Medical staffing platform Go Locum, which connects doctors with temporary roles in regional and remote areas, has raised $350,000 in Seed funding from Darwin VC Paspalis.
This round will support the software startup’s international expansion plans and the launch of an app to streamline locum (fill-in doctor) recruitment in Australia.
Go Locum was founded by Dr Joshua Case and Phoebe Bardsley in 2022, and has since built a community of more than 2,500 health professionals on social media.
The duo also recently launched Go Ireland, a partnership with Rosata Recruitment to deliver a mutual gap year program between Australia and Ireland. Rosata is led by serial entrepreneur Ronan Corrigan, who previously cofounded and the exited one of the world’s biggest locum agencies.
Dr Joshua Case said they’ve seen “insatiable demand for flexible work arrangements” from Australian doctors, burnt out by rigid hospital systems and a seismic shift in societal expectations post-pandemic.
“At the same time, our regional health systems are on their knees as they struggle to attract and retain front-line healthcare staff, contributing to poorer health outcomes for rural communities, and exploding recruitment budgets,” he said.
Go Locum uses AI-driven to simplify the recruitment process, automating credentialing and matching healthcare professionals to roles in regional and remote areas.
“We’ve developed internal software tools with modern technology to make the process of finding and filling locum positions faster and more efficient,” Dr Case said. J
“Our platform not only speeds up verification but also provides a transparent and enjoyable digital job-search experience for medical professionals, making it easier for even the most remote communities to access affordable quality healthcare.”
Cofounder Phoebe Bardsley said doctors can read locum reviews and even explore local attractions in the areas where they might work using the platform.
“We’re not just filling positions; we’re building a community,”she said. “By highlighting the unique lifestyle and adventure opportunities in regional and remote Australia, we’re encouraging more doctors to embrace these roles.”
The pair see Go Locum as an impact-focused social enterprise and later this year plan to launch a program to ignite entrepreneurship in youth in remote and regional communities.
Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund investment manager Alex Farrugia said Go Locum is tackling the acute challenge of demand outstripping supply in remote healthcare.
“Their digital solution addresses the critical need for flexible staffing while empowering medical professionals—a win-win that could reshape the industry globally,” he said.
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