Jonathan McKenzie, Director, Jon & Jon Recruitment

Learn more About Jonathan

Meet Jon McKenzie: Your Partner in Locum Success

About Jon

Jon McKenzie is the founder and director of Jon & Jon Medical Recruitment, a company built on the foundation of finding the right people for the right roles. With over 22 years of recruitment experience, 14 of which are dedicated to the medical field in Australia, Jon's expertise and insights are invaluable to both doctors and healthcare organisations.

Jon's Insightful Approach

Jon's insightful nature sets him apart as a leader and mentor. His deep understanding of the healthcare industry, coupled with his ability to connect with people on a personal level, enables him to provide tailored guidance and support to both doctors and his team at Jon & Jon.

Jon's Background

Before founding Jon & Jon, Jon worked as a GP recruiter, specialising in general practitioners and rural generalists. This experience honed his skills in identifying top talent and understanding the unique challenges and rewards of medical practice in diverse settings.

Most Memorable Locum Placements

Jon has facilitated countless successful locum placements throughout his career, but a few stand out as particularly memorable.

A Life-Changing Locum: From Melbourne to Remote Outback

I vividly recall a referral from one of our dedicated locums. A GP practicing in the comforts of Melbourne's private sector yearned for a drastic change. She expressed a desire to serve in the most remote community possible, a place far removed from her usual surroundings, even if just for a two-week locum.

Rising to the challenge, we secured her a position in a small Aboriginal community, a dot on the map hundreds of kilometres west of Alice Springs. We meticulously prepared her for the unique cultural context, organising calls with the clinic, connecting her with the Senior Medical Officer, and arranging online cultural awareness training.

When she checked in a few days into her placement, her description of life there initially surprised me. The house had a cage-like walkway for security, and she'd been given a stick to ward off stray dogs. The prevalence of chronic health issues among her patients was also a concern. I couldn't help but worry if we'd thrown her into the deep end.

But then, her response surprised me. She expressed immense satisfaction, proclaiming it her "dream job." She felt a profound sense of purpose, making a tangible difference in the lives of a community in need.

This experience had a lasting impact. A few years later, she retired from private practice and embraced a full-time locum career, dedicating her time to serving remote communities across Australia.

Her story is a testament to the transformative power of locum work. It's a reminder of the incredible impact doctors can have on underserved communities and the profound personal and professional growth that comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone.

At Jon & Jon, we are deeply passionate about facilitating these transformative experiences. We are privileged to play a role in connecting talented doctors with communities that need them, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the individual placements.

A Case of Mistaken Identity: A humorous story of a GP who accidentally agreed to a locum in Fitzroy Crossing, WA, thinking it was Fitzroy Island in Queensland. Despite the unexpected location, the doctor embraced the experience and returned multiple times, showcasing the power of adaptability and open-mindedness in locum work.

Another unforgettable placement involved a seasoned GP emergency doctor, a long-time colleague. He enthusiastically accepted a locum position in Fitzroy Crossing, WA, after receiving all the relevant details. Contracts were signed, and excitement grew.

However, just two weeks before his scheduled departure, he called with an unexpected question: "How's the diving there?" My initial confusion quickly turned to amusement as we realised his misunderstanding. He'd envisioned himself on Fitzroy Island in Queensland, a tropical haven renowned for its underwater wonders. In reality, his destination was Fitzroy Crossing, a remote town in the rugged Kimberley region, over 400 kilometres inland.

Sheepishly, he admitted he hadn't thoroughly read the information and had simply assumed the island was his destination. Understandably, he needed some time. to reconsider.  The stark contrast between a tropical island and an outback town left me certain he would cancel.

“To my surprise," he decided to honour his commitment. Not only did he embrace the experience in Fitzroy Crossing, but he grew to love the community and the unique challenges of rural medicine. He returned for multiple locums, proving that sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones we least expect.

The Human Side of Jon

Outside of work, Jon's passions include his faith, family, and sport. His faith guides his approach to life and work, emphasising the importance of serving others. His wife and two children are his world, and he cherishes every moment spent with them. While he's hung up his football boots, he enjoys staying active with padel and golf. As a dedicated fan, Jon proudly supports Tottenham Hotspur football club. 

Why Choose Jon & Jon?

Jon's leadership and expertise are just a few of the reasons why locum doctors choose to partner with Jon & Jon. Our team is committed to providing personalised support, connecting you with the best opportunities, and helping you achieve your career goals.