Should I do a 6 month locum as an exemption to DWS?

Here at People Medical Consulting we like spreading what we know and giving you a clear pathway to your career. We’re answering a different question each week based on queries raised via our Facebook & Instagram profiles. 

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION…? 

Should I do a 6 month locum as an exemption to DWS?   

One of the exemptions from DWS is to complete a locum for a maximum of 6 months at the one location. For some clinics, it offers temporary relief while they’re searching for a GP who can stay permanently.  

Things that you should consider- 

• After the 6 months, you will not be able to get the same exemption again at that location 
• If you hold Limited AHPRA Registration, you will need to consider that it can take 6 months to get a supervisor approved so you need to forward plan what you’ll do once your exemption is finished.  

• For someone with General AHPRA Registration, you’ll have your visa to consider. It is important to note that a Non-VR GP who has PR or Citizenship is not eligible for a 6 month locum exemption.  
• Some practices won’t consider it due to the disruption to ‘continuity of care’. There are always instances of practices who have several centres close by to one another, or if they need someone to tide them over while they’re recruiting a permanent GP. 
• Review your contract- if you have a restriction of trade, then you may be stuck after your first locum placement!  

How Can We Help? 

Our team help General Practitioners both with finding jobs and helping with the full applications process including finding the best pathway to fellowship for you and your life goals. If we can help, please contact us at admin@peoplemedical.com.au.   

 

People Medical Consulting are a team of professionals with a passion for guiding those specialising in the Medical industry to find their career pathway and settle into Australia. Working with both Australian trained and Overseas trained professionals, we have extensive experience in Recruitment of General Practitioners, and   Document Assistance for those requiring support with RACGP, AHPRA, 19AA and 19AB Medicare Exemptions.