Dr Shankar Raut's Journey into Australian General Practice.
After completing his MBBS and a three-year Master of General Practice (MD General Practice) in Nepal, Dr Shankar Raut spent almost a decade practising medicine before making the move to Australia in October 2021.
Today, Dr Raut is working as a General Practitioner at Murray Bridge Day & Night Surgery in regional South Australia, where he enjoys providing holistic, patient-centred care while embracing the benefits of regional living.
A Passion for General Practice
Dr Raut's interest in General Practice began long before arriving in Australia.
"During my GP training in Nepal, one of our key textbooks was John Murtagh's General Practice. Learning about the Australian healthcare system and the central role GPs play in providing comprehensive, community-based care really inspired me," he explains.
What continues to attract him to General Practice is the opportunity to care for the whole person.
"General Practice allows you to look after patients holistically. You're not only managing physical health conditions, but also considering mental health, social circumstances, and preventative care. I enjoy building long-term relationships with patients and supporting them through different stages of life."
Making the Move to Australia
Following his arrival in Australia, Dr Raut commenced work as a Medical Officer within the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), gaining valuable experience across several hospital specialties including Emergency Medicine, General Medicine, Orthopaedics, and Psychiatry.
He completed a year of General Training and obtained General Registration, providing a strong foundation for his transition into community-based practice.
"Working across different hospital departments helped me develop confidence managing patients of all ages and a broad range of medical conditions. Those experiences have been invaluable in my journey into General Practice."
Why Murray Bridge?
As an International Medical Graduate subject to Section 19AB requirements, Dr Raut explored regional opportunities that would allow him to progress his GP career while remaining close to Adelaide.
"Murray Bridge stood out because it's an MMM3 regional location that is still easily accessible from Adelaide and offers all the amenities you need. It provided the ideal balance between meeting my registration requirements and maintaining access to the city."
While moving from Adelaide to Murray Bridge was a significant change, the practical side of relocating was surprisingly straightforward.
"For me, moving involved hiring a removalist and half a day of work, so it wasn't difficult at all."
Finding the Right Opportunity
Dr Raut first heard about DXC Medical through colleagues who had successfully secured GP positions through the team.
"DXC is highly regarded among doctors looking for GP opportunities, and several colleagues had positive experiences working with them."
When it came time to secure his own GP role, he says the support he received throughout the process made all the difference.
"I applied for the PFP program and DXC helped me through the application process and document submissions. The support was fantastic."
"A special shout-out to Brad and the team. From our initial discussion about what I was looking for, through to presenting opportunities, arranging meetings with the clinic, and managing the recruitment process, everything was handled swiftly and professionally."
Life as a GP in Regional South Australia
Today, Dr Raut provides comprehensive primary healthcare services to patients at Murray Bridge Day & Night Surgery.
"My role is to provide healthcare to all patients seeking my services as a primary care physician. Australia has a well-established universal healthcare system that ensures patients can access quality healthcare, and GPs play a vital role within that system."
He particularly enjoys the diversity that General Practice offers.
"Every day is different. You manage patients across all age groups and deal with a wide variety of health concerns. It's professionally rewarding, financially rewarding, and provides an excellent work-life balance."
Adjusting to Regional Living
Moving from Adelaide to a regional town required some adjustment, but it didn't take long for Dr Raut and his family to appreciate the lifestyle benefits.
"Initially, it felt like life had slowed down. Coming from a larger city, the quieter pace took some getting used to."
"However, over time you begin to appreciate the serenity, the lack of traffic, and the relaxed atmosphere."
Outside of work, Dr Raut enjoys travelling, exploring new places, playing cricket, and listening to music.
"We enjoy taking weekend drives and visiting destinations throughout the Adelaide Hills and surrounding regions. There is plenty to see and do, and it's easy to enjoy the outdoors."
Looking Ahead
As he continues his Australian GP journey, Dr Raut is focused on further expanding his clinical skills.
"My goal is to develop additional expertise in skin conditions, particularly skin cancer medicine, which is highly relevant in regional Australia. Through ongoing training, supervision, and professional development, I hope to continue growing as a GP."
Advice for International Doctors
Having successfully transitioned from Nepal to Australia, Dr Raut encourages other international doctors considering a move to General Practice to explore the opportunities available.
"For international GPs, Australia is one of the best countries to practise medicine. Like any journey, there are challenges and adjustments along the way, but the long-term rewards are significant."
"You have the opportunity to continually develop your knowledge and skills, achieve financial stability, enjoy an excellent work-life balance, and make a meaningful contribution to your community. It's a highly rewarding career path."
If you’re keen on exploring your options, our team can help guide you through every step of your journey.
Get in touch for a confidential chat or explore current GP opportunities across Australia.
Brad Bilinsky
Senior Consultant
+61 428 392 777
brad.bilinsky@dxcmedical.com.au
For many international doctors, the path into Australian General Practice is rarely straightforward. It often involves balancing hospital work, exams, family commitments, relocation decisions, and long-term career planning, all while adapting to a new healthcare system.
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