Meet Dr Jun, a Filipino-trained doctor whose determination, adaptability, and pursuit of work-life balance led him from a busy life in Manila, the Philippines to the tropical coastline of Mackay, Queensland.
Medical Background and Training
Dr Jun completed his medical degree at Manila Central University in 2017 before undertaking his postgraduate internship, a mandatory 12-month training program required to qualify for the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).
After completing his internship, he successfully passed the PLE and began his medical career working across a range of hospital and community settings, first as a General Practitioner, and later as a Resident Trainee in Internal Medicine.
Following two years of hospital training, Dr Jun decided to return to general practice, where he spent almost five years building his experience and refining his clinical skills. It was during this time that one of his professors asked a simple but life-changing question:
“What kind of lifestyle do you want to live?”
That single question prompted deep reflection about his career goals and work-life balance and ultimately set him on the path to becoming a GP in Australia.
The Move to Australia
With family already living in Australia, the move felt like a natural next step for Dr Jun. After completing the AMC and PESCI exams, he obtained his medical registration and began his Australian journey.
Initially, Dr Jun accepted a position in Townsville but soon encountered challenges with supervision that made his transition to Australian practice more difficult than expected. During this time, he was introduced to DXC Medical’s Admin+ service. Working closely together, we helped him navigate the setback, manage the necessary paperwork, and create a clear plan to keep his GP career in Australia on track.
Through our support, DXC Medical coordinated the administrative processes and transfer arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition to a new role at The Doctors Mackay, where Dr Jun is now happily settling in as a non-VR GP.
Despite the early hurdles, Dr Jun remains grateful for the opportunity to provide care in a supportive practice environment while continuing to learn and adapt to the Australian healthcare system.
First Impressions & Professional Growth
Adjusting to the Australian system has been both rewarding and eye-opening.
“In the Philippines, everything was handwritten, here, it’s all electronic. It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but I can already see how much more efficient it is and how it really helps with patient care.”
Dr Jun appreciates how referrals to specialists, imaging, and blood tests are streamlined in Australia. He also admires the collaborative nature of care, with access to allied health, pathology, and nursing support all under one roof.
Inspired by the high prevalence of skin cancer in Queensland, he’s now considering dermatology as his future area of special interest.
Life in Mackay
Swapping the hustle and bustle of Manila for the relaxed coastal pace of Mackay has been a refreshing change for Dr Jun. The shorter workweek has given him more time to enjoy personal interests, from reading and cooking to his newest hobby, playing the saxophone.
“In the Philippines, I barely had time for myself. I worked extremely long hours and was exhausted all the time. Even on my days off, I was just catching up on sleep. Here, I finally have balance, time for the things I love.”
Dr Jun is embracing the slower pace and friendly community vibe of regional Queensland life. While he’s looking forward to buying a car soon so he can explore more of the local area, for now, he enjoys his 20-minute walk to work.
Advice for Other International GPs
When asked what advice he’d share with others considering the move, his answer is clear:
“Think about the lifestyle you want. If you value balance, time for yourself and your family, Australia is the place to be.”
He also highlights the benefits of Australia’s Medicare system and the difference in healthcare infrastructure and funding compared to the Philippines, making patient care more efficient and accessible.
Looking Ahead
Dr Jun is excited to continue his professional journey in Mackay, explore potential dermatology training, and keep developing his skills as a GP in Australia.
When we check back in with Dr Jun to see how life and practice in regional Queensland is going, he said by then he may even play us a few notes from his saxophone!
If you’re an international doctor considering a move to Australia, DXC Medical can guide you through every step, from career planning to relocation support.
Contact:
Daniel Vinogradac
+61 401 529 803
daniel.vinogradac@dxcmedical.com.au
Every GP’s journey is unique, shaped by their training, their values, and the communities they care for. For Dr Charles, a career that began in Nigeria and took him across continents to the UK has now found its home on Australia’s sunny coastline in NSW’s Illawarra region.
Moving to a new country to continue a medical career is a big step, and Dr. Pubuduni Panangala’s journey from Oman to Hamilton, Victoria, is a wonderful example of determination, preparation, and support. With the guidance of DXC Medical, Dr. Pubuduni successfully transitioned her career and settled her family into a welcoming community, demonstrating that international GPs can thrive in Australia with the right support.
