Australia has one of the most developed healthcare systems in the world. Blessed with the highest per capita health expenditure outside of the USA, Australia provides a free, comprehensive and up-to-date health service to its population. 

The medical practice tends to be a mixture of the UK evidence-based healthcare model and the more innovative US style of medicine. 

In addition, Australia is a growing centre for medical research with rapidly increasing resources targeted to this. The major provider of healthcare services in Australia is the Public Health System (Medicare). This is a comprehensive free-of-charge healthcare service for all Australian citizens covering both hospital-based and community-based medical services. Those who have experienced working in Australia will always compare it very favourably to working in other countries. 

As a rule, Australians (both patients and staff) are very laid back and so this creates a very informal and friendly working environment. The dress code varies from hospital to hospital but is usually much more casual than would be found in many parts of the US or UK. Doctors as a rule do not wear white coats and most do not wear ties either. It is not uncommon for doctors in rural hospitals to wear very casual clothing such as jeans and a short-sleeved shirt but as a general rule smart casual clothing is normally required. 

The actual hospitals in Australia as a rule tend to be very well equipped with all the latest technology and facilities. Radiology and pathology services have been corporatised in Australia in recent years and so digital radiology, image distribution systems, extremely rapid pathology investigations, same-day reporting etc are all normal practice in Australia. 

Almost all hospitals in Australia will usually have an in-hospital intranet for dispersing medical information and test results within the hospital and some hospitals are in the process of moving to wireless technology for the dispersion of results and medical data. 

Healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses hold far greater power and authority in Australia within the hospital system than is usually found in other countries. Professional groups representing nurses and doctors are very strong here, with most of the hospital directors and senior managerial staff being doctors and nurses themselves who are keen to protect the interests of healthcare workers.