guide, local tips included. Base Yourself in Canberra, Escape to the Slopes Canberra is fast becoming a favourite among doctors who want the best of both worlds, an easy-to-navigate capital city with high-quality hospital placements, and a straight-shot route into the mountains for your days off. From Canberra, you’re just a 2–2.5 hour drive to the Snowy Mountains region, including: Perisher – Australia’s largest ski resort Thredbo – For longer runs and lively après Crackenback – A charming mountain village that’s a great base if you want to explore both
A FACEM Review of Derby Community Health Service & Hospital
Esperance Locum Review: Smooth arrival, stunning beaches & a dream ED gig. Dr Heidi’s recap.
Bairnsdale ED: A Junior Reg's Rural Revelation (5/5 Stars!) Your Next Must-Do Placement
Discover Italian Delights in New South Wales: A Taste of Italy in Griffith
