“I’m living the dream….”
Even writing those words still feels surreal for Dr Tijany.
Because behind that sentence is not just a relocation story, it’s a journey of persistence, uncertainty, and ultimately, transformation.
For Dr Tijany, the decision to become a GP was always grounded in purpose, a desire to serve communities with limited access to healthcare.
After completing his medical training, his career took him across multiple countries, from rural Sudan to the fast-paced healthcare systems of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Each experience added depth to his clinical expertise, while shaping his long-term goals.
To continue growing professionally, gain recognised qualifications, and work in a system that would allow him to practise beyond the limitations he faced in the UAE.
Australia became the natural next step.
Why Australia?
Like many international GPs, the decision wasn’t straightforward.
Higher salaries and a more luxurious lifestyle in the Middle East made staying the easier option on paper.
But for Dr Tijany, the move was about long-term sustainability, both professionally and personally.
Australia offered all of this, even if it came with uncertainty.
Choosing the Unexpected: Hobart, Tasmania
Initially, Dr Tijany imagined himself somewhere warmer.
So when an opportunity in Hobart, Tasmania presented itself, it wasn’t an obvious choice.
Distance from family.
A colder climate.
A location he had never seriously considered.
But sometimes, the right opportunity isn’t the one you plan for.
And in this case, it turned out to be exactly the right fit.
First Impressions: “A Place I Never Imagined I’d Call Home”
What Dr Tijany discovered in Hobart surprised him.
“Cold mornings, quiet streets, fresh air… and a calmness I had never experienced before.”
From Mount Wellington to the reflections across the Derwent River, Hobart offered something entirely different, and unexpectedly, something he quickly connected with.
The slower pace of life.
The sense of space.
The authenticity of the community.
Even the cold, once something he avoided, became something he learned to enjoy.
The Reality of Relocating
While the outcome has been incredibly positive, the journey itself was far from easy.
Like most international doctors, Dr Tijany faced:
And one challenge that stood out above the rest…finding a home.
Hobart’s rental market proved to be one of the most difficult parts of the move.
“It was something I had never experienced before, and definitely not what I expected.”
Despite this, Dr Tijany and his wife secured accommodation and began settling into their new life.
Adjusting to the Australian Healthcare System
From a professional perspective, the transition also brought some unexpected contrasts.
For Dr Tijany, what stood our more was:
A Warm Welcome
One of the biggest concerns for many international doctors is how they, and their families, will be received.
For Dr Tijany, this quickly became one of the most reassuring parts of the move.
“We were met with kindness and support, from colleagues and the wider community.”
Any concerns around cultural barriers or discrimination were replaced with positive experiences, helping him and his wife settle far quicker than expected.
“It Felt Too Much… But I Wasn’t Alone”
Behind every successful relocation is a period where things feel overwhelming.
For Dr Tijany, there were moments where he almost walked away from the process.
“I remember saying, that’s it, I’m done. Enough.”
The complexity, uncertainty, and scale of the move felt too much at times.
But this is where the right support made all the difference.
The Role of Support
Dr Tijany first connected with DXC Medical almost two years before his move, shortly after receiving his RACGP comparability outcome.
At that stage, like many IMGs, he didn’t know where to begin.
What followed was more than recruitment support.
“It was guidance, support, and genuine care.”
From selecting the right location and clinic, to navigating contracts, paperwork, and relocation logistics, every step was supported.
“They didn’t just show me the road… they drove my spaceship to a whole different planet.”
A New Chapter
Today, Dr Tijany is settled in Hobart, building both his career and a new lifestyle.
He rides his bike through crisp mornings.
He explores the outdoors with his wife.
He’s part of a community that feels grounded and welcoming.
And every now and then, he reflects on how far he’s come.
“Sometimes I ask myself… am I dreaming? I hope not.”
Advice for Other International GPs
For doctors considering the move, Dr Tijany offers a balanced perspective.
While places like Dubai may offer a more luxurious lifestyle, Australia provides something different.
Long-term stability, professional growth, and a lifestyle that’s hard to fully appreciate until you experience it.
Final Thoughts
Dr Tijany’s journey is a powerful reminder that relocating isn’t just about finding a job.
It’s about building a new life.
“This was not just about finding a job. This was about changing a life… not just for me, but for my family.”
Thinking About Your Own GP Journey?
If you’re an international GP considering a move to Australia, whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply exploring your options, having the right support can make all the difference.
Reach out for a confidential discussion to understand your pathway, opportunities, and what your journey could look like.
Daniel Vinogradac
Senior Consultant
+61 401 529 803
daniel.vinogradac@dxcmedical.com.au
Dr Sumera’s Journey to Coastal General Practice in Australia. Relocating to a new country is never just about a job. It’s about building a future, for your career, your family, and your lifestyle. For Dr Sumera, that journey has taken her from Pakistan to the coastal community of Hervey Bay in Queensland, where she is now settling into both a new role and a new way of life.
For many international doctors, the journey to Australia is more than a career move, it’s a life decision shaped by family, opportunity, and the desire to grow within a world-class healthcare system. For Dr Chathushka, that journey has taken her from Sri Lanka, through Oman, and now to regional New South Wales, where she has recently commenced her new role in Albury.
