After spending almost a decade working within the NHS and then providing frontline medical care on a remote Caribbean island, Dr Greg Bailey is preparing for his next adventure, relocating to Perth, Western Australia, to begin a new chapter in both his professional and personal life.
With a passion for holistic patient care, outdoor living and adventure, Greg's journey demonstrates how General Practice can open doors to opportunities around the world.
A Career Built on Variety and Experience
Greg graduated from Southampton Medical School in England in 2014 and spent the next ten years working across the UK healthcare system.
During this time, he gained extensive experience in Emergency Medicine before entering GP training, completing his MRCGP and Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in August 2023.
While many newly qualified GPs remain within the UK, Greg decided to take a different path.
He relocated to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean, where he worked as a rural GP on a small island community of approximately 1,400 residents.
"I was often the only doctor on the island," Greg explains.
"There was no paramedic service, no vet, and only limited local healthcare resources. Everything from emergency presentations to arranging medical evacuations fell to us."
The role required a broad scope of practice, clinical independence and the ability to manage everything from routine healthcare through to emergency situations.
One of the most challenging periods came when Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, struck the region in July 2024.
Despite the challenges, Greg remained on the frontline providing medical care to the local community.
"It was a defining experience professionally, but after nearly three years in the Caribbean, I was ready for a new challenge and a place to build longer-term roots."
Why General Practice?
For Greg, General Practice offered something that many other specialties could not.
"General Practice allows you to build genuine relationships with patients over time," he says.
"It offers a more holistic and human approach to healthcare compared with some of the acute specialties, where the focus is often on preserving life in the moment rather than supporting patients throughout their entire healthcare journey."
The flexibility and autonomy of General Practice were also major drawcards.
"You have a level of independence that appeals to me, and it's a specialty that's in demand almost anywhere in the world."
Perhaps equally important was the lifestyle.
"I value work-life balance, good sleep and the ability to have a life outside of medicine. General Practice gives me that opportunity."
Why Australia?
Like many UK-trained GPs, Greg had considered several international destinations.
Australia quickly rose to the top of the list.
"I had a number of friends who had already made the move, both GPs and hospital specialists, and they'd all spoken very positively about their experiences."
While Canada was also considered, Australia ultimately offered the combination of professional opportunities and lifestyle he was seeking.
"The healthcare system appears much better organised, referrals are more streamlined, and the overall structure feels easier to work within."
"The remuneration is attractive, but it was really the quality of life that stood out."
Having spent years living on islands, including growing up on England's Isle of Wight, working in Jersey and then living in the Caribbean, Greg knew he wanted access to the outdoors and the ocean.
"I wanted somewhere that offered an active lifestyle, water sports and outdoor living, but still had all the amenities of a modern city."
Perth proved to be the perfect fit.
"Perth feels like a city without being overwhelming. It has that relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle while still offering everything you need."
Another advantage was Western Australia's location.
"The proximity to Bali and South-East Asia is fantastic. There are so many opportunities for travel and adventure."
As an enthusiastic surfer, kitesurfer and paraglider, Greg is looking forward to making the most of everything Perth has to offer.
Finding the Right Practice
Greg will be joining the team at Quinns Mindarie clinic, located north of Perth.
One of the key factors in choosing the role was finding a practice that aligned with both his professional goals and lifestyle aspirations.
"It wasn't just about finding a job. It was about finding the right fit."
Having heard positive feedback from a friend who had previously relocated to Australia through DXC Medical, Greg felt confident throughout the process.
"My friend had worked with several recruitment agencies before eventually finding DXC."
He felt other recruiters were often focused on placing doctors as quickly as possible, whereas Adelene and the DXC Medical team took the time to understand what he was looking for and genuinely cared about finding the right long-term match.
That recommendation played a significant role in Greg's decision.
"Relocating internationally is a huge decision. You're putting a lot of trust in the people helping guide you through the process."
A Four-Month Relocation Journey
For Greg, one of the most unexpected aspects was the speed of the process.
From interviewing with his new practice through to receiving his visa approval and preparing to relocate, the entire journey took approximately four months.
While the process involved navigating registration requirements, credentialing and visa applications, Greg says the support he received made all the difference.
"Everyone was incredibly responsive throughout the process."
"Any time I had a question, I could pick up the phone, send a message or arrange a quick call and receive support straight away."
Although the paperwork could sometimes feel overwhelming, Greg credits the combined efforts of the DXC Medical team, the practice and migration specialists for helping ensure everything progressed smoothly.
"The process itself can be challenging. There is a lot of documentation, notarisation requirements and administrative detail."
"But I always felt supported."
A New Beginning in Perth
As Greg prepares to arrive in Perth, he's excited about what lies ahead.
His immediate plans include settling into life in Scarborough, exploring Western Australia's coastline and beginning his new role.
He's also looking forward to reconnecting with friends already living in Perth and embracing the lifestyle that originally attracted him to Australia.
"It feels like everything has fallen into place."
"Professionally, it's an exciting opportunity, but equally important is the lifestyle. Being able to surf, spend time outdoors and enjoy a healthier work-life balance was a huge factor in my decision."
For Greg, the move represents more than just a new job.
It's the start of an entirely new chapter.
Thinking About Moving to Australia?
Whether you're currently working in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand or elsewhere around the world, Australia continues to offer exciting opportunities for General Practitioners seeking career progression, lifestyle benefits and long-term stability.
At DXC Medical, we've helped hundreds of doctors navigate the relocation process and find practices that align with both their professional goals and personal aspirations.
If you're considering making the move, our team would be happy to discuss your options and help you plan your Australian GP journey.
Contact:
Adelene Chew
Senior Consultant
DXC Medical Perth
+61 430 037 389
adelene.chew@dxcmedical.com.au
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