Reflecting on how we supported our doctors and clients in 2020
In 2020, we all faced many challenges, from bush fires to COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures, and through it all, the healthcare landscape adapted. We saw the rapid increase in telehealth services and locum doctors working closer to their homes in their own states.
At Wavelength, we continually adapted to the ever-changing lockdown rules and border changes to ensure we could keep supporting the workforce needs of our healthcare clients and keep our doctors in work!
Whilst 2020 wasn’t exactly the year we expected, there were many good news stories that are worth reflecting on.
More than 205,000 hours of Locum care provided in 2020
Whilst locuming during a pandemic hasn’t been easy, we supported over 230 Public and Private hospitals and clinics across Australia, placed 2,165 Locums and 68 permanent doctors, and provided cover for more than 205,000 hours of Locum care.
“The most rewarding thing is the strong team spirit of the practice staff despite the COVID-19 pandemic. All the practice staff continue to try their best to provide and maintain a high quality of health service despite these unprecedented times.” Dr Ching Ming Lau
In addition, our GP division provided doctors to 70 GP clinics and filled 78 locum shifts across 18 Aboriginal Medical Services clinics in rural and remote Australia. During NAIDOC week, we spoke to one of our GP Recruiters, Anna Mullins, about her experiences working with the Aboriginal Medical Services and the things she has found most rewarding about being involved.
Telehealth services
In 2020, Wavelength joined forces with Australian founded telehealth service SwiftDoc, providing our doctors with remote and flexible work opportunities.
“Through our partnership with Wavelength, we have access to a wider number of quality doctors who can provide quick and easy video consultations to all Australians from the convenience and safety of their home. Wavelength has the qualified medical professionals SwiftDoc needs to ensure all patients using the platform, experience exceptional service,” explains Dr Richard McMahon.
Divergent careers in medicine
After the launch of our partnership with Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) in 2019 to offer our doctors an opportunity to pursue divergent careers in medicine, we undertook research about ‘the changing face of clinical careers’.
We surveyed 857 healthcare professionals across all seniorities and medical specialties about areas of interest and expertise outside of traditional clinical work.
The research indicated that 72% of clinicians are considering divergent career opportunities, with Digital Health, Medical Education & Coaching, and Health Management & Administration as the top three areas of interest. For more fascinating insights and a glimpse into what future healthcare careers may look like, you can download our FREE copy of the whitepaper here.
Regulatory and Migration Services for Doctors
Despite (or perhaps because of) the international border closures, our Regulatory and Migration Team was busier than ever. The team assisted 49 doctors and healthcare clients with regulatory and immigration queries, in addition to helping 68 overseas-based doctors find a job in 2020. Our Recruitment teams provided invaluable information to support our doctors and clients, providing international and state border restrictions updates daily.
Wavelength Regulatory and Migration Team
Supporting Charities in 2020
Wavelength continued to support multiple charities and organisations throughout 2020. Our Wavies have access to a paid ‘Volunteer Day’ every year, and they put it to good use, from hosting a virtual Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council to joining Sydney by Kayak for their Clean-Up Kayak Tour and volunteering with Keith’s Closet.
For our annual ‘giving back’ at Christmas, we chose to make a $3,000 donation on behalf of our doctors and healthcare clients to the Black Dog Institute. Australians dealt with fires, floods, a pandemic/quarantine and a recession which led to many people’s mental health coming under major stress and we thought it was important to get involved.
Additionally, whilst we couldn’t host our usual Kids Christmas party this year, Wavelength adopted 5 Koala’s at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie on behalf of the Wavelength Kids. The children were thrilled and many have planned visits up to Port Macquarie in the coming year.
John, Isaac and D’Arcy with their Certificate of Adoption of LINR Anwen who was injured during the 2019/2020 bushfires.
On a personal level, despite lockdowns, fires, floods and a recession, 3 Wavie babies were born, and more are expected in 2021. Our Wavies have now returned to working in the office from working from home during lockdown, and we are ready to provide quality support in 2021!
Let us help you start the new year with the perfect job. Register your interest and we’ll be in touch for a confidential discussion about your career aspirations and interests. Alternatively, you can also search for jobs in all medical specialties.
If you’re looking to join the Wavelength Team and work for a medical recruitment agency with a purpose, please view our current job opportunities.
