Dr Kelly Pretty Champane’s journey from international training to building a new chapter in Australia
Relocating across continents is never just about changing jobs, it’s about family, lifestyle, purpose, and finding the right place to grow both professionally and personally.
For Dr Kelly Pretty Champane, the journey to Perth, Western Australia represents a full-circle moment. After completing medical training and GP education in Australia, returning home to Botswana during the pandemic, and building a thriving medical practice from the ground up, she has now returned to Australia with her young family, ready to embrace a new chapter in general practice and family life.
Her story highlights the evolving nature of modern GP careers, where international experience, entrepreneurship, and personal priorities come together to shape meaningful pathways.
Medical training and early career in Australia
Dr Champane’s medical journey began in Botswana, where she grew up with a strong academic focus and an early desire to pursue medicine.
“I always wanted to help people,” she explains. “Growing up, Botswana was heavily affected by HIV/AIDS, and I witnessed firsthand the impact it had on families and communities. That experience stayed with me, I wanted to become a doctor and make a difference.”
At age 19, she received a government scholarship to study medicine at Monash University in Melbourne. She completed five years of medical training, followed by hospital internship and additional clinical experience before undertaking GP training across Victoria, including time in Bendigo and Melbourne.
General practice quickly became the right fit.
“I love people and building relationships. General Practice allows you to support patients not just medically, but emotionally and mentally too. It offers flexibility and balance, something that’s very important to me, especially with family.”
After completing her training in 2019, Dr Champane worked in Australia until late 2020, before making a significant life decision during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Returning home and building a practice from scratch
With international travel restrictions, family considerations, and plans to settle down with her partner (now husband), Dr Champane returned to Botswana at the end of 2020.
What followed was a remarkable period of professional growth.
Initially working in academia as a lecturer at the University of Botswana, building on previous academic GP research experience with the University of Melbourne, she soon moved into entrepreneurship.
Within months, she established her own medical practice.
Over nearly five years, the clinic grew into a comprehensive service offering:
- A team of five full-time doctors, including GPs and dermatologists
- In-house pathology services
- Pharmacy integration
- Skin and aesthetic medicine services alongside traditional general practice
“It was an incredibly busy period,” she reflects. “I had two young children during that time as well, those years just flew by.”
By October 2025, after successfully building and growing the practice, Dr Champane made the decision to sell and prepare for another international move.
Why return to Australia, and why Perth?
Having previously lived and worked in Victoria and completed locum roles across Australia, Dr Champane already understood the opportunities and lifestyle Australian general practice could offer.
This time, however, the decision centred around family and long-term lifestyle.
“We wanted somewhere family-friendly, a city that still offered professional opportunities but with a more relaxed pace,” she says.
Perth quickly emerged as the ideal destination.
Key factors included:
- Proximity to family-friendly amenities
- Strong employment opportunities for her husband, an engineer in the mining industry
- A more balanced lifestyle compared with larger east coast cities
After researching extensively, she connected with DXC Medical recruiter Adelene, who supported the relocation process.
“Adelene went above and beyond, helping with interviews, relocation planning, schools, accommodation, everything. Being able to ask questions at any time made such a difference when relocating with a whole family.”
Following interviews with several clinics, Dr Champane accepted a role with ForHealth Group in a location that aligned with both professional goals and lifestyle priorities.
Settling into life in Perth
Arriving in December 2025, Dr Champane and her family have embraced the lifestyle benefits of Western Australia.
One of the biggest adjustments, and highlights, has been convenience.
“Everything is so close. School, work, shopping, activities, it’s all within minutes. Compared to Melbourne, where you could spend an hour driving across the city, the quality of life here is incredible.”
Why general practice remains the perfect career choice
For Dr Champane, general practice offers more than clinical variety, it provides a career aligned with her values.
“It suits my personality. I enjoy helping people in a holistic way, and General Practice gives you the flexibility to create balance. You can build a fulfilling career while still having time for family and life outside medicine.”
Her international experience, across Australia and Botswana, has reinforced her belief in general practice as a deeply rewarding profession.
Advice for international GPs considering Australia
Having experienced healthcare systems across multiple countries, Dr Champane strongly encourages international GPs to consider Australia.
“Australia offers genuine work-life balance. You can shape your career around your lifestyle, whether that’s family, hobbies, or personal goals.”
She also highlights:
- Professional flexibility
- Strong earning potential relative to lifestyle
- Safe and family-friendly communities
- High-quality education and opportunities for children
“It’s an amazing country to raise a family and build a career. I can’t speak highly enough about it.”
A journey shaped by growth, purpose, and new beginnings
Dr Champane’s journey reflects the evolving pathways available to modern GPs, combining international mobility, entrepreneurship, academic involvement, and family priorities.
From Botswana to Melbourne, back home again, and now settling into life in Perth, her story demonstrates how general practice can adapt to every stage of life.
If you’re an international Specialist GP considering a move to Australia, or simply exploring what your options could look like, our team is here to help. From understanding pathways and registration requirements to finding the right role and location, we support doctors at every stage of their journey.
Get in touch with our team for a confidential conversation or search our current GP job opportunities across Australia to see what roles are available right now.
Adelene Chew
+61 430 037 389
adelene.chew@dxcmedical.com.au
