Today, the AMA's WA branch will launch a national campaign to tackle that state's critical doctor shortage.

The AMA will offer a $3000 reward to anyone who nominates a suitably trained overseas GP willing to start work in the West.

"We want to find an extra 500 doctors willing to join our medical workforce - and we'll generously reward any Australian who helps us achieve that goal," the association's president Professor Gary Geelhoed said.

"There are many communities in WA and throughout Australia in need of a doctor. We will import GPs to help meet that need"

Launceston is short of 15 general practitioners. Last week the Five- Ways Medical Centre closed, leaving nearly 2000 people looking for a doctor in a region where most general practices are not accepting new patients.

The AMA's acting Tasmanian branch president Michael Aizen said the state association could not afford the initiative, but it was worthy of thought.

Dr Aizen suggested that the State Government might find $45,000 to offer a spotter incentive.

"Launceston is short 15 GPs and the spotter fee might work to solve the immediate problem, " Dr Aizen said.

The cost effectiveness of the scheme would need to be proven, he said.

A State Government spokesman said the Government had already allocated $300,000 over three years for GP recruitment and retention through GP Workforce.

The chief executive of General Practice North Phil Edmondson said the idea had merit.

"Anything that actually encourages doctors to work in Australia is worthwhile," Mr Edmondson said.

"However, we need to find long term solutions rather than poaching overseas doctors."

In WA Professor Geelhoed said spotters only had to contact the doctor and email his or her details to the state AMA.

"The association would do the rest. If the doctor meets all the requirements, agrees to practise in Australia for at least 12 months and commences work by June 2011 - we will pay the nominee $3000," Professor Geelhoed said.

"It may even be an Australian GP working abroad long term who is interested in returning home."

Dr Aizen said the AMA in Tasmania didn't actively recruit doctors as part of its business.

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