Why Locum Work is the Prescription for Junior Doctor Burnout

With a strong background in medical recruitment, Claire established Wavelength International in 1999 with Dr John Bethell to address a growing shortage of junior and middle-grade doctors in the Australian public hospital system.

Almost 25 years later, Claire is proud to head an ethical medical recruitment and migration services company, founded on integrity, and driven to serve the needs of the healthcare industry.

Dr John Bethell graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen in 1991 and began his career as a doctor before moving into recruitment. He joined Morgan & Banks in 1996, leading medical and pharmaceutical executive searches, and co-founded Wavelength International with Claire Ponsford in 1999.

After relocating to Europe in 2012, John remained a non-executive director of Wavelength while working with innovative life sciences start-ups, co-founding Luka Global Group and recruiting over 20 CEOs and senior leaders across 15 countries.

In 2025, John returned to Australia to co-direct the Wavelength Group alongside Claire Ponsford, where he heads the permanent recruitment division and Ccentric executive search.

Katrina joined Wavelength as the industry’s first Chief Experience Officer in 2022, leading marketing, digital and the broader organisation on a customer-centric transformation.

Katrina’s passions revolve around customer-centred strategies, specialising in customer and market segmentation, voice of customer, research, analysis, and user-centred design for brand, product, service and marketing/communications.

She has worked across a variety of industries, advocating for the value that a business can gain through structured voice of customer programs and customer-led innovation. She maintains professional accreditation and membership across both research and CX disciplines.

Paul joined Wavelength in 2023 as the General Manager of Hospital Services, Locum. He has worked in the recruitment industry in Australia and the UK for 18 years, and moved into the Healthcare sector in 2018.

Throughout his career, he has trained and coached a large number of successful recruitment consultants and has taken responsibility for new business development and client account management. He is particularly passionate about the locum doctor sector and the impact his division at Wavelength has on regional & remote communities across Australia.

Carole joined Wavelength in 2008 as a recruiter. Now, she focuses on internal business projects including partnerships, tenders and operational initiatives.

Carole has extensive experience recruiting across the Locum Hospital and GP divisions, which has developed her knowledge across a wide variety of specialities and has enabled her to visit rural and remote locations throughout Australia.

Helen joined Wavelength in 2012, working in recruitment before quickly finding her passion for quality and risk. After eight years, Helen sought other opportunities, but returned to Wavelength in 2025 into her prior role as Quality & Risk Manager. Through a culture of collaboration, Helen is dedicated to ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining high standards of quality across all recruitment operations.

With over a decade of experience, Elinor is an expert on all the registration and Medicare requirements that an overseas-trained specialist needs to complete during the migration process.

She is our Regulatory and Migration Team Leader, and ensures the team provide a smooth transition to Australia and New Zealand for all our doctors.

As Wavelength's GP Team Manager, Max delivers a highly tailored and consultative service to doctors and partner organisations, ensuring “right fit” recruitment decisions for all.

Since 2019, he's developed expertise in locum and permanent GP recruitment across the Australian hospital and healthcare sector.

He leads an experienced team of consultants and shares their passion for supporting doctors to truly enjoy their careers and feel proud of the meaningful work they do.

Skye joined Wavelength in 2025 as the Team Manager of JAMED, bringing over 16 years of experience in medical recruitment, including 12 years dedicated to working with locum doctors.

Specialising in the placement of Emergency doctors in locum roles across Australia, she is passionate about supporting healthcare delivery by connecting talented doctors with hospitals in need.

In her role, she leads a dedicated team of consultants, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment focused on delivering exceptional service to both doctors and healthcare clients.

Melissa joined Wavelength 15 years ago, and has over 21 years of experience in recruitment. She brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to her role as Operations Manager. Melissa has worked across a range of desks—including Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, DMS, Telehealth, and Divergent Careers, and held diverse roles from RCO to Project Manager and Recruiter, she offers a deep understanding of the business.

Passionate about teamwork and collaboration, Melissa is committed to achieving the best outcomes for both doctors and clients. She also finds great fulfilment in training and developing staff, nurturing strong relationships across all areas of the business.

Christina joined Wavelength in January 2023 as an Associate Recruiter working with Junior Locum Doctors. She now manages the obstetrics & gynaecology and paediatrics desks, placing Junior Doctors in locum roles around Australia.

Christina prides herself on the relationships she makes and nurtures with her clients and candidates, and finds satisfaction in creating seamless locum experiences for her doctors. 

"Christina has just been amazing in organising my next Locum shift to sorting every little detail in relation to that shift. Regular updates on available shifts and going extra length to find a suitable place for me to work. Exceptional!"

Fiona has been working in medical recruitment since 2019 and now helps Emergency Medicine CMOs and Registrars find rewarding locum jobs.

Her doctors appreciate her efficient and transparent approach. And the exceptional support she provides throughout their placements means they can focus on what they do best.

Mikaila's career in healthcare started in 2013 and she gained extensive knowledge in rostering and locum policies and procedures in her role coordinating locums with NSW Health.

She now recruits psychiatry locums and enjoys finding roles that support doctors interests and goals.

She's dedicated to providing quality experiences and making a difference in healthcare departments across Australia.

Jade joined Wavelength in 2022 and has since cultivated strong, lasting relationships with doctors and clients nationwide.

She takes the time to understand each doctor’s motivations, lifestyle, and interests, so she can match them with locum roles that align with their personal and professional goals.

Jade works closely with hospitals to ensure they have access to medical professionals who can best serve their communities.

"Jade gave me excellent support when looking for positions and ensured that I was happy with the placement, requesting and acting on any feedback given." Dr John Peniston-Bird, Anaesthetics Registrar

Tabi has been working in medical recruitment since 2018 and has in-depth knowledge of the Anaesthetics and ICU locum market in Australia.

She goes above and beyond for her doctors, making their experience as easy as possible by reducing the burden of paperwork and logistics.

Tabi enjoys helping doctors find the best locum roles and, in turn, helping hospitals find the best doctors. 

Tahnee joined Wavelength in 2022 and places junior doctors in surgery and general medicine locum roles across Australia.

She enjoys connecting with doctors at the early stages of their career and finding roles that help them achieve their long-term goals. 

Her tailored approach focuses on understanding the unique needs of each doctor and healthcare employer she works with.

"Tahnee has been great to work with. She's a great communicator and managed to find me consistent work during a particularly competitive period." Dr James Sellars, General Surgery Registrar

Bec joined Wavelength in 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in medical recruitment. During her time as a Locum Recruitment Officer with NSW Health, she developed extensive knowledge of the broader locum landscape and its unique demands.

Her goal is to connect talented doctors with the right opportunities, supporting locums in securing RMO and Registrar roles in General Medicine and Surgery.

Jane has extensive international recruitment experience, with over 14 years in Wavelength's GP team.

Her dedication is second to none. She finds her job truly rewarding and doctors return to her again and again throughout their career.

She has a strong track record in developing long-term, successful partnerships and takes pride in representing the best jobs in the market.

Based in Cheltenham, UK, Jane provides an efficient and personalised service for doctors living in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Canada. Australian and NZ-based doctors also have the option of arranging calls in the evenings, after finishing their consults.

"The whole team were really helpful with the move. Jane has kept in touch with me since I moved to Australia to check up on me and how I'm getting on. They made the process as smooth as possible which was great." Dr Ben Pilkington, GP

Charlie has been a dedicated part of the Wavelength team since 2010 and over that time has developed extensive knowledge of the locum GP market.

With her personalised and efficient approach, she seamlessly matches doctors with rewarding locum roles that help them achieve their career goals.

Charlie partners with GP clinics, Indigenous Health, correctional health services, occupational health clinics and corporate organisations throughout Australia.

Amy joined Wavelength's GP team in 2012 and now specialises in the crucial area of AMS/Indigenous Health.

She has in-depth knowledge of the market and an extensive network, meaning she can find the right locum doctor to support communities in need.

She's driven to deliver exceptional service and takes pride in supporting doctors with their career goals.

Anna first started at Wavelength in 2006 and since 2012 has recruited GPs for AMS/Indigenous Health.

She's known for her extensive experience and market knowledge as well as her friendly and personal approach.

Building connections comes naturally to her and she goes above and beyond to support the doctors and clients she works with.

With 16 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Australia, Emma has developed a wealth of expertise in connecting the right talent with the right opportunities.

For the past 14 years, she has focused her career within the healthcare sector, where she has built a reputation for her deep understanding of the industry and her commitment to excellence.

Emma is passionate about fostering honest, transparent relationships with doctors and clients. She takes pride in her ability to understand each person's unique needs, ensuring that every match she makes is the perfect fit.

Her approach is built on trust, integrity, and a dedication to delivering results that truly meet the long-term goals of all parties involved.

"Emma has been very helpful and understanding in guiding me through my journey into locum work." Dr Peter Brennan, GP

Eamon joined Wavelength in 2010 and has since gained in-depth knowledge of the locum market across various specialties.

He's committed to building long-lasting relationships and goes the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those he works with.

Eamon is driven to help locum doctors find the right role at a hospital that fits their lifestyle and interests, while also helping healthcare employers to find the perfect doctor for their team.

Kelly transitioned into healthcare recruitment in 2017 after several years working directly in the sector.

Her background gave her a deep understanding of the challenges faced on the front lines and the critical role that staffing plays in delivering quality care.

Kelly is passionate about connecting with doctors, hearing their stories, and helping them find roles that align with their goals and lifestyle.

She specialises in placing locum Physicians in QLD, WA and NT.

Claudine joined Wavelength in 2005, making her one of Wavelength's most experienced recruiters.

With her extensive knowledge of the locum Physician market and a reputation for providing exceptional service, she's one of Wavelength's most highly regarded consultants.

She supports a wide network of hospitals in NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and ACT and works closely with doctors to find the perfect locum roles in general medicine.

Since 2004, Amber has developed an unrivalled level of expertise in O&G locum recruitment.

As one of our most senior recruiters, Amber has a reputation for excellence and going the extra mile for her doctors and healthcare employers.

She is passionate about what she does and works tirelessly to deliver an ethical, consultative and seamless recruitment service.

"Amber and her team are the best locum specialists I have dealt with anywhere." Dr James, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Consultant

Since 2020, Yasmin has been helping Psychiatrists find rewarding locum roles across Australia.

With an unrivalled network of hospitals and in-depth knowledge of the market, doctors rely on Yasmin for support throughout their career.

She is passionate about finding the right fit for her doctors, matching their interests and goals with the best locum opportunities.

Courtney has worked in medical recruitment since 2013, placing locum consultants throughout Australia.

She is dedicated to supporting Psychiatrists through every stage of their career, finding the best locum jobs so they can achieve their goals.

Courtney understands the different areas of psychiatry and how to match skills with the right mental health service.

Robyn has been working with non-specialist doctors since 2014 and joined Wavelength in 2021 to focus on psychiatry locums.

She has extensive knowledge of locum placements and creates a seamless process for the doctors and clients she works with.

Robyn enjoys building meaningful, long-term relationships and takes the time to understand each doctors' unique needs and goals.

Nicole is one of Wavelength’s most senior recruiters, starting her medical recruitment career in 2009.

Over that time, she's built up a wealth of knowledge about the industry and is an expert on the locum surgery market.

Her doctors benefit from her extensive network of hospitals and she goes above and beyond to find them the right roles.

Ashlea's medical recruitment career began in 2019 and she joined the Wavelength team in 2021.

She takes pride in listening to her doctors' needs and she uses her great relationships with hospitals Australia-wide to find them the most rewarding permanent roles.

With a genuine passion for making a difference, Ashlea provides a tailored, flexible and diligent approach to every doctor and healthcare employer she partners with.

Chloe has been working in recruitment since 2016 and now helps doctors find fulfilling permanent roles across Australia and New Zealand.

She has a wealth of experience in credentialing and compliance - a huge plus for her doctors, especially those making the move from overseas.

With a focus on building strong relationships, Chloe seamlessly matches talented medical professionals with the healthcare employers that need them most.

Leiara is an accomplished Immigration Consultant and Registered Migration Agent with over 15 years experience in Australia and abroad.

She's developed a deep understanding of the common challenges and complexities faced by doctors moving to Australia and expertly guides them through their visa journey.

Ebony is Wavelength's regulatory expert for General Practitioners making the move to Australia. She guides and supports GPs through the complex AHPRA, RACGP and Medicare requirements.

Before joining Wavelength in 2019, she previously worked as an Immigration Officer in New Zealand. She's skilled at interpreting the constantly evolving regulatory requirements for overseas trained doctors.

Her approach is built on honesty, empathy, advocacy and genuine care.

Alex has been working in Wavelength's Regulatory and Migration team since 2011.

Initially a Regulatory Consultant, she is now a Registered Migration Agent providing critical support to overseas trained General Practitioners moving to Australia.

She helps doctors navigate complex visa requirements, ensuring they can start their new role on time. 

Lisa has held a variety of roles during her time at Wavelength and after moving overseas in 2017, she rejoined us in 2023 as a Regulatory Coordinator.

Originally from Ireland, she uses her own experience of the migration journey to provide exceptional support to international medical graduates making the move to Australia.

Pam joined Ccentric, now part of the Wavelength Group, in 2015, bringing a wealth of experience from running her firm, Regional Recruiters Australia.

She leads Ccentric's University and academic healthcare practice and works closely with not-for-profits and various health services across Australia.

Pam's approach is warm and professional and she's driven by a strong passion for making a positive impact on both her clients and candidates.

Natalie joined the Wavelength Group in 2021, having moved from China where she had over 10 years of experience in executive search.

Her experience spans life sciences, healthcare, consumer and business. She's recruited general managers, business unit leaders and senior functional roles in a range of multinational companies.

Natalie is recognised as a trusted recruitment partner by both her clients and candidates. 

Kim joined the Wavelength Group in 2022 and has extensive experience in executive search, specialising in C-suite and senior leadership roles.

She has worked with a diverse range of organisations, from ASX100-listed companies and Go8 universities to not-for-profits.

She has a deep understanding of leadership talent and industry dynamics and is committed to connecting exceptional leaders with organisations that drive meaningful impact.

Kylie joined the Wavelength Group in 2019 and brings over 10 years of Human Resource Management experience, working as a HR Business Partner at Qantas Airlines.

Before this, Kylie held several leadership roles within Qantas and Westpac Bank. She's provided support in a diverse range of human resources activities, operational management and change management.

Kylie is passionate about people, building collaborative relationships and delivering an exceptional recruitment experience to both clients and candidates.