Overseas trained GPs working in Australia were younger, worked longer hours and prescribed more medication than their home-trained colleagues, according to a study by the University of Sydney.

The three-year study found that overseas trained doctors (OTDs) worked almost eight hours more per week and prescribed ten per cent more medication. They were also ten times more likely to work in rural areas.

Medical workforce shortages in Australia have led to increasing reliance on overseas doctors particularly general practice in rural areas - around a quarter of practising doctors have trained outside Australia.

The study also found that OTDs managed less general, urological, social, skin and pregnancy problems, and more cardiovascular problems, urinary tract infections, tonsillitis and conjunctivitis.

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