For Dr Sarah Redmond, the journey to general practice in Australia has been one of new beginnings, both personally and professionally. Originally from Dublin, Sarah didn’t set out to become a doctor. Her first degree was in medicinal chemistry, but it quickly became clear that life in a lab wasn’t the right fit.
“I thought I’d be working in medicines, but it was predominantly lab-based and I’m far too social for that,” Sarah laughed. “I decided to apply for postgraduate medicine just to see if I could get in, and I did. It turned out to be exactly the right path.”
Sarah went on to study medicine at the University of Limerick between 2014 and 2018 before moving into GP training. Much of her training took place during the pandemic, adding pressure and complexity to an already demanding program. By 2022 she had completed her GP training in Ireland, but she and her fiancé had already started thinking about the next chapter.
For many Irish trained doctors, Australia has long been a destination of choice, both for its lifestyle and for the recognition of overseas GP training. For Sarah, the decision was a mix of professional opportunity and personal adventure.
“My partner and I had been talking about it for some time, and when I finished GP training, the timing finally felt right,” she explained. “Australia stood out because the GP pathway is so well established. It’s much simpler to have your training recognised without needing to sit more exams or repeat years of training. That was a huge factor for me.”
While Ireland has its own strengths, Sarah was looking for a different pace of life and a healthcare system that would allow her to focus more on her patients and less on the barriers to access.
“In Ireland, the system is quite different, you either qualify for a medical card and everything is free, or you pay quite a hefty fee per consultation, often over €60–70, which is more than $100 AUD. Here, bulk billing and smaller gap fees make healthcare far more accessible. It feels like I can really provide care that people can use, rather than worrying about affordability at every appointment.”
With the decision made to move, the next question was where. Australia is a big country, and Sarah and her fiancé wanted a location that would balance professional opportunities with lifestyle. That’s where DXC Medical stepped in.
“In my first call with Darren, he encouraged us to think about what we wanted outside of work, not just the job itself,” Sarah recalled. “That really helped us narrow down what would suit our lifestyle, not just our careers.”
Tasmania and South Australia both came up as options, but in the end, South Australia stood out. “It ticked all the boxes,” she said. “You can live by the beach, be only 30 minutes from the city, and have wineries and outdoor activities right on your doorstep. It offered that balance we were looking for.”
Making the move from Ireland to Australia is never without challenges, and Sarah admits there were a few bumps in the road. A delay caused by AHPRA’s system migration temporarily slowed down her registration, but with DXC’s guidance, she was able to navigate the process with confidence.
“I’d spoken with other recruiters who didn’t specialise in GPs, and I was told all sorts of conflicting things about my qualifications,” Sarah said. “Then I found DXC. Brad and Jessica immediately outlined the correct pathway and gave me step-by-step instructions. Everything just fell into place after that. Honestly, I don’t know how I’d have managed without them.”
Sarah is now based at Christies Beach, just south of Adelaide. The coastal community has welcomed her warmly, and she’s quickly adjusting to both the clinical and cultural differences.
“Everyone has been so supportive, from my colleagues to my patients,” she shared. “My practice has other overseas-trained doctors who’ve been through the same experience, so they understand the transition. Even patients are patient with me when I stumble over medical brand names, they’re completely different here compared to Ireland!”
One of the biggest professional differences she’s noticed is the way GPs work as independent contractors in Australia. The model allows for more flexibility, autonomy, and control over her working week.
“You have so much more control here,” she explained. “You decide your hours, your week, and your work-life balance. If something doesn’t suit, you can change it. The lifestyle is just different; there’s a genuine focus on balance.”
Outside of the clinic, Sarah has been making the most of her new surroundings. Long coastal walks, discovering local cafés, and exploring the Adelaide region have already made South Australia feel like home. And there’s plenty more to look forward to.
“I’ve loved walking along the coastline and settling into a slower pace,” she said. “Once my fiancé arrives, I can’t wait to explore the wineries and everything else South Australia has to offer.”
For Sarah, the move has already proven to be the right choice, both professionally and personally. She’s found a supportive workplace, an accessible healthcare system, and a lifestyle that offers balance and beauty in equal measure.
Her advice to other GPs considering the move is simple: “Do it, you won’t regret it. Professionally, you’re valued and supported, and personally, the lifestyle is unbeatable. It’s a big move, but with DXC guiding the process, it’s absolutely worth it.”
Thank you to Dr Sarah Redmond for sharing her GP Journey. We look forward to seeing her career and life in South Australia continue to thrive.
If you're an international GP considering a move to Australia, we’re here to help. Learn more about our support services and current opportunities here.
Contact:
Brad Bilinsky
Senior Recruitment Consultant
+61 428 392 777
brad.bilinsky@dxcmedical.com.au
At DXC Medical, we love sharing the inspiring journeys of the GPs we’ve had the privilege of supporting. Recently, we sat down with Dr Imran, a GP who relocated from Dubai to Busselton, Western Australia. His story is one of careful planning and the desire to make a difference, all while navigating a new country, system, and culture.
From the heart of Khartoum to the peaceful coastline of Bunbury, my path through medicine has been one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovery. As a general practitioner with a career spanning three countries, multiple systems, and countless stories of care, I’ve come to learn that healing is not only about clinical expertise, it’s about building trust, community, and connection wherever you go.
