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.
By 2006, he had become a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, eventually settling into a long-term role as a GP partner in North Wales. During his 12 years at the practice, he developed special interests in substance misuse and personalised medicine.
“It was a great practice with a brilliant team, but after more than a decade, I started to feel burnt out. I think it’s not uncommon these days to feel disillusioned with the NHS, and I knew I needed something new.”
The turning point came when Dr Dawson reached out to a GP friend from medical school in Scotland, someone he had worked with over 10 years ago. That friend, now living and working in Wollongong, referred him to DXC Medical Recruitment.
She said, “If you’re serious about Australia, speak to Darren at DXC Medical, he’ll help you navigate everything.’ And she was absolutely right.”
Through DXC Medical, Dr Dawson began interviewing with practices via FaceTime and narrowing down locations based on advice from contacts already living in Australia.
After weighing up several options, Crown Medical Figtree stood out, thanks to the area's lifestyle, community feel, and proximity to the coast.
“I was lucky to get great insights from friends who had already made the move, one now works as an ED Consultant in Shoalhaven, and another as a GP in Woonona. They helped steer me in the right direction.”
In early 2025, Dr Dawson made the leap, relocating to Australia with his partner and their Cockapoo. The entire transition was supported by DXC Medical, and he arrived on a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, progressing through the RACGP Specialist Pathway (Substantially Comparable).
“Jessica was fantastic. Every step of the way she kept us on track with what needed to be done, it really felt like hand-holding in the best way possible.”
When asked about the greatest challenge during the relocation, Dr Dawson said it was securing a long-term rental. “Until we arrived and could attend inspections in person, it was near impossible to get traction. Agents were understandably hesitant to deal with people still 10,000 miles away.”
Once in Australia, things began to fall into place, they secured a rental, started settling in, and were finally reunited with their dog, a process Dr Dawson noted took seven months. “If you’re bringing a pet, start that process early. We used Pets Abroad UK, and they were fantastic at guiding us through each step, including vet visits, quarantine, and flights.”
Reflecting on the differences between the UK and Australian healthcare systems, Dr Dawson observed that one of the most striking contrasts is the freedom patients have in choosing their GP. In the UK, patients are geographically bound to a local practice, whereas in Australia they can book with any GP, even if it means travelling a considerable distance. This flexibility, he noted, grants patients greater autonomy over their healthcare choices.
Although still in the early stages of settling in, Dr Dawson is already thinking long-term. Crown Medical Figtree recently expanded its services to include a dedicated Skin Clinic, and he’s keen to pursue additional training in dermatology.
“I’ve always been interested in dermatology, so when I saw the clinic, I thought, that’s something I’d love to get involved in.”
The beauty of the region has also exceeded expectations.
“Wollongong is even more beautiful than I imagined. It's close to Sydney, with so many amazing places to explore. We've driven along the coast, crossed the Harbour Bridge, and even celebrated my partner’s birthday with a treetop adventure. We feel incredibly lucky to be here.”
Dr Dawson’s words of advice for other GPs considering the move:
“It’s still early days, but I have absolutely no regrets. If you’re even slightly considering the move, explore it. Talk to someone. Get advice. And make sure you have the right support along the way.”
Are you a GP thinking about relocating to Australia?
Let DXC Medical Recruitment guide you every step of the way, from visa advice and job matching to housing tips and pet relocation.
Your new life in Australia could be just a conversation away.
Contact:
Darren Compton
+61 405 234 852
darren.compton@dxcmedical.com.au
For one South African-trained doctor, the decision to relocate to Australia was not taken lightly, but it has turned into a rewarding journey filled with new professional experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections.
Dr Nadeem Khawaja’s story is one of legacy and a deep-rooted passion for General Practice. From his early training at two of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions, King Edward Medical College and Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), to his current journey of becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), his career has been shaped by both personal inspiration and professional ambition.
