Dr Sampath’s GP journey is one of dedication and a commitment to creating a better future for his family. Since graduating from medical school in Colombo in 2011, he has spent over a decade advancing his skills across Sri Lanka, starting in the Northern Province before returning to the capital, Colombo, where he gained invaluable experience in both hospital and private practice settings.
“In Sri Lanka, most of us do a government hospital job during the day, then shift to private practice in the evenings,” he shared. “That’s where I developed my general practice experience, what we call ‘private practice’ back home.”
Dr Sampath shared that his motivation to become a GP stemmed from the value he saw in being the first point of contact for patients, guiding them through their health journey right from the start.
Like many doctors from Sri Lanka, Dr Sampath and his wife, also a doctor, found themselves stretched thin and working long hours. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka further accelerated their decision to explore new opportunities abroad.
“After researching various options, we felt Australia offered the best balance of quality of life, career prospects, and stability for our family.”
They began the process under the RACGP Specialist Pathway, leveraging their MRCGP[INT] qualification. By April 2024, they received an offer from a practice in Albury, however in August, unexpected changes to the supervision structure resulted in their placement falling through.
DXC Medical’s Senior Recruiter, Nethmi did not hesitate and acted quickly, and by October, she had secured roles for both Dr Sampath and his wife at a welcoming clinic in Wodonga.
In May 2024, Nethmi had the privilege of meeting Dr Sampath, his wife, and their three young children during a visit to Sri Lanka. “Warm, humble, and incredibly kind, they were clearly excited about the journey ahead with their children by their side,” Nethmi shared.
From there, things moved fast. In November, they completed their RACGP Part B, obtained AHPRA registration, and lodged their visas. In a heartwarming twist, their visa was granted on Christmas Day.
The family finally arrived in Melbourne on 4th February 2025, settling into their new home in Wodonga. Just a few days later, they began work at their new clinic on 10th February.
Adjusting to Australian general practice brought new learning curves, particularly with electronic health records and Medicare processes, which differ greatly from Sri Lanka’s predominantly handwritten systems. “It’s been a shift but having everything recorded and accessible is actually extremely helpful,” he noted.
Despite the cold climate of Wodonga being a big change from tropical Sri Lanka, the family has embraced Australian life. “We now have more time with our kids. We play badminton every Saturday and go swimming as a family on Sundays. We even saw snow for the first time!”
His children are thriving in school, quickly adapting to a new culture and language. “Even though it was a big move, they’re happy. There’s more freedom and balance here.”
Dr Sampath is particularly passionate about mental health, having previously worked in psychiatry in Colombo. While still learning about the local guidelines and expectations, he hopes to further develop this special interest in the future.
When asked what advice he’d give to other doctors from Sri Lanka, he doesn’t hesitate:
“Australia offers a great opportunity, not just for a better income, but for a better life. The system is different, yes, but it’s manageable with the right support. If you're considering the move, do it, and I highly recommend working with DXC Medical. Nethmi and the team made the whole process so much easier for us.”
Dr Sampath’s journey is a testament to courage, adaptability, and the pursuit of a better life. From Colombo to country Victoria, he and his family have embraced the challenges, and the rewards of building a new life in Australia.
If you're an international GP thinking about making the move to Australia, get in touch with our team today.
Darren Compton
+61 405 234 852
darren.compton@dxcmedical.com.au
Dr Hashmet completed her medical training at Thanjavur Medical College under Madras University in South India, inspired by her father, a surgeon who encouraged the balanced and fulfilling life of a general practitioner. With decades of experience behind her, she turned to Australia for the next chapter, one filled with family, fresh challenges, and professional growth.
For Dr Bihan, moving from his fast-paced life in Colombo, Sri Lanka to the close-knit community of Hamilton, Victoria (MMM4), was more than just a relocation, it was the start of a new chapter marked by balance, belonging, and a deeper connection to patients and community.
