For Dr Lakmini, the road to Australia was driven by the desire to create a brighter future for her family. After years working across emergency medicine, women’s health and rural medicine in Sri Lanka, and later as an unaccredited trainee in Australia’s emergency departments, she is now preparing for a new chapter: joining a supportive GP practice in Coffs Harbour, NSW.
A Diverse Medical Journey Across Three Countries
Dr Lakmini’s medical career began in China, where she completed her medical degree in 2014, before returning to Sri Lanka to complete her internship and begin practicing.
Over the next seven years, she gained experience across:
- Tertiary and rural hospitals
- Paediatrics and obstetrics & gynaecology
- Emergency departments, her true clinical passion
- Radiology and ultrasound
- General practice, working in the private sector part-time for five years
Her emergency medicine background became a defining strength.
“I really enjoyed the active, urgent nature of ED. I worked in two tertiary hospitals for almost five years; it shaped who I am as a clinician.”
After a short period in Canada for further study and clinical experience, she sat her Australian exams and passed sooner than expected. Within months, she attended interviews, secured her first Australian hospital position, and relocated with her family.
Building a New Life in Australia
For the past two years, Dr Lakmini has worked in the Emergency Department at Maitland Hospital, where she describes the experience as both supportive and transformative.
“It was a leading role, almost like a registrar position. With that experience, I was able to get through the AMC Clinicals on my first attempt.”
Adjusting to Australia’s healthcare system, particularly the shift to digital medical platforms, was a learning curve, but Dr Lakmini credits her team, family and community for helping her settle in smoothly.
“My hospital was so nice. They really supported me until I found my feet.”
Her two children, now nine and five, adapted quickly, and are doing extremely well in school.
Why General Practice, and Why Now?
After years of working rotating shifts, nights and weekends, the decision to transition into general practice was driven by one thing: family.
“Now my kids are growing up, I need more time with them. For almost seven years I did shift work, it didn’t suit family life. GP is more structured, with weekends off, and I can still specialise while working.”
She has a strong interest in women’s health and skin medicine, with plans to pursue further training once settled in her new practice in Coffs Harbour.
A Healthcare System That Feels Like the Right Fit
Reflecting on her experience across three countries, she says Australia felt the most aligned with her training and goals.
“Compared to Sri Lanka, the healthcare system here is more advanced, CT, MRI, everything is accessible. But working in Sri Lanka gave us strong clinical skills because we had to rely on what we see, hear, feel. Here, it’s the best of both worlds.”
She also values Australia’s proximity to home.
“It’s only about a ten-hour flight, not too far. And the climate is similar to Sri Lanka. It feels familiar.”
A Message to Other Doctors Considering Australia
“Moving to Australia as a doctor is a very good decision. It’s supportive, well-paid, and aligns well with our clinical background. Other systems, like Canada, are much tougher to get into. Here, it’s achievable, and the quality of life is excellent.”
The Difference of Working with DXC Medical
Dr Lakmini also shared openly about how important the recruitment support became during her journey.
Before connecting with DXC, she tried applying for roles directly, which created more confusion than clarity.
“I managed to line up seven or eight interviews myself, but I didn’t really understand the supervision requirements or what each centre could provide. Some practices weren’t sure either, and I ended up feeling stuck.”
Once she connected with DXC Medical, everything changed. Principal Consultant Amy Dent worked closely with Dr Lakmini to find the right fit for both her and her family.
“I had so many demands at first! I only wanted jobs within 20 kilometres, with the best schools within five kilometres… Amy worked so patiently with me. When I became flexible, everything aligned. This offer is much better than anything I found myself.”
Her advice to other doctors is simple:
“Be flexible and listen to the recruiters. They know the system. They want the best for you and your family.”
A New Chapter Begins
As Dr Lakmini starts to settle into the stunning coastal city of Coffs Harbour, she is filled with gratitude, for the support she’s received, the opportunities ahead, and the stability she has created for her children.
“We were well established in Sri Lanka, but we wanted a better future for the kids. Now we are happy with the decision we made.”
After arriving, she shared a heartfelt message with Amy:
“Hi Amy, we have arrived in Coffs Harbour. It looks outstanding. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I’m really excited to meet the new team. Already in love with Coffs Harbour!”
Her journey shows that with the right support, flexibility and guidance, anything is possible.
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
