Explore premier locum jobs for doctors in Australia

To get started as a locum you must

• Be well aware of the eligibility requirements of the region you are applying to. 
• Know your strengths and preferences to choose the right assignment for yourself.
• Partner with a reputable medical recruitment agency to find a suitable locum medical job.
• During your assignments, focus on providing quality patient care and building positive relationships with colleagues, nurses, and staff. 

Locum doctors, since they are not permanent employees of any hospital, are generally considered sole traders, which means that they are running their own businesses. Therefore, if you work as a locum, you will have to manage all your tax obligations independently.

If you are a locum doctor in Australia, the first step to it is setting up an Australian Business Number(ABN) and working out how much you can make approximately in a year. If your annual turnover as a locum doctor exceeds the GST threshold (currently $75,000 per year), you may need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). 

Although locum doctors in Australia enjoy higher hourly pay and diverse employment opportunities, they also miss out on permanent employment benefits. In locum medical jobs, you will have to rely on the public healthcare system or may choose to obtain private health insurance coverage on your own.  

As self-employed individuals or independent contractors, locums don't typically have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Unlike permanent employees, locum doctors don't typically receive paid time off or annual leave as part of their contracts.

Yes, locum work is generally considered as self-employment. Locum doctors are typically engaged on a casual or temporary basis to provide their services at different healthcare facilities, and they are not employed directly by the facilities where they work. This type of temporary employment is great for a balanced career and lifestyle. You can work for a fixed term and choose to take a break for as long as you like.

Yes, junior doctors can certainly engage in locum work. Locum work can be a valuable opportunity for junior doctors to gain diverse clinical experiences, develop their skills, and explore different healthcare settings. It can also provide them with flexibility and exposure to various medical specialties.

A casual professional and a locum are practically the same in the medical industry. If you are working in Australia and are hired as a casual doctor, you are referred to as someone who is locuming. Casual medical professionals are highly professional individuals who have chosen to locum.

Yes, it is possible to engage in locum work only on weekends. Many locum doctors work Monday to Friday on their full-time job and choose to work on weekends to supplement their income, maintain a flexible schedule, or balance their careers and lifestyle. 

While locum agencies can provide convenience and assistance in finding assignments, managing paperwork, and handling administrative tasks, it is also possible to locum independently without agency. A few tips that can help you, locum, independently are:

• Build a strong professional network within the medical industry that may be aware of opportunities and recommend you.
• Utilize online platforms and job boards specific to find locum jobs in Australia.
• Develop a strong personal brand and marketing strategy.
• Healthcare facilities do not generally hire locums directly. However, you can approach them personally to see if they have any open locum positions.

Moving from a permanent job to a locum job can provide increased flexibility, variety, and control over your work schedule. To move from a permanent position to a locum job in Australia, follow the basic steps given below:

• Look for locum positions in your desired area and specialty.
• Connect with colleagues, consultants, or other locum doctors. Seek their advice and insights into locum work.
• Prepare references from colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your abilities and work ethic.
• Reach out to locum agencies to express your interest in locum work.