Remote service delivery (one day per week) with onsite attendance in Cairns as required (3–5 days per six months).
Position overview
The VIP General Practitioner (VIP GP) is engaged as an independent contractor to provide high quality, ongoing primary healthcare services to patients through a Virtual Integrated Practice model. The role supports workforce sustainability, continuity of care and improved access to GP services for communities with limited local medical capacity.
The VIP GP delivers clinical services primarily via secure telehealth platforms, exercising professional autonomy in the delivery of care, while working collaboratively with onsite practice teams and the broader WoW multidisciplinary team. The role also includes periodic onsite clinical service to support relationship building, orientation and continuity of care.
This position requires strong clinical autonomy, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to delivering safe, culturally appropriate and patient centred care in rural and remote contexts. Engagement is under a services agreement, and the VIP GP is responsible for their own taxation, superannuation, insurance and professional obligations
Remuneration and what we offer
- Contractor remuneration of $200 per hour or $1,600 per day, subject to the terms of the services agreement.
- An opportunity to provide a critical service that addresses GP workforce shortages.
- A predominantly telehealth based model, with limited and planned onsite attendance.
- Professional autonomy within a supported Virtual Integrated Practice model.
- Collaboration with onsite practice teams and the broader WoW multidisciplinary team.
- Meaningful, purpose driven work that improves access to care for underserved populations.
Key responsibilities
Clinical care
- Provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to patients via secure telehealth, including management of acute and chronic conditions.
- Deliver safe, evidence based and patient centred care using independent clinical judgement in accordance with professional standards and WoW clinical governance frameworks.
- Manage complex and chronic disease presentations, including patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Prescribe, review and manage medications in line with clinical guidelines and Medicare requirements.
- Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive electronic medical records within partner practice systems.
Integrated practice and collaboration
- Work collaboratively with onsite practice teams to ensure continuity and coordination of patient care.
- Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and care planning as agreed under the services arrangement.
- Support seamless transitions between virtual and onsite care.
- Liaise with allied health providers, community services and other stakeholders to support holistic care delivery.
Telehealth and systems
- Deliver virtual consultations using approved telehealth technologies and adhere to telehealth best practice standards.
- Ensure privacy, confidentiality and data security are maintained at all times.
- Demonstrate strong working knowledge of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) relevant to telehealth and rural practice.
Governance, compliance, and quality
- Comply with all WoW policies, procedures and clinical governance requirements.
- Adhere to infection prevention and control standards, including during onsite service delivery.
- Participate in clinical audits, documentation reviews and Medicare compliance activities as reasonably required under the services agreement.
- Contribute to service data collection and evaluation activities associated with the VIP Program.
Professional responsibilities
- Participate in required orientation and onboarding activities.
- Attend onsite practice for short periods as required to support service integration and continuity of care.
- Maintain current registration, accreditation and continuing professional development requirements.
- Participate in agreed meetings or case conferences relevant to service delivery, where reasonably required.
Selection criteria
Essential
- Vocationally Registered General Practitioner with current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Fellowship with RACGP and/or ACRRM.
- Eligibility for a Medicare provider number and ability to obtain a provider number at partner practices.
- Extensive experience in chronic disease management within a primary care setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex clinical presentations autonomously.
- Excellent working knowledge of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
- Strong organisational and time management skills in a virtual service delivery environment.
- High level communication skills, including the ability to communicate safely and effectively via technology.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the social, economic and cultural factors influencing health in rural and remote communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Willingness and ability to travel to partner practices for required onsite service delivery.
- Hold an ABN and appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
Desirable
- Previous experience working in rural or remote general practice settings.
- Experience providing care via telehealth platforms.
- Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations.
The VIP General Practitioner role is primarily delivered remotely via telehealth, with scheduled onsite attendance at partner rural and remote practices as agreed under the services arrangement. The role requires access to a private, well equipped workspace suitable for virtual consultations, including reliable internet connectivity and appropriate technology.
The VIP GP sets their availability by agreement and works autonomously while maintaining close collaboration with the Senior Medical Officer and partner practice teams. Flexibility in working arrangements is required to meet patient and service needs. Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required for onsite service delivery.
The VIP GP is responsible for complying with all professional, regulatory, privacy and infection control obligations applicable to independent medical practitioners.