Dr Thilini Rupasinghe’s Journey to Regional Australia
Relocating across the world to continue a medical career takes courage, careful planning, and the right support along the way. For Dr Thilini Rupasinghe, the journey from Sri Lanka to regional Australia was built step by step, from early exam preparation through to securing the right practice and finally settling into life in Lavington, Albury.
Today, she is happily working as a GP, enjoying both professional fulfilment and the lifestyle she had been searching for.
Medical Background and Path to General Practice
Dr Rupasinghe completed her medical training in Sri Lanka, gaining a strong foundation in comprehensive, patient-centred care within the National Health Master Plan framework.
Following her primary medical degree and foundation training, she pursued vocational training in general practice, eventually becoming a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Her early clinical experience spanned acute hospital rotations through to long-term chronic disease management in busy community settings.
This broad clinical exposure helped shape a strong generalist mindset, one that has translated well into Australian general practice.
“I wanted to practise cradle-to-grave medicine,” she explains. “General practice allows you to build long-term relationships with patients and support families throughout their lives. The variety and intellectual challenge of seeing patients across all ages and conditions keeps every day interesting.”
First Steps Towards Australia
The journey towards Australia began in early 2024, when Dr Rupasinghe first connected with DXC Medical after completing AMC Part 1.
Following an initial phone discussion in March 2024, Dr Rupasinghe met face-to-face with DXC Medical’s Nethmi Fernando in Sri Lanka later that year to explore suitable pathways into Australian general practice. Based on her experience and goals, completing the MRCGP (INT) SA qualification emerged as a strong option, allowing her to pursue RACGP recognition via the specialist pathway.
From there, the process unfolded steadily.
Regular communication throughout 2024 helped maintain momentum as she prepared for exams and mapped out her next steps. After successfully passing MRCGP Part 1 and later Part 2 in April 2025, she obtained RACGP Part A approval, marking a significant milestone toward practising in Australia.
Choosing Lavington, Albury
With registration progressing, the next step was finding the right practice and community.
After exploring several opportunities, Dr Rupasinghe was drawn to Albury for its balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle. She accepted a position in Lavington, where she has since integrated into a welcoming, team-based environment that aligns closely with the kind of general practice she was seeking in regional Australia.
“I chose Albury because it offers the perfect middle ground,” she says. “It combines the healthcare infrastructure of a larger city with the relaxed lifestyle of a regional town.”
As a growing regional medical hub, Albury offers strong professional opportunities alongside a welcoming multicultural community and access to outdoor living. Its strategic location between Melbourne and Sydney provides excellent connectivity, while proximity to the Murray River, Lake Hume, and the Victorian Alps aligns perfectly with her love of the outdoors.
Navigating the Transition
After securing her position in June 2025, the regulatory and relocation process moved quickly.
Her AHPRA application was submitted in August 2025 and approved by October, followed by visa approval in November. By December 2025, Dr Rupasinghe had arrived in Australia and begun her new role.
“The process involved a lot of steps and paperwork,” she reflects. “Having a clear roadmap made a significant difference. Once the regulatory hurdles were cleared, the move itself felt like the exciting final stage.”
Working as a GP in Regional Australia
Now practising as a GP within a collaborative clinical team in Albury, Dr Rupasinghe enjoys a diverse and rewarding scope of work.
Her role includes chronic disease management, preventative health care, and acute presentations, often working alongside local specialists and allied health professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
Compared to her previous experience, she has found the Australian healthcare system more sustainable and supportive.
“The Medicare-funded model allows for longer consultations and more preventative care. The digital health infrastructure is also highly streamlined, which reduces administrative burden and allows more focus on clinical decision-making.”
One of the biggest surprises has been the collegial nature of the local medical community and the ease of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Lifestyle and Community
Outside the clinic, life in regional Australia has brought significant lifestyle benefits for Dr Rupasinghe and her family.
“The transition has been a breath of fresh air,” she says. “The community is welcoming, and the outdoor lifestyle has made a real difference to our wellbeing.”
Weekends often include exploring the Murray River, visiting Lake Hume, or enjoying the Albury Botanic Gardens. The proximity to the Victorian Alps and local farmers’ markets has helped the family quickly feel at home.
She describes the regional culture as relaxed and connected, with a strong emphasis on family time, outdoor activities, and community engagement.
Advice for International GPs Considering Australia
For other international GPs considering a similar move, her advice is simple:
Start early, seek guidance from experienced professionals who understand the regulatory pathways, and remain open to regional opportunities.
“Regional centres can offer incredible lifestyle benefits, strong professional support, and welcoming communities.”
A Journey Built Step by Step
From early conversations in Sri Lanka to settling into life in Albury, Dr Rupasinghe’s journey highlights how careful planning, perseverance, and the right support can transform a complex international move into a rewarding new chapter.
Her story is another example of how regional Australia continues to attract skilled international GPs seeking both professional growth and a balanced lifestyle.
If you’re an international GP considering a move to Australia, or simply exploring what your options could look like, our team is here to help. From understanding pathways and registration requirements to finding the right role and location, we support doctors at every stage of their journey.
Get in touch with our team for a confidential conversation or search our current GP job opportunities across Australia to see what roles are available right now.
Nethmi Fernando
+61 452 240 355
nethmi.fernando@dxcmedical.com.au
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