General Practitioner
Diagnose and treat health conditions while providing ongoing medical care, prevention and support across all stages of life.
What They Do
General Practitioners — commonly called GPs — are usually the first medical professionals people see when they have a health concern.
They examine patients, diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medicines, arrange tests, provide preventative healthcare and monitor long-term conditions. GPs also refer patients to specialists and hospitals when more specialised treatment is required. Jobs and Skills Australia
Unlike many medical specialists, GPs work across a very broad range of health issues and often build long-term relationships with patients and families.
Who This Career Suits
General practice suits people who are fascinated by medicine but also enjoy communicating with people and solving a wide variety of problems.
GPs need strong clinical judgement, empathy and attention to detail. They also need to be comfortable making decisions when symptoms may be unclear and balancing physical health, mental health, lifestyle and social factors.
Key Skills
Clinical Judgement, Communication, Problem Solving, Patient Care, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Compassion & Empathy, Decision Making
Work Environment
Healthcare Facility, Clinic, Community, Team-Based
Education & Training
Becoming a GP is one of the longer career-training pathways on MyFutureJob.
Students first complete an accredited medical qualification. Depending on the university, this may be an undergraduate medical degree or a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine pathway.
After medical school, graduates undertake supervised hospital training and obtain medical registration before progressing into specialist general-practice training.
One major pathway is the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program, which RACGP describes as a Commonwealth-funded program involving approximately three to four years of full-time GP training, with part-time options available. RACGP
Registration with the Medical Board of Australia is required to practise medicine.
Career Changer Pathway
Medicine is possible as a career change, but it requires a substantial commitment.
People who already hold a bachelor's degree may be eligible to apply for graduate-entry medical programs, depending on university prerequisites and admission requirements.
Existing backgrounds in healthcare, science or other professions can be useful, but they do not replace the required medical degree, supervised medical training and professional registration.
Early Career
After medical school, doctors initially work in supervised hospital positions while developing broad clinical experience.
Doctors progressing towards general practice then undertake GP specialty training, working under supervision in accredited general practices and other healthcare environments.
Mid Career
Qualified GPs independently manage patients across a wide range of health concerns.
They may develop additional expertise in areas such as women's health, mental health, paediatrics, skin medicine, aged care, sports medicine or chronic-disease management.
Some also work in rural or remote communities where GPs may provide an even broader range of medical services.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced GPs can become practice owners, clinical leaders, GP supervisors or medical educators.
Others move into healthcare management, public health, policy, research or specialised areas of general practice.
Experienced doctors can also become Rural Generalists, combining general practice with advanced skills relevant to regional and remote communities.
Salary Guide
Early Career
100000
Mid Career
180000
Senior / Veteran
250000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Indeed Australia
Salary data source URL:
Date :
6 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
JSA's 2025 Occupation Shortage List specifically identifies General Practitioners as being in national shortage. Jobs and Skills Australia
The broader General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers workforce currently contains about 97,300 people and recorded annual employment growth of approximately 7,000. Jobs and Skills Australia
Demand is particularly important in regional and rural Australia, where access to doctors remains a significant workforce challenge.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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