From a career spanning Sri Lanka and Oman to a new chapter in regional Victoria, Dr Samya shares her journey of relocating to Australia with her husband and three daughters, navigating the registration process, and finding a welcoming community to call home.
For internationally qualified General Practitioners, moving to Australia is often about much more than career progression. It's an opportunity to experience a different healthcare system, embrace a new lifestyle, and create a future for their families.
For Dr Samya, this journey has taken her from Sri Lanka, where she completed her medical training, to Oman, where she continued building her clinical experience, and now to Traralgon in Victoria's Gippsland region.
With the support of DXC Medical Recruitment, Dr Samya secured a GP position at Breed Street Clinic, marking an exciting new chapter for both her career and her family.
We recently caught up with Dr Samya to learn more about her medical background, what inspired her move to Australia, and how she and her family are settling into life in regional Victoria.
Dr Samya graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka.
Over the past decade, she has developed a diverse clinical background across acute care, surgery, public health and general practice, gaining valuable experience in both Sri Lanka and Oman.
Initially pursuing a career in emergency medicine, Dr Samya successfully completed the MRCEM Part 1 (Primary) and Part 2 (SBA) examinations through the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
However, as her career progressed, she discovered that general practice aligned more closely with her professional interests and long-term goals.
She went on to complete her MRCGP [INT] qualification and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases from the University of Colombo.
For Dr Samya, the appeal of general practice lies in the opportunity to develop meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and their families.
"General practice offers something unique that few other specialties can match: the privilege of continuous, holistic care. I love being the first point of contact for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, and forming long-term therapeutic relationships that truly improve family and community health."
For Dr Samya and her husband, who is also a GP, the decision to relocate to Australia was motivated by both professional aspirations and the desire to create a wonderful future for their three daughters.
Australia offered the combination they were looking for: a well-established primary healthcare system, opportunities to practise comprehensive, evidence-based medicine, quality education and a balanced family lifestyle.
"As a family, we wanted a stable, vibrant future with excellent educational opportunities for our children and a balanced lifestyle."
While the professional opportunities were important, finding the right community was equally significant.
Rather than focusing solely on major metropolitan centres, Dr Samya and her family were drawn to the lifestyle and opportunities available in regional Victoria.
Located in the heart of Gippsland, approximately two hours east of Melbourne, Traralgon offers a combination of regional living, established amenities and access to beautiful natural surroundings.
With schools, parks, sporting facilities, cafes and a welcoming community, it's an appealing destination for families looking to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle while remaining connected to Melbourne.
For Dr Samya, finding a supportive general practice and a community where her family could settle comfortably was a priority.
Through DXC Medical Recruitment, she was introduced to an opportunity at Breed Street Clinic in Traralgon.
"We were looking for a welcoming community that offers a wonderful family environment, great schools for our three daughters, and a supportive professional setting where we could integrate smoothly as international medical graduates."
Securing the position was a particularly meaningful milestone.
"Securing my position at Breed Street Clinic in Traralgon has been an absolute dream come true."
Relocating internationally as a medical professional involves several important steps, from qualifications and examinations through to medical registration, visa arrangements and finding the right practice.
For Dr Samya, the process included completing the AMC CAT MCQ examination, obtaining her MRCGP [INT] qualification and navigating the relevant registration and medical board requirements.
At the same time, she and her husband were preparing to relocate their family of five to an entirely new country.
It was a significant undertaking that required patience, planning and determination.
Dr Samya first heard about DXC Medical Recruitment through a friend and connected with the team for guidance and support.
Throughout the process, she worked closely with Nethmi and Katie, who assisted her as she navigated the various stages of securing her position and preparing for the move.
"Relocating internationally with a family of five is a massive undertaking, but the DXC team proved to be an extraordinary team who supported me throughout this hard period."
She credits the ongoing communication, guidance and reassurance she received with making a challenging process feel more manageable.
"A very special thank you goes to Nethmi and Katie from DXC for their constant care and professionalism."
Dr Samya also expressed her gratitude to Breed Street Clinic Practice Manager Alok Anand, who supported her throughout the process and patiently awaited her arrival, along with Ruby and the wider team who helped make the transition possible.
On 27 October 2026, Dr Samya, her husband and their three daughters arrived safely in Australia, ready to begin their next chapter together.
After months of preparation, it was a moment that made the hard work worthwhile.
Dr Samya has now joined Breed Street Clinic in Traralgon, where she is embracing the opportunity to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care to the local community.
Her role involves caring for patients with a broad range of healthcare needs, including acute presentations, chronic disease management and preventive healthcare.
Having previously worked in busy hospital and clinic environments in Sri Lanka and Oman, she has found several aspects of the Australian general practice system particularly rewarding.
She appreciates the emphasis on continuity of care, proactive chronic disease management, multidisciplinary collaboration and the use of digital health systems.
"The Australian healthcare system is exceptionally well-structured, with a heavy emphasis on proactive chronic disease management, team-based care, and robust digital health tools."
One of the most positive aspects of her experience so far has been the welcoming environment within the practice.
"The most rewarding aspect is the depth of the doctor-patient relationship and the multidisciplinary support available."
For Dr Samya, these are the very qualities that inspired her to pursue general practice in the first place.
While the family is still in the early stages of settling into their new surroundings, their experience in Traralgon has already been a positive one.
Moving to a new country with three children comes with plenty of adjustments, from establishing new routines and exploring schools to becoming familiar with the local community.
However, Dr Samya says the welcoming atmosphere and family-focused lifestyle have made the transition an exciting experience.
"The pace of life here is wonderfully balanced, and the emphasis on community well-being, outdoor spaces, and family time is incredible."
The family has begun exploring local parks and community spaces and is looking forward to discovering more of what Gippsland has to offer.
For Dr Samya, the move represents more than a new position. It is an opportunity for her daughters to grow up in a new environment and for the family to build a life together in Australia.
Having recently completed her own international relocation, Dr Samya understands how demanding the journey can be.
Her advice to other internationally qualified doctors considering Australia is to remain committed to their goals, prepare for the requirements ahead and seek support from people who understand the process.
"My biggest piece of advice is to stay resilient and dedicated, as the qualification and registration steps require hard work."
She also emphasises the importance of having the right people supporting you along the way.
"Having wonderful people like Nethmi, Katie, and the entire DXC team, alongside supportive leaders like my Practice Manager Alok Anand, makes all the difference."
Looking back, Dr Samya describes securing her position and establishing a new life in Traralgon as a dream come true.
Her journey is a wonderful reminder that while the path to practising medicine in Australia can involve challenges, the outcome can be incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.
From Sri Lanka to Oman and now regional Victoria, Dr Samya's journey reflects years of dedication, professional development and determination to create the right future for her family.
We're delighted to have played a part in helping her secure her position at Breed Street Clinic and make the move to Australia.
Dr Samya, we wish you, your husband and your three daughters all the very best as you settle into life in Traralgon and begin this exciting new chapter.
Whether you're an internationally qualified GP exploring your options or already progressing through your registration pathway, DXC Medical Recruitment can help you understand the opportunities available.
Our team works with general practices across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia and can provide guidance on suitable positions, recruitment processes and relocation considerations.
Get in touch with the DXC Medical Recruitment team to discuss your next step towards living and working as a GP in Australia.
Nethmi Fernando
Senior Consultant
+61 452 240 355
nethmi.fernando@dxcmedical.com.au
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