''I came into medical recruitment pretty fresh. I finished university and started finding out about all the red tape in the medical industry. It was a learning experience,'' says Your Doctor Jobs' newest recruitment consultant Stuart Cooper. ''But here I am nine years later. I stuck it out''.

For someone who never saw themselves working in medical recruitment, he has certainly made a decent fist of excelling. Becoming an expert locum recruiter for the Australian medical market, his new role requires him to tackle the relatively-untapped potential of Canada's locum field and take Your Doctor Jobs to the very top. No worries, then.

Stuart's expertise in locum recruitment

''I relish a challenge. I knew I would be focusing on Canadian locum recruitment - not my area of expertise. But the market is very similar to Australia - the country is big, coastal and has a high demand for locum doctors in rural areas - so I think I can have a positive impact.''



And there is definitely potential to succeed, ''Canada doesn't seem to have the same recruitment competition as here - many doctors choose to use the free government services,'' Stuart says. ''But they can't offer a personal touch, so there is opportunity to really stand out.''

Personality and a commitment to a work-life balance are essentials for a quality medical recruiter.

Delivering on what the doctors want from their placement, rather than just matching people to whatever is available, is part of the more personal service Your Doctor Jobs expects will change working in the Canadian locum market.

The Your Doctor Jobs' difference

''Hiring for locum is a different challenge - doctors want a travel experience. They have years under their belt and want something a bit different,'' says Stuart.

Building a relationship with doctors that is career-long is part of the Your Doctor Jobs difference - it's not just about hiring for one job, but investing in each doctor's long-term career and life ambitions. Working with Your Doctor Jobs' consultants, GPs are offered a personal level of service that embodies the spirit of the business that Stuart was so drawn to.

''For me, Your Doctor Jobs is about friendly service. We want to find you the dream job. Locum recruitment can really help in that regard, because doctors can find a role that offers a good balance of work and play. It's that value that drew me to work here in the first place.''

Tasmania's beautiful scenery was a major pull for Stuart to stay and raise a family.

Work-life balance

Hobart-born and bred, Stuart had ideas about relocating to Melbourne after travelling across Europe following university. However, the natural appeal of Tasmania was too much to resist.

''Yeah I thought about trying Victoria - but Mum was still here and I then met Justin through footy. I went for a kickaround with his team and he offered me a job. I met my partner soon after, and now we have two boys. I don't regret it - Tasmania is such a beautiful place.''

Stuart's five year-old and eight month-old keep him and his partner on their toes - if keeping fit isn't. His footy days might be over, but he still plays basketball and gets out to the gym. ''Staying active is important, and I still love travelling. I'd love to get back to Europe. Things are a bit different with a family, but it'd be nice to see it again after ten years,'' he says.

A work-life balance is a core value of Your Doctor Jobs. Stuart will be working flexible hours throughout his week so he can help look after his youngest, an opportunity he is thrilled with.

''The main thing that drew me to Your Doctor Jobs is the work-life balance. It's a great thing to pitch doctors to sell them on a placement, and it's fantastic knowing you can go to that barbeque or kids' play that you wanted to, and just pick up the work later,'' Stuart says. ''I also think it's something Your Doctor Jobs excels in making central to who they are.''

To get in contact with an expert medical recruiter, reach out to Your Doctor Jobs today.