New DWS classification is live on Doctor Connect Website now..

Department of Health has updated District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) status for the entire Australia last night. Practices can check doctor connect website to see if they are currently in DWS or not. Please visit http://doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/locator and put your practice address after selecting second layer ‘District of Workforce Shortage’. On the same map, practices can

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Dual Benefit of Working for an Approved Medical Deputising Service (AMDS)

Approved Medical Deputising Service Program (AMDSP) is one of the Section 3GA programs. The AMDSP was established under section 3GA of the Act in 1999 in response to concerns about the shortage of medical practitioners providing after‑hours home visit services in metropolitan areas. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing administers the program. All

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How to check DWS status of a GP practice in Australia?

Medical practices across Australia sometimes want to check the District of Workforce Status for their location. It may be needed while recruiting a new GP for the practice or to check the GP workforce status of local area. Process of GP recruitment is incomplete without checking the DWS status in the first instance. Here is

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GP Recruitment in Australia Can Be a Challenging Process

Busy medical practices sometimes outsource the GP recruitment to recruitment agencies. It can be a lengthy and expensive process to outsource GP recruitment to a HR agency. GP recruitment process via recruitment agency can cost thousands of dollars and it might be difficult for a solo medical practice to allocate that kind of budget. How

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What is Fellowship Ad Eundem Gradum (FAEG) for GPs in Australia?

Update: June 2019: The Specialist Pathway Program (SPP) is now closed. Any person whose application to the SPP was completed before 14 September 2018 may continue on the SPP under this policy. If you wish to have your international specialist qualification recognised by the RACGP after 14 September 2018, please refer to the Specialist Recognition Program

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How to get 19AB spousal exemption to recruit an OTD for non-DWS medical practice in Australia?

How can a non-DWS medical practice apply for 19AB spousal exemption? Practices located in District of Workforce Shortage Statistical Area2 (SA2) can get 19AB exemption for overseas trained doctors. DWS status can help the OTD to fulfil the requirements under section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act, 1973. However, non-DWS area practices do have some

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What is District of Workforce Shortage (DWS)?

A district of workforce shortage (DWS) is an Statistical Area (SA2) in which the local population has less access to Medicare-subsidised medical services when compared to the national average. District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) areas are identified using the latest Medicare billing statistics and the latest residential population as per the ABS. 

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