For Dr Dasun Wijerathna, becoming a General Practitioner in Australia was never a decision made overnight. It was the culmination of careful planning, determination and more than a year of preparation, beginning with a chance meeting in Sri Lanka.
Today, Dr Dasun is living in regional Victoria with his wife and three daughters, working as a GP Registrar under the PEP Specialist Pathway in Kyabram, while enjoying the work-life balance his family had always hoped for.
A Career Built on Diverse Clinical Experience
Originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dr Dasun graduated from Smolensk State Medical Academy in Russia in 2011 before returning home to complete his internship at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa.
Over the following years, he gained extensive experience across Sri Lanka's public hospital system, working as an Emergency Department Medical Officer, Surgical Senior House Officer and District Medical Officer.
Although he enjoyed hospital medicine, General Practice always appealed to him.
"I believe a GP can help and heal patients more efficiently because we build ongoing relationships with them. We understand what our patients need, follow their progress over time and become part of their healthcare journey."
A Conversation That Changed Everything
Dr Dasun's Australian journey began in May 2024 when he met DXC Medical Recruitment Consultant Nethmi in person during her visit to Sri Lanka.
At the time, he had completed only his AMC Part 1 examination and was exploring his options for working in Australia.
Rather than rushing the process, Nethmi provided honest advice about the strongest pathway available.
She recommended that Dr Dasun complete the MRCGP International (South Asia) qualification before progressing further, helping strengthen his application for Australia.
Over the following year, they remained in regular contact as Dr Dasun worked towards that goal.
After successfully obtaining his MRCGP qualification, he reconnected with Nethmi to begin the next stage of his journey.
Together they navigated the compatibility assessment process, explored suitable opportunities and ultimately found the right long-term fit in Kyabram, Victoria.
Throughout the process, DXC Medical provided guidance with registration, sponsorship, visa requirements, relocation planning and settlement, supporting Dr Dasun from his first meeting in Sri Lanka through to arriving in Australia.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Dasun said the ongoing support made a significant difference.
"One of my friends, who is a Family Physician, recommended I speak with Nethmi because she was well known among doctors in Sri Lanka. From our very first meeting she was straightforward about my options and what I needed to do."
"Honestly speaking, the support I received from Nethmi and every person at DXC Medical was huge. Even now, if I have any questions or need advice, I still contact Nethmi and she is always there to help."
Choosing Victoria for Family and Lifestyle
While employment opportunities were important, family played an equally significant role in deciding where to settle.
Victoria offered the perfect balance.
Dr Dasun's sister already lived in Melbourne, providing valuable family support, while the region also had an established Sri Lankan community.
After discussing his priorities with Nethmi, Kyabram emerged as the ideal location.
The family chose to live nearby in Shepparton to support their daughters' schooling while enjoying everything regional Victoria has to offer.
"I came from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, but I never really wanted to live in a large city like Sydney or Melbourne. I enjoy the calm and quiet lifestyle here."
Building a Better Future for His Family
Like many international medical graduates, the decision to move was about far more than career progression.
For Dr Dasun and his wife, it was an investment in their family's future.
Work-life balance was a major motivation after hearing positive experiences from colleagues already practising in Australia.
Equally important was providing their three daughters with access to a high-quality education while growing up in an environment that values childhood and family life.
"Australia respects work-life balance, and that was something we wanted for our family. We also wanted our daughters to have access to an excellent education without the pressure of burning out from a very young age."
The transition has been smoother than expected.
Their eldest daughter, who attended an international school in Sri Lanka, settled quickly and made friends with ease.
Although the younger girls initially found Victoria's colder climate challenging, they are now thoroughly enjoying their new surroundings.
Adapting to Australian General Practice
Dr Dasun says many aspects of Australian healthcare feel familiar, making the professional transition relatively straightforward.
The biggest adjustment has been embracing Australia's highly digital healthcare environment.
"The healthcare systems have many similarities, so adapting wasn't too difficult. The biggest surprise was how computer-based everything is. Patient information, referrals and clinical systems are all available electronically, which makes things very convenient."
He has also been encouraged by the warm reception from both colleagues and patients.
"The patients are friendly and very understanding of internationally trained doctors. Everyone has been welcoming and supportive."
Looking Ahead
Now settled into life in regional Victoria, Dr Dasun is excited about building both his medical career and his family's future in Australia.
When asked what advice he would give other international medical graduates considering the move, his answer is simple.
"I would definitely encourage other IMGs to consider Australia. This journey pays off in every aspect of life, work-life balance, recognition for your work and financial stability."
For Nethmi, seeing Dr Dasun successfully establish himself in Australia has been particularly rewarding.
After first meeting him in Sri Lanka, supporting him through qualification, registration, relocation and finally watching him commence work in Kyabram highlights what long-term recruitment partnerships are all about.
Sometimes the journey to Australian General Practice doesn't begin with a job interview. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, a clear plan and someone willing to guide you throughout the whole process.
Nethmi Fernando
Senior Consultant
+61 452 240 355
nethmi.fernando@dxcmedical.com.au
