General Practitioners (GPs) are essential healthcare professionals who play a vital role in providing comprehensive primary care to patients. While many GPs work in private practices or clinics, there is a lesser-known but highly rewarding career path available for Fellowship RACGP (FRACGP) and Fellowship ACRRM (FACRRM) holders—the General Practitioner Visiting Medical Officer (GP VMO) position. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of GP VMO positions, explore their higher earning potential, and discuss the qualifications required to pursue this exciting career option.
What is a GP VMO position?
A GP VMO is a medical practitioner who combines the skills and knowledge of a general practitioner, with the responsibilities of a Visiting Medical Officer in a hospital or healthcare facility. These positions are often found in rural and regional areas, where GPs can provide a range of medical services in both clinical and emergency settings. GP VMOs collaborate closely with specialists, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Higher earning potential:
One of the primary advantages of pursuing a GP VMO position is the significantly higher earning potential compared to traditional general practice. GP VMOs are often remunerated at a higher rate due to the additional responsibilities they undertake within the hospital setting. This increase in income can be particularly attractive to FRACGP and FACRRM holders who have invested considerable time, effort, and resources into attaining their fellowship qualifications.
Qualifications required:
To be eligible for a GP VMO position, candidates must possess a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) or a Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM). These fellowships demonstrate a high level of expertise and competence in the field of general practice, ensuring that GP VMOs are equipped to handle the complex medical challenges encountered in hospital settings. GP VMO's must also have recency of Emergency experience, an ALS certification and ideally hold a Working with children check for the state they wish to practice in.
Additionally, it is beneficial for aspiring GP VMOs to have relevant experience working in rural or regional healthcare settings. Familiarity with the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by these communities can be advantageous in effectively delivering patient-centered care as a GP VMO.
Responsibilities and opportunities:
As GP VMOs, healthcare professionals can expect a diverse range of responsibilities. These may include providing comprehensive primary care, managing acute and chronic illnesses, attending to emergency cases, and participating in medical procedures and surgeries as required. GP VMOs may also engage in teaching and mentoring medical students, registrars, and other healthcare professionals, further contributing to the development of the medical community.
Conclusion:
For FRACGP and FACRRM holders seeking an exciting and financially rewarding career path, GP VMO positions offer a compelling option. With their higher earning potential, the opportunity to work within hospital settings, and the chance to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of rural and regional communities, GP VMO roles provide a fulfilling and dynamic career choice. By meeting the qualifications required and leveraging their expertise, GPs can embark on a rewarding journey that combines the best aspects of general practice and hospital medicine. And who doesn't like a working holiday to a rural location?
Since 1986, Medical Recruitment has been specialising in GP recruitment, thus, consultants from the company have expert knowledge in the space. If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to work as a permanent or locum GP job or even for a GP role after hours, then look no further - get in touch with our Recruitment Consultants now.
