A shared move, professionally and personally.
For Dr Htet and Dr Naychi, the decision to move to Australia wasn’t just about career progression, it was about building a life together.
The husband-and-wife GP team began exploring their move in late 2023, after several years living and working in the UK. Like many international relocations, their journey required careful planning, patience, and a willingness to navigate a process that doesn’t always move in straight lines.
While their intention had been to arrive sooner, extended permanent residency processing timelines meant their move ultimately took around 15 months. It’s a reality many international GPs face, being ready to go, but waiting on the final piece of the puzzle.
Now settled in Mandurah, Western Australia, Dr Htet and Dr Naychi are working across two Brecken Health clinics in Mandurah and Halls Head, enjoying both the professional opportunities and the lifestyle they had set out to find.
From Myanmar to the UK… and now Australia
Dr Htet and Dr Naychi both began their medical careers in Myanmar, where they completed their university training before making the move to the UK.
In the UK, they completed their Foundation Year 2 training and went on to complete GP training within the NHS. This experience provided a strong clinical foundation and exposure to a structured primary care system, something that would later help shape their expectations when considering a move abroad.
Their decision to pursue general practice was driven by the relational side of medicine.
“We enjoy getting to know patients and families, and being someone they trust and rely on. GP work also offers a good work-life balance.”
That focus on continuity of care and long-term patient relationships has remained central throughout their journey.
Why Australia?
Like many UK-trained GPs, the decision to relocate wasn’t based on a single factor, but rather a combination of lifestyle, career progression, and personal priorities.
Being closer to family was a key motivator, but it was supported by a broader appeal.
“The weather, the beaches, and the nature of the work really stood out. There’s less admin time and a wider scope of practice.”
For many GPs coming from the NHS, the opportunity to spend more time on patient care and less time on administrative tasks is a significant drawcard.
When it came to choosing a location, Mandurah offered a balance that was hard to overlook, coastal living, strong community feel, and access to established clinics.
Located just south of Perth, Mandurah provides a slower pace of life without losing access to metropolitan amenities, something that continues to attract both Australian-trained and international GPs.
Finding the right support
During their research phase, Dr Htet and Dr Naychi explored multiple pathways and resources before coming across DXC Medical.
With a clearer understanding of the options available, they reached out for guidance on both the process and suitable job opportunities.
Throughout their journey, support extended across multiple areas, from identifying the right clinics and locations, to navigating registration requirements and coordinating timelines.
“DXC helped us prepare to be ready to start work as soon as possible. They supported us through finding a job that met our requirements, the registration process, communication with AHPRA, and setting up things like TFN and ABN.”
Having structured support in place allowed them to focus on preparing for the move itself, rather than getting caught in the complexity of the process.
“Adelene and the DXC team were incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, they made what could have been a complex journey feel much more manageable.”
Navigating the pathway
Dr Htet and Dr Naychi relocated via the Expedited Specialist Pathway, which was still relatively new at the time.
Much of the process progressed as expected, with the main delay coming from extended PR processing timelines rather than registration or job placement.
Their experience reflects a common theme for international GPs, while clinical and registration pathways are becoming more efficient, visa timelines can still vary significantly.
Transitioning from NHS to Medicare
Now working across clinics in Mandurah and Halls Head, both doctors have experienced firsthand the differences between the UK and Australian healthcare systems.
“The NHS and Medicare are quite different. Learning item numbers, authority prescriptions, and having access to almost all investigations is very different.”
For many UK GPs, this transition requires an initial adjustment period, particularly when it comes to billing structures, referral pathways, and navigating Medicare.
However, these differences also create new opportunities within clinical practice.
“Continuity of care is really rewarding, and being able to do more for patients, including investigations and procedures, has been a big positive.”
The ability to broaden scope, take on procedural work, and access investigations more directly is often seen as one of the major advantages of working in Australia.
They also noted the increased flexibility in how they structure their work, both in terms of hours and clinical focus.
Lifestyle in Mandurah
Outside of work, the move has delivered exactly what they were hoping for.
“It’s been great. The outdoor lifestyle is better, and the culture is very friendly and open.”
Mandurah’s coastal setting has quickly become part of their everyday life, offering a balance between work and downtime that can be harder to achieve in larger cities.
They’ve already discovered some local favourites:
The accessibility of nature, combined with a welcoming community, has made settling in a smooth transition.
Relocating with pets
An important and often overlooked part of their journey was bringing their two cats with them from the UK.
Relocating pets to Australia involves multiple steps, including documentation, quarantine requirements, and careful planning around timelines.
While it can feel complex, their experience shows that it is entirely achievable with the right preparation, and for many doctors, it’s an essential part of making the move feel complete.
Advice for other international GPs
Reflecting on their experience, Dr Htet and Dr Naychi offer practical advice for other GPs considering a move to Australia.
“Upskill as much as possible. In Australia, you can perform procedures as long as you are qualified and comfortable.”
Developing procedural skills and confidence can significantly enhance both job opportunities and day-to-day work.
They also highlight the importance of understanding different practice models.
Choosing the right clinic environment can have a major impact on workload, patient interactions, and overall job satisfaction.
Final thoughts
Dr Htet and Dr Naychi’s journey, from Myanmar to the UK and now to Western Australia, reflects the path many international GPs are taking.
It’s a journey that requires patience, adaptability, and the right support, particularly when navigating evolving pathways and visa timelines.
While their move took longer than initially expected, the outcome has delivered on both professional and personal goals.
Now settled in Mandurah, working in supportive clinics, and enjoying a lifestyle built around community, nature, and flexibility, their story highlights what’s possible for GPs considering the move to Australia.
If you’re an international GP considering a move to Australia, stories like Dr Htet and Dr Naychi’s show what’s possible with the right support in place. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, the team at DXC Medical Recruitment can help guide you through the process.
Explore current GP opportunities or get in touch with Adelene Chew for a confidential discussion about your pathway and options.
Adelene Chew
Senior Consultant
DXC Medical Perth
+61 430 037 389
adelene.chew@dxcmedical.com.au
