Advertise on podcast: The Doctor’s Lounge | BFD Podcast

In this episode of the Doctors' Lounge podcast, we're joined by Dr Brooke Quigley, a GP based in Wollongong and a BFD educator who presented at the BFD Conference 2026 in Brisbane. Brooke shares her journey from attending her first MBS education workshop in 2017 to becoming a presenter herself, along with her experience building a niche in gender-affirming care. We also dive into the latest MBS changes, Medicare audits and the PSR, and why documentation is the foundation of good clinical practice.

Banks view doctors as low-risk, meaning access to 95% LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) loans with LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) waivers - saving you tens of thousands in Lenders Mortgage Insurance. But most doctors miss this: as your LVR improves over time, you could qualify for significantly better rates but only if you're proactive. In this conversation with Sam Taylor from BFD Finance, we break down how banks assess risk, fixing vs. variable, and what the current market means for doctors.

In a volatile financial climate, many doctors feel like they're falling behind. In this clip, financial planner Shaun from NOR Financial explains why a holistic view can instantly relieve stress. He also shares a powerful story of helping a client save $40,000 on their annual insurance premiums.

To a bank, a doctor's career path can look like a red flag. Constant rotations between hospitals, shifting states, and the jump from a PAYG registrar to a self-employed fellow can scream "instability" to a credit assessor. In this segment of The Doctors' Lounge, finance expert Jessica Clausen from BFD Finance explains why that's a flawed perspective. She breaks down how a doctor's complex income (from overtime and rural loadings to locum work) is often misunderstood by lenders who crave predictability. Tune in to hear how she fights for doctors to secure the better loan deals they deserve, right from their training years.

Most doctors assume their superannuation provides adequate insurance, but default cover often leaves them dangerously exposed. Financial planner Thomas Rutter reveals why "any occupation" policies can be catastrophic for medical specialists, how benefit periods might be limited to just two years, and why doctors' high earning capacity makes underinsurance a critical risk. Discover the gaps in your coverage before it's too late.

In this insightful episode of the Doctors' Lounge podcast, Dr. April Armstrong discusses the critical challenges facing Australian medical practices today. She explores how recent Medicare rebate increases fall short of health inflation, the impact of government-funded bulk billing clinics on private practice, and why smaller family-run practices are at risk of corporate acquisition. Dr. Armstrong also shares her vision for BFD's expansion into coaching, international conferences, and specialised practice management education, while emphasising the importance of work-life balance for healthcare professionals.

The federal budget has reshaped the property market, leaving many doctors seeking new investment avenues. In this episode, Tal Eloss and Rafi Peer from One Group Property explain why industrial property is a resilient alternative to residential. Learn about its unique advantages and discover the critical mistakes doctors make when leasing their practice. Tune in for expert advice on building a robust portfolio in a changing landscape.

Medical specialist accountant Young-Han from RSM joins the Doctors' Lounge podcast to expose the gap that's holding GPs back: MBS education. From registrars to multi-site practice owners, discover why understanding the Medicare Benefits Schedule transforms "fast medicine" into sustainable holistic care. Learn the audit risks you're unknowingly carrying, and why a two-day workshop could revolutionise your practice.

We’re joined by Tal Eloss from 1Group Property Advisory to unpack one of the biggest decisions doctors face when starting or growing a practice: should you lease or buy your property? Tal explains why your property strategy should never come before your business strategy, and how staying flexible can open up better opportunities, especially in competitive locations. He walks through the critical due diligence every doctor must undertake, from analysing demographics and competition to ensuring a site is actually fit for purpose through test fits, planning approvals, and building assessments. A key part of the conversation focuses on common (and costly) mistakes. Many doctors assume their solicitor will handle commercial negotiations or overlook approvals required by strata or building management, issues that can delay or completely derail a project. Tal highlights why understanding approval pathways, timelines, and hidden constraints is essential before committing to any site. We also explore evolving trends in healthcare property, including the shift away from traditional street-front clinics, the growing importance of online visibility, and how factors like parking and accessibility can significantly impact patient experience and business success. Whether you're launching your first practice, relocating, or expanding, this episode offers practical, experience-based insights to help you make smarter property decisions and avoid costly pitfalls.

We’re joined by Rich Burton from BFD Financial Planning to explore the major differences between financial planning in the UK and Australia, and what that means for doctors building their careers and wealth here. Rich breaks down how Australia’s superannuation system can be a game-changer for migrant doctors, and why many professionals underestimate the importance of engaging with their super early. He also unpacks key differences in taxation, insurance requirements, and financial structures between the two countries. A major focus of the conversation is on common pitfalls, especially around insurance. Many doctors take out policies early in their careers and never review them again, often leaving themselves underinsured as their income and lifestyle grow. Rich explains why regular reviews and working with a risk specialist is critical to protecting your earning capacity. We also dive into the foundations of building long-term wealth: cash flow management, disciplined investing, diversification beyond property, and why “boring” financial planning is often the most effective. Rich highlights why starting early with super contributions can make retirement planning far simpler down the track. Whether you're an international doctor, a registrar, or a specialist looking to better understand your finances, this episode offers practical, grounded advice on how to take control of your financial future in Australia.

We’re joined by Dr Casey Going, a GP, educator, and new practice owner to explore the journey from registrar to owning a successful medical practice in rural Queensland. Just three months into ownership, Dr Casey shares what the transition has really been like, including the surprises, challenges, and key lessons learned along the way. From rethinking recruitment to recognising the power of personal branding, he explains why marketing yourself and your values can be just as important as traditional hiring strategies. We dive into the advantages of rural practice ownership, including government incentives, lower entry costs, and strong patient demand. Dr Casey also discusses the strategic decisions behind purchasing an existing practice rather than starting from scratch, and why scale can play a crucial role in long-term sustainability. The conversation also highlights the importance of training pipelines, financial backing, and building a supportive team culture, along with how his work in education and MBS billing has helped shape both his practice and reputation within the industry. Whether you're considering practice ownership or looking to better understand the business side of general practice, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experience from someone who’s recently made the leap.

We’re joined by Jessica Clauseen from BFD Finance to talk all things property, lending and borrowing strategy for doctors. With intense demand in the housing market and properties selling before open homes, preparation has never been more important. Jessica explains why pre-approvals are critical in a competitive environment and how borrowing capacity can vary significantly depending on the lender. We dive into lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers available to doctors, how some lenders assess overtime and allowances differently, and why that can dramatically impact borrowing power. For many doctors, understanding these nuances could mean saving tens of thousands of dollars, or securing the property they actually want. We also touch on debt recycling, equity strategies and the broader confidence returning to the market as rates shift. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, this episode highlights why working with someone who understands medical income structures can make a real difference.

In the final live recording from the Melbourne BFD Conference 2025, we sit down with the woman behind it all, the driving force of Business for Doctors, Dr April Armstrong. April shares what it really takes to build and lead multiple businesses whilst also practising medicine full-time. From launching BFD Financial Planning alongside Oakmont Financial Services to opening a specialist health and wellness centre in Western Australia, she reflects on the pressure, risk and responsibility that come with growth. This conversation goes beyond the highlights. April speaks candidly about burnout, forcing herself to prioritise self-care, navigating cash flow challenges in a new practice, and the surprising reality that success often amplifies imposter syndrome rather than silencing it. We also explore the evolution of Business for Doctors, the future of primary healthcare, and why embracing change from technology to new models of care, is essential for doctors moving forward. An honest and insightful conversation about ambition, resilience and what really happens behind the scenes.

On this episode at the 2025 Melbourne BFD Conference, we sit down with Fadi Nunu from BFD Finance to break down what refinancing really means for doctors. We candidly discuss the recent rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia and how many homeowners are reassessing their mortgage position. Refinancing is often seen as simply switching to a lower rate, but as this discussion highlights, it’s far more nuanced than that. For many doctors juggling home loans, car finance, personal loans and credit cards, refinancing can be a way to simplify debt and improve cash flow. But those decisions come with trade-offs. Extending a loan term might reduce repayments in the short term, yet increase the total interest paid over time. Tapping into equity can unlock opportunities for renovations or investment, but it also reshapes your long-term debt strategy. From debt consolidation and equity release to loan term extensions and interest trade-offs, this episode explores the pros and cons of refinancing in today’s market.

At the 2025 Melbourne BFD Conference, we sit down with Gary Smith, founder of Armchair Medical, to explore how medical conferences are being reimagined for the modern doctor. Armchair Medical has created what many describe as “Netflix for GPs”, a subscription platform giving doctors flexible access to leading-edge education without the time, travel and cost of attending in person. In this episode, we discuss: Why practical masterclasses attract the most attention How conference content can be available within days The unique protocols involved in filming medical events Why rural and metro GPs alike are turning to on-demand education How doctors are integrating learning into busy lives, from car commutes to treadmill sessions If you’re balancing clinical work, family life and professional development, this conversation highlights a smarter, more flexible way to stay current in a rapidly evolving medical landscape. Tune in for insights on innovation in medical education and how technology is reshaping access for Australian doctors.