For Dr Deepani, becoming a doctor was a childhood dream.
Growing up in Sri Lanka, visits to her local GP left a lasting impression and helped shape the career she would eventually pursue. Years later, that early inspiration led to a career in medicine spanning Sri Lanka and Canada, and now to a new chapter working as a GP in Albury, New South Wales.
After hearing positive experiences from friends who had already made the move to Australia, and with a large part of her extended family already here, Deepani decided it was time to explore a new pathway for her own medical career.
Today, she is settling into Australian general practice, learning a new healthcare system and embracing everything that comes with starting again in a new country.
A career that began in Sri Lanka
Deepani completed her MBBS in Sri Lanka in 1997 and went on to build her medical career across different countries and healthcare settings.
She also completed her MRCGP through the South Asia examination pathway and spent time living in Canada, while continuing to return to Sri Lanka periodically to practise medicine.
Throughout her career, general practice has remained closely connected to the reason she first wanted to become a doctor.
“From my childhood, it was a dream for me,” Deepani says.
She remembers visiting her local GP with her mother as a child and being inspired by the experience, an early influence that ultimately helped shape her own career in medicine.
Choosing Australia for her next chapter
Deepani’s decision to relocate to Australia was influenced by both professional and personal reasons.
Several friends had already made the move and were enjoying their experience working as GPs in Australia. Speaking with them gave her the confidence to explore the pathway herself.
There was also a strong family connection.
Deepani has a brother and sister living in Australia, along with their families and other close relatives. Having so many loved ones already here made Australia an appealing place to begin the next stage of her life and career.
One of the doctors who helped guide her was Dr Sampath, who had previously worked with DXC Medical Recruitment and introduced Deepani to Nethmi.
“He gave me a lot of information and helped me a lot,” she says.
That personal recommendation gave Deepani somewhere to start as she began navigating the process of relocating and working in Australia.
Settling into general practice in Albury
Deepani is now working in Albury, a regional city on the NSW–Victoria border, while progressing through the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream.
Like many international GPs arriving in Australia, one of her biggest adjustments has been becoming familiar with a different healthcare system.
She admits the early stages have been challenging, particularly while learning new processes, guidelines and ways of working. But with each day, she is becoming more comfortable.
Her practice team and supervisor have played an important role in helping her settle in, and she has also been able to reach out to colleagues working elsewhere in Australia when she needs advice.
“Initially it’s difficult, but with time, slowly, I’m getting adapted,” she says.
For Deepani, accepting that the transition takes time has been an important part of the experience.
Starting the journey on her own
For now, Deepani has made the move to Australia on her own, while her husband and two children remain in Canada.
The plan is to give herself time to settle into her new role and become comfortable with life and work in Australia before the next stage of their family’s journey.
Outside of work, she is also adapting to a new community and culture.
While there have naturally been differences to navigate, Deepani says she has found Australians friendly and willing to help.
“Most of the time I learn something new,” she says. “The people are very friendly. If I want to know something, they are very helpful.”
Deepani’s advice for other international GPs
Having recently experienced the transition herself, Deepani has some practical advice for other international GPs considering Australia.
Her first message is to expect challenges, particularly at the beginning.
“Be prepared to face the challenges and have the perseverance and flexibility to learn,” she says.
But her biggest piece of advice is something international GPs can start doing well before they board the plane: familiarise themselves with Australian clinical guidelines and learning resources.
Deepani recommends spending time reviewing RACGP resources and Australian clinical material before commencing work.
Once in Australia, the first few weeks can move quickly, with orientation followed by the realities of starting in a new practice. Having some familiarity with Australian guidelines beforehand can make that transition considerably easier.
“Before you come here, go through Australian guidelines and study materials,” she says. “That will help a lot.”
Support throughout the move
Looking back on her journey so far, Deepani says having guidance throughout the relocation and registration process made an unfamiliar pathway easier to navigate.
She particularly credits Nethmi for the support she provided throughout the process, describing her as helpful, efficient and caring.
For a doctor beginning the process from overseas, there can be a lot to understand, from knowing which steps come next to preparing for the move itself.
Deepani says having the DXC team guide her through that process step by step helped create a smoother transition.
“I’m very grateful to DXC,” she says. “They guided me very well, methodically and step by step.”
Now settling into her new role in Albury, Deepani is continuing to learn, adapt and build confidence in the Australian healthcare system.
Her journey is still in its early stages, but for a doctor who dreamed of medicine from childhood, it marks the beginning of another important chapter, one shaped by family, opportunity and a willingness to embrace something new.
Considering your own move to Australia?
Whether you're exploring opportunities or ready to start the process, the DXC Medical team is here to help guide you.
Get in touch for a confidential chat or explore current GP opportunities across Australia.
Nethmi Fernando
Senior Consultant
+61 452 240 355
nethmi.fernando@dxcmedical.com.au
