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 has now found its home on Australia’s sunny coastline in NSW’s Illawarra region.
In this GP Journeys feature, he shares what inspired him to pursue general practice, what motivated his move to Australia, and how DXC Medical supported him through the transition.
Dr Charles completed medical school in Nigeria in 2015 and worked there briefly before relocating to England to continue building his clinical experience. Over the years, he has worked across both Nigeria and the UK, developing a strong foundation in patient care across different health systems and cultural environments.
From early on, he was drawn to general practice, not only for the diverse scope of medicine but for the deep, ongoing relationships it allows.
“As a GP, you get to see people multiple times throughout their lifetime. You get to know them better and can truly make a significant impact on their wellbeing.”
He also valued the autonomy and flexibility of general practice, particularly the ability to organise his work in a way that aligned with his lifestyle and long-term career goals. With the breadth of GP training, he appreciated that he could re-train or broaden his skills in the future if he wished.
Like many doctors who consider a move Down Under, the stories he heard about Australia were overwhelmingly positive.
“I heard a lot of good things about Australia, so I came to check it out myself.”
Lifestyle played a big part too. A lover of the beach and coastal living, he knew immediately that a seaside community was where he wanted to settle.
Before finalising his decision, a friend mentioned DXC Medical during a conversation about the first job he had secured in Australia. That brief mention was all he needed to reach out, and the rest unfolded from there.
His first meeting was with Darren and Shayla.
“They were very informative and helpful, answering every single question I had with care and clarity.”
He was then supported through the process by Rebecca from the DXC Medical Compliance team, whom he described as going “above and beyond” to ensure each stage of the registration was completed efficiently. Shayla remained accessible throughout, overseeing the process and providing reassurance whenever needed.
“Overall, they are very good at what they do.”
Being part of the first cohort to pilot the new AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) meant the experience came with a few uncertainties.
“The pathway was still very new, so we were all navigating it step by step as it developed.”
Being one of the first doctors to enter the program came with a few natural uncertainties, however with DXC’s support throughout, he describes the overall relocation and registration as smooth, well-guided, and ultimately very successful.
Of course, every big move comes with at least one memorable moment, and his happened just hours after landing in Sydney:
“It was all very pleasant… aside from being ripped off by a rogue taxi driver from Sydney Airport!”
A light-hearted story now, and one many new arrivals can relate to.
Moving from the UK to a coastal Australian town came with noticeable lifestyle differences, all of them positive.
He is spending more time outdoors, along with a more relaxed pace of life that has allowed him to truly settle into his new community. He’s found people to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and his working schedule now offers far greater flexibility, giving him more time for himself and for family.
“Great work-life balance, I manage my own schedule, and that, for me, is golden.”
Australia’s culture of work-life balance has been a refreshing change, allowing him to enjoy the lifestyle he envisioned while building meaningful long-term relationships with his patients.
When asked what Dr Charles would say to other overseas-trained GPs considering the move, his advice is simple and practical. He recommends taking the time to do your homework, understanding the registration requirements, available pathways, and what to expect.
He also emphasises the value of working with a trusted recruiter, as reliable support can make the entire journey far smoother and far less stressful. Reaching out to ask questions and getting informed early will help build confidence, and he encourages doctors to choose a location that matches their preferred lifestyle, whether that’s coastal, rural, metropolitan, or outback, Australia has an option for everyone.
Today, Dr Charles is settling into life in his chosen coastal community in NSW’s beautiful Illawarra region, embracing both the clinical and lifestyle benefits that Australia offers. From the reassurance of supportive patients to the joy of beachside living, he’s building the life and career he always imagined.
His journey is a reminder that big decisions, especially across continents, are always easier with the right support behind you.
We wish Dr Charles and his family all the best as they settle into their new life in Australia.
If you’re considering a GP career in Australia, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Shayla Owusu
Senior Consultant
+61 432 232 598
shayla.owusu@dxcmedical.com.au
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.
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.
