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With increasing challenges in the NHS and a desire for a fresh start, Dr Daniel (a UK-based GP) and his family took the leap to begin a new life in Australia.

This case study highlights his motivations, challenges, and experiences in making the move, including navigating complex immigration paperwork and settling into life in Melbourne. It also explores the support provided by Alecto Australia, from arranging job meetings to offering guidance through every step of the process.

Discover how he found a better work-life balance, embraced the differences in healthcare systems, and uncovered unexpected benefits like a vibrant lifestyle and a less stressful work environment. If you’re considering a similar move, their story offers practical advice and inspiration.

 

Why did you decide to come to Australia?

Working in the NHS seemed to be becoming tougher and tougher, and as a GP who mainly worked in Locum jobs I could see the work available starting to dwindle. My family and I had always considered moving abroad and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to seize the day and make the leap.

What was the most challenging part of the move?

The paperwork! Australian immigration is infamous for the amount of paperwork involved and hoops to jump but I think I truly underestimated it until I was doing it.

What were the most helpful things our team did to help you?

Alecto were incredibly helpful from start to finish. First of all arranging meeting with employers and then going forward and helping with all the paperwork involved. I honestly am not sure I’d have managed without them. At each step of the way they explained the next steps and helped me make sure I was doing all that I needed to do.

Once I arrived they checked in on me to make sure I was settling in well and put me in contact with other local doctors who had moved from the UK. They were and continue to be incredible.

Were there any pleasant surprises along the way?

Everyone warned us the cost of living is more expensive in Australia but we’ve actually found it very comparable, with many things being much cheaper in our situation, such as fuel and energy costs.

We love Melbourne. There is so much to do an explore and having so much to do on our doorstep is amazing. We find it quite an easy city to get around and it has amazing coffee and restaurant cultures. There is a lot to do for small children and we’ve made friends with people quite easily.

I’ve also found the work a lot less stressful than UK General Practice. There is a work-hard play-hard attitude in Australia but you have much more control over what you do.

How would you summarise the key differences between working in Australia and working in your home country?

There are a few differences, most of which come with their own benefits and challenges. The healthcare system is quite different from the UK and getting your head around billings and the public vs. private systems can take some time. I know others have found this an ethical challenge too compared to the UK but if you value your time and expertise this is not really a problem.

I feel much more autonomous as a clinician and have much easier access to tests, particularly radiology, than in the UK and this has made caring for my patients much easier, however GPs do much more of the work themselves with less reliance on specialist nurses (such as Asthma/Diabetes nurses for example).

There is also much more scope to have special interests and market yourself that way. I have a couple of special interests but in the UK did not have much opportunity to do them, however in Australia patients travel to see me based on my experience and expertise which gives great job satisfaction.

What advice would you give to doctors contemplating the move to Australia?

Honestly, if you are contemplating it, do it. You have so little to lose. It is great seeing another part of the world and another healthcare system. I feel like I have learned so much already and feel so glad we took the leap. It has been difficult but now we are settled we are just enjoying our new lives. We earn well, have made good friends and spend time seeing the sights of a great city and country. The weather doesn’t hurt either.

 

If you’re a GP dreaming of less stress, better opportunities, and a vibrant lifestyle, we’re here to make it happen. Contact us today and let’s start planning your move to Australia!