UK Doctors Find 30% Higher Pay, Less Burnout in Australia, Report Reveals

UK doctors are leaving the National Health Service (NHS). They seek better working lives abroad. Burnout is the main reason for this trend. A 2025 report confirms this workplace pressure. Doctors who feel overwhelmed often leave the UK.

Dr. Chris Grayston moved to Australia five years ago. He was a resident doctor who felt severe stress. Now he works as a rural emergency doctor in Brisbane. He noticed a very different work culture there. Consultants are always available for support. His shifts provide generous recovery time. Importantly, his salary increased by almost 30%. However, he notes that being far from family is the biggest drawback.

Australia is the most popular choice for these doctors. It is an English-speaking country with no extra exams required.

However, moving does not solve every problem. Dr. Laxsan Karunanithy returned to the UK after two years abroad. He enjoyed the better weather and balance. Still, he experienced severe loneliness. He learned that intense work pressure exists in all systems. Karunanithy summarized his experience perfectly. He stated, “the grass is only greener where you choose to water it.”