Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I use a recruitment agency?
As a doctor, you’re busy doing what you’ve studied and trained for years to do. Take the work out of your job search and outsource it to the experts at Catalyst. We can explore opportunities on your behalf without even revealing your identity to a hospital or practice until you’re ready to apply.
Using Catalyst gives you access to jobs that aren’t advertised by health services and practices. It also allows you to apply for roles outside of the annual recruitment campaigns.
Is there a fee for using your service?
For doctors, you will never pay a fee as a candidate using our services and your salary or locum rate will not be any less because you’re applying through an agency.
For clients, we price our services competitively and would be happy to discuss with you in more detail. Get in touch to find out more.
Can I bring my partner or family with me on an interstate locum?
Often locum doctors like to bring their partner and/or family with them for interstate locums, especially if it’s a coastal location. We can investigate options and negotiate this on your behalf.
Am I eligible to apply?
If you’re applying for a locum role, you must hold current general or specialist registration with AHPRA in order to be eligible.
If you’re interested in permanent opportunities, the answer is more complicated (sorry!) – best to get in touch to discuss your situation and eligibility for a specific role.
Why are you asking me where else I have applied to / interviewed for / worked?
We’re not just being nosy when we ask about other jobs that you’ve applied to. We need to know which hospitals have already received your application so that we don’t talk to you about opportunities that you already know about or talk to hospitals about a doctor that they’ve already interviewed or employed.
Are accommodation and travel expenses paid for?
Most locum assignments will include accommodation and reimbursement of return interstate travel. Exact conditions vary depending on where you’re going, and we can provide further details about specific locations.
For permanent roles, there is often a relocation allowance available as part of the award or salary package. We can advise on what benefits are available to you.
Do I really need to fill in all this paperwork?
Unfortunately, yes. Fortunately, we can help! We make the credentialing process as streamlined as it can be, with innovations such as digital form-filling and signature (we have safely left the fax machine back in the 90s where it belongs).
How much can I earn as a locum doctor?
As a general guide: specialists earn at least $2,000 per day (often more for certain specialties and locations); registrars earn between $110 – $200 per hour; residents between $90 – $110 per hour. This varies widely depending on factors like your level of experience, specialty, urgency of the role, location of the job, payment method.
Do I need an ABN?
Maybe. This depends on the payment method offered by the hospital that you work at. Either you will be paid via hospital payroll as an employee; paid via Catalyst Medical Recruitment agency payroll; or paid directly via your ABN. We can provide further information and advice dependent on the job and your circumstances. Let us worry about the details so you don’t have to.
How do I ask a question that’s not listed here?
Feel free to contact us if you have a question that isn’t on this page.
We would be happy to help.