For many international doctors, the path into Australian General Practice is rarely straightforward. It often involves balancing hospital work, exams, family commitments, relocation decisions, and long-term career planning, all while adapting to a new healthcare system.
For Dr. Nusrat Akhi, that journey has taken her from Bangladesh to Sydney, through Campbelltown Hospital, and now into rural General Practice in Dubbo, NSW, where she is building a new chapter for both her career and her family.
With more than 15 years of clinical experience across hospital medicine and General Practice, Dr. Akhi brings a broad and compassionate approach to patient care, with special interests in women’s health, chronic disease management, paediatrics, mental health, and reproductive health.
A Medical Career That Began in Bangladesh
Dr. Akhi completed her medical degree in Bangladesh, graduating in 2009 before completing her internship in 2010. She then spent several years working across both General Practice and hospital medicine before migrating to Australia in 2015 for family commitments.
“After graduation, I had around five years of postgraduate experience working both as a GP and as a resident medical officer,” Dr. Akhi explains.
“Then I immigrated to Australia in 2015. I was able to secure a position at Campbelltown Hospital with limited registration while completing my AMC pathway requirements.”
She worked at Campbelltown Hospital for four years as an unaccredited trainee and Resident Medical Officer, completing her Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) program during this time to gain general registration in Australia.
Alongside her hospital work, Dr. Akhi continued to expand her clinical scope, completing her Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG) in 2024.
Her additional training has strengthened her experience in antenatal care, gynaecological management, reproductive health, cervical screening, and contraceptive procedures including Mirena® and Implanon® insertion and removal.
Choosing General Practice
Like many international medical graduates, Dr. Akhi initially considered pursuing a hospital-based specialist pathway.
“At one stage, I was thinking about specialist training,” she says.
“That’s why I completed my DRANZCOG and was preparing to apply for specialist pathways. But eventually, I realised the hospital pathway was becoming increasingly difficult, especially while balancing family commitments.”
Instead, she found herself more and more drawn toward General Practice and the continuity of care it provides.
“With General Practice, you really build relationships with patients,” she explains.
“You’re not only looking after the medical side, you’re supporting people socially and emotionally too. That communication and continuity of care is something I really enjoy.”
Dr. Akhi also recognised the lifestyle benefits that General Practice could offer.
“The balance is much better for family life,” she says.
“My current role is Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. No night shifts, no after-hours work, and I still have weekends with my family.”
Discovering GP Training Pathways
While exploring GP training pathways, Dr. Akhi was referred to Amy Dent at DXC Medical by friends.
“I started speaking with Amy when I was trying to understand the GP pathways and what options were available,” she says.
“Amy was really organised and supportive throughout the whole process.”
During this time, Amy also introduced her to the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).
“I honestly didn’t know much about RVTS before Amy explained it to me,” Dr. Akhi says.
“She encouraged me to apply, even though it’s competitive. She told me that even if I didn’t get in the first time, it would still help me understand the process and improve my chances in the future.”
Fortunately, Dr. Akhi was successful in gaining entry into the program and is now preparing to formally commence her GP fellowship training pathway through RVTS later this year.
“RVTS really suited what I was looking for,” she explains.
“One of the biggest benefits is that you can stay in one location while training. That stability is really important for families.”
Dr. Akhi is now working at the Dubbo Bawrunga Medical Service, where she has settled in well and is enjoying the opportunity to provide continuity of care within a regional community. She has embraced both the supportive team environment and the strong sense of connection that rural General Practice offers.
Building a Life in Dubbo
Leaving Sydney for regional NSW was a major transition for Dr. Akhi and her family, particularly with two children.
“Of course it’s different from Sydney,” she says.
“But overall, Dubbo has been fantastic.”
For Dr. Akhi, finding a supportive community was incredibly important.
“My background is Muslim, and I was happy to find halal food options, a mosque, and a Bangladeshi community here,” she explains.
“That sense of community was something I was really hoping for.”
Dubbo also appealed for practical family reasons.
“There are excellent schools and universities here, which is important when thinking about the future for my children,” she says.
Professionally, she has also enjoyed the supportive team environment and strong patient relationships developing within the community.
“I’m very happy with my work,” she says.
“The people here are very welcoming and communicative. Patients really listen, and there’s a strong sense of respect and connection.”
Advice for Other IMGs Considering General Practice
Looking back on her own journey, Dr. Akhi believes General Practice offers a rewarding and sustainable long-term pathway for international doctors seeking both professional fulfilment and work-life balance.
“For IMGs, General Practice is still a very achievable pathway,” she says.
“Yes, it’s becoming more competitive, but there are still opportunities, especially in regional areas.”
She also encourages doctors to remain open-minded about relocating outside major metropolitan centres.
“Regional communities can offer so much professionally and personally,” she says.
“You build meaningful patient relationships, you become part of the community, and you can still create a very good life for your family.”
Today, Dr. Akhi is continuing her fellowship journey while building a fulfilling life in Dubbo, proof that sometimes the biggest career changes can also become the most rewarding.
If you’re planning your transition from hospital to general practice, please reach out, we’d love to help you explore the right opportunities.
Amy Dent
Principal Consultant
0412 174 152
amy.dent@dxcmedical.com.au
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