By Martina Stanley
I’ve personally watched over 200 GPs make the transition from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand to Australia.
I’ve always been selective about the GPs I work with because I want to sleep at night. I want to know that GPs I recruit have arrived in Australia to the job that they expected and to the lifestyle we advertised. I want to know that their partner is happy and if there are kids involved, I want to know that they have come to a better life.
I know what it’s like to come to a new country. I have lived in 11 different countries on 3 continents and I know that an overseas move is always difficult. Every aspect of your life changes – not only do you need to find a new job, but you also need to find a trusted hairdresser, doctor and dentist – and greengrocer.
Making a new beginning isn’t always easy, but it can be liberating, exciting and an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. It’s a chance to try out new ways of living and working and giving up bad habits (not always).
When I talk to the doctors who have now started a new life in Australia, I feel good. I keep hearing great stories of how GPs have re-discovered the joy of General Practice and have significantly increased their personal wealth. But above all, they love the lifestyle. Australia isn’t perfect, but the lifestyle is amazing and all of our GPs love what the country offers.
Do I think that moving to Australia is easy? No, I don’t. I know it’s a lot of work getting through registration. But I also know that I work with a team of people that makes it much much easier than it would be otherwise.
I’d love to hear your story – or be a part of writing your story for the future.
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