After 33 years of working as a GP in Brunei Darussalam, Dr Hashmet made the life-changing decision to relocate to Traralgon, Victoria, a peaceful regional town she had often visited and grown to love. Motivated by the desire to be closer to her children, who had already migrated to Australia, her journey reflects not just a career transition, but a deeply personal one.
Dr Hashmet completed her medical training at Thanjavur Medical College under Madras University in South India, inspired by her father, a surgeon who encouraged the balanced and fulfilling life of a general practitioner. With decades of experience behind her, she turned to Australia for the next chapter, one filled with family, fresh challenges, and professional growth.
Dr Hashmet was introduced to DXC Medical on the recommendation of Dr Rizwan Qureshi, whose insights she frequently followed on YouTube. “DXC medical were incredibly helpful throughout, especially Nethmi. She and the team were always readily available and supportive,” she shares, acknowledging the crucial role DXC Medical played in guiding her through the relocation and registration process. Nethmi worked closely with Dr Hashmet to submit her RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway Part B application. Following this, Dr Hashmet sat her English test in November 2024, and her AHPRA registration was lodged and granted in February 2025. Her 482 visa was approved on 15 April 2025, and she officially commenced work at the practice on 3 June 2025. As you can see, the process progressed smoothly with the right guidance and support.
Today, Dr Hashmet is working at the Breed Street Clinic in Traralgon under the PEP pathway with Level 3 remote supervision. She’s found the Australian healthcare system to be more technologically advanced than what she was used to in Brunei, particularly in its electronic medical systems. The warm welcome from patients has made the transition smoother than expected. “I’m pleasantly surprised at how friendly and kind the patients are, knowing I’m a newcomer and still learning the ropes.”
With a strong interest in women’s health, mental health, elderly care, and safe prescribing, Dr Hashmet is eager to expand her skill set and embrace continuous learning. Professionally, she values the advanced healthcare infrastructure and sees Australia as a country filled with both professional opportunity and personal adventure.
On the personal front, her children are delighted to have her close by, with weekends now filled with cherished family time. She’s already discovering the joys of regional living, including scenic trips to Mount Buller and the iconic Great Ocean Road.
Of course, there have been adjustments. Coming from a tropical climate, Dr Hashmet is still getting used to driving long distances, often in cold or wet weather, a significant change from what she was accustomed to.
To other international GPs considering the move, Dr Hashmet offers this advice; “Choose a region that suits your lifestyle, prepare financially for the transition, and don’t hesitate to seek help from family and friends.”
Looking back, she has no regrets. “I would surely recommend this move. Australia has very advanced healthcare systems and offers the chance to travel and explore this vast, beautiful country.”
If you’re an international GP considering a similar path, DXC Medical is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring locations to navigating the registration process. Reach out to our team today and start your own GP journey with confidence.
Contact:
Nethmi Fernando
Senior Consultant
+61 452 240 355
nethmi.fernando@dxcmedical.com.au
For Dr Bihan, moving from his fast-paced life in Colombo, Sri Lanka to the close-knit community of Hamilton, Victoria (MMM4), was more than just a relocation, it was the start of a new chapter marked by balance, belonging, and a deeper connection to patients and community.
After more than a decade as a GP partner in North Wales, Dr Peter Dawson was ready for a change. Tired of the pressures within the NHS and keen to rediscover the spark in his medical career, he began exploring options abroad, and what started as a casual scroll through job listings quickly became a life-changing decision. Dr Dawson began his medical career with a split degree between the University of St Andrews and the University of Manchester, graduating in 2000. He first came to Australia in 2002, working at Ryde Hospital in Sydney as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO), before returning to the UK in 2003 to pursue his GP training.
