OverseasDiaries Issue 4: Should you apply to Australia for residency?
- Masab Azeem
- Nov 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Once you’ll be done with your MBBS and house job you’ll face a career-changing decision: Where should I apply for my residency/specialization? The most obvious options that come to any aspiring Pakistani medical student are the USA and UK, while they are quite attractive options, you and I aren't the only ones to think about it. The medical profession is indeed quite competitive, but getting matched in the USA and UK is in its own league!
In our series of overseas residency opportunities, we have explored the USA and UK. In this article, we’ll be exploring Australia as a choice for residency. Of course, you’ll need to clear the Australian Medical Council CAT MCQ and clinical test before you can even apply for the residency program.
Some benefits of being a doctor in Australia:
Excellent healthcare system- The Australian healthcare system is one of the best healthcare structures or systems in the world. Medical or healthcare facilities are provided by the government of Australia through Medicare. But for certain areas like dental insurance people need to get private insurance. Therefore, the healthcare system in Australia consists of both public and private medical and/or healthcare insurance. The Australian health-care system is freely available and accessible to people irrespective of income or type of insurance.
Handsome remuneration- Salaries will vary in different areas as each state government plays a role in setting the rate of pay. If it’s not specifically mentioned, doctors that work outside of the standard 38-hour workweek will be paid extra penalty rates. If you are scheduled to take a shift during weekends or public holidays you will also be paid extra penalty rates for them.
With all the above taken into consideration, the average base doctor salaries in Australia are as follows:
Resident: AU $ 60,000 – $80,000
Registrar: AU $ 65,000 – $100,000
Consultant: AU $ 120,000 – $250,000
In addition to your salary and any penalty payments you may accrue, nearly every Australian hospital offers you:
Superannuation: A standard government requirement, this will be paid on top of your salary. If you do decide to return to your home country, you can apply to have your superannuation contributions released once you leave Australia.
Tax benefits: Doctors across Australia can choose to salary sacrifice a portion of their pay, which minimizes your tax. Depending on the hospital, up to 30 percent of your income can be tax-exempt. This is something you should discuss with your directors upon arriving in Australia.
Lifestyle- Australia is known for its commitment to work-life balance and this is true in the medical sector. At most hospitals, doctors receive up to 5 weeks of paid annual leave each year. The best part? There is no shortage of fun to be had and sights to be seen when you live in Australia. From beaches to rainforests and everything in between – you’ll be spoilt for choice during your time off, allowing you to not just achieve work-life balance but relish in it.
Learning on the job- Australian hospitals have high training standards, meaning a wealth of development opportunities for their medical staff, all in some of the best facilities in the world.
In a study of 11 different national health care models, researchers at the New York-based Commonwealth Fund ranked Australia’s mixed public-private system second best. The study found that Australia ranked highest on Administrative Efficiency and Health Care Outcomes and was among the top-ranked countries on the Care Process.
Like everything applies to Australia has its cons too:
Costs of the process- the AMC test is roughly twice as expensive compared to some other notable tests such as USMLE or PLAB. The Australian Medical Council - Computer Adaptive Test (AMC-CAT) MCQ and clinical test cost a total of AU $ 6,300, whereas USMLE Step 1 and 2 in total costs approx. around US $ 2,000 (AU $ 2,700) and PLAB part 1 and 2 in total costs approx. £1150 (AU $ 2070).
Cost of living- The cost of goods and services is very high due to increased taxes on the commodities. The cost of living in the country is very high depending on your lifestyle.
In the end, the final decision is up to you. Different circumstances will shape your choice and the country where you’ll eventually end up. honestly, all of them seem to be great. So, for now, enjoy your days and be mentally prepared for anything in the future because life can change in a moment. For more information regarding other options visit USA and UK.
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