GP couple Dr Roshan Oommen and Dr Roshna Abrham have started an exciting new chapter for their family, relocating from the bustling city of Dubai to the scenic coastal town of Cairns in Australia.
Both doctors completed their studies overseas, with Dr Roshan attaining his medical degree in Nepal and later earning MRCGP International while working in Dubai for 12 years. Dr Roshna completed her undergraduate studies in China and then practiced in Dubai for seven years before also obtaining her MRCGP International. With two young daughters, they decided to make the move to Australia for a great lifestyle and rewarding GP work as part of a regional Australian community.
Originally, they were considering somewhere in Western Australia and then roles in Darwin, but they weren’t sure it was the right fit for their family.
They connected with Brad Bilinsky from the DXC Medical team in June 2023, who then gave them six or seven location options that would be a good fit for their family’s requirements and their career aspirations.
Cairns - a DPA/MM3 location - stood out to Dr Roshan and Dr Roshna due to its size, similar climate to their homeland of India, and the opportunities available.
Their move involved several critical steps, including obtaining their AHPRA registration, which took about three months. The AHPRA process was stringent, but with the help of the DXC Medical team their applications were processed swiftly, and their work visas were approved so they could start work in Cairns in May and June this year. Both Dr Roshan and Dr Roshna are working here via the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream.
The move has been an easy transition so far, with one of their daughters settling into a local primary school and their other daughter in daycare. Dr Roshan and Dr Roshna are grateful to have a local South Indian community in Cairns who have welcomed them into the area and provided a support network for their move.
Although they have only been in Cairns for a short time, they are eager to explore more of what the city has to offer, including the city’s beaches, nearby rainforest and world-famous access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Both doctors are working at the Cairns Family Medical Practice, where their new colleagues have helped them to transition and provided a collaborative and positive environment.
“We’re so grateful to Brad, Jane and Jessica at DXC Medical who have supported us and have always been available to answer questions and help us understand the process involved,” said Dr Roshan.
From here, both doctors are focused on settling into their new roles and then completing their fellowship exams to cement their professional recognition in Australia.
As Roshan and Roshna settle into their new roles and community, they look forward to a fulfilling career and life in Cairns.
"We are excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community," said Dr Roshan.
We wish Dr Roshan, Dr Roshna and their family all the best in their new life in Cairns. If you’re considering a new GP role, our Vacancy Map and Search Jobs functions allow you to filter our jobs by location, training pathway, keyword and job type.
For more information on anything included in this blog, please contact:
Darren Compton
0405 234 852
darren.compton@dxcmedical.com.au
Dr Chamath Fernando’s journey has taken him around the world from Sri Lanka via studies in the UK to Traralgon, the largest city in Victoria’s Gippsland region. He brings extensive experience in clinical practice and academia to his new role at Breed Street Clinic, where he’s excited to continue with his commitment to family medicine and make a positive difference in this thriving rural community.
Dr Muhammad ‘Imran’ Khan recently transitioned from the major international city of Abu Dhabi to the regional town of Dubbo, New South Wales. With over 15 years of experience as a GP in Pakistan and the UAE, Dr Khan has joined Western Plains Medical & Dental Centre (ForHealth), bringing a wealth of expertise to his new community.
