How to become a Doctor

Caring for others is one of the most noble things you can do as a human. If you have an interest in medicine, health, and enjoy looking after others, then becoming a doctor or GP is the perfect profession for you. Becoming a doctor involves completing medical school, gaining experience as an intern or resident, and passing the necessary exams. This guide will help you understand the process you need to go through to become a doctor and start your business in Australia.

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‍Step 1: Complete medical school

The first step in becoming a doctor in Australia is completing medical school. To be accepted into medical school, you must have completed at least two years of study at an Australian university with solid grades. You'll also need to pass an aptitude test and provide references from your academic supervisors. Once you have been accepted into medical school, you will be required to complete four years of full-time study. During this time, you will learn about the theories and practice of medicine, as well as anatomy and physiology. Placements in medical school are competitive, so it pays to get good marks throughout your secondary and tertiary education to give yourself the best chance.

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‍Step 2: Get first-hand experience as an internet or resident

After graduating from medical school, most doctors choose to gain experience working as interns or residents for one year. During this time, they are supervised by experienced physicians and are responsible for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications and treatments, managing patient care plans, and assisting with surgeries. This hands-on experience is invaluable when it comes to transitioning into a professional role as a doctor in Australia. You’ll feel more confident in caring for different patients and engaging with other doctors and staff on the premises.

Step 3: Pass your medical exams

The final step in becoming a doctor in Australia is passing the necessary medical exams. These exams include the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam Part I & II, which assesses knowledge of basic clinical sciences; the AMC Clinical Examination (Part III), which assesses clinical skills; and the AMC Clinical Exam (Part IV), which assesses clinical judgement skills. Additionally, all doctors must pass the Medical Board of Australia's National Competency Standards Assessment before they can practice medicine independently in Australia. The requirements to becoming a doctor are very stringent, but you are dealing with people’s health, so it needs to be.

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‍Step 4: Become a medical practitioner

Once you have passed the exams, you will be registered as a medical practitioner in Australia. You can now start your medical practice. To start your own business, you’ll need to confirm a business name, register an ABN, and find a location from which to operate from. You could join an existing practice, but operate under your business, or find your own location to work from. There is huge demand for doctors in regional areas so that could be a good place to start, or even online doctors are growing in popularity if you enjoy the flexibility of working from home. Don’t forget that you will need to maintain your registration with the Medical Board of Australia in order to practice medicine in Australia.

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Becoming a doctor in Australia is no easy feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and commitment over many years of study and training. However, if you complete medical school; gain experience as an intern or resident; and passing the necessary exams—you can become qualified to practice medicine professionally in Australia.

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