Dr Samir Irshad, along with his wife and young daughter, recently embarked on a life-changing journey, relocating from Abu Dhabi to Busselton. His move marks the beginning of a new chapter in his medical career as a GP, which has seen him go from training in one of the busiest hospitals in Asia to now providing community-focused care in a picturesque coastal town in Western Australia.
Dr Samir has been living and working in the UAE for the past 15 years, with his practice located in Abu Dhabi while he lived in Dubai. His medical journey began with his MBBS in Pakistan, where he graduated from Sindh Medical College in 2004. He gained extensive experience working in large hospitals, including the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC), one of Asia’s largest hospitals. In 2021, he completed his MRCGP International South Asia qualification and began to explore opportunities outside the UAE.
Dr Samir connected with DXC Medical in December last year, and over the next eight months, the team supported him through every step of his transition to Australia. Western Australia is a popular destination for international doctors moving to Australia thanks to its beautiful environment, Mediterranean-style climate, friendly people and iconic landscape. The state is known for offering a great lifestyle and affordable living and is home to many expats from around the world.
From securing a job offer to handling his medical registration with AHPRA and navigating the visa process, Adelene and the DXC Medical team have worked diligently with the practice, the Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), and Rural Health West (RHW) to ensure everything was in place for his move. Dr Samir was granted Partial Comparability on the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream and will be required to sit and pass the three college exams within a 2-year timeframe to achieve his fellowship (FRACGP). The family arrived in Western Australia in August 2024.
Samir is excited about his new role with the Pioneer Health Group, which sees him working in practices in both Busselton and Dunsborough. He has already completed his orientation and observership and is eager to dive into his new role.
“The transition has been smooth, and I’m looking forward to contributing my skills and serving the local community,” he said.
Although adapting to the Australian healthcare system and cultural differences has been a learning experience, Samir has found his colleagues and the patients welcoming and supportive. Moving from the hot, bustling environment of Abu Dhabi to the cooler, more serene atmosphere of Busselton and Dunsborough has been quite an adjustment for the family.
Although adapting to the Australian healthcare system and cultural differences has been a learning experience, Samir has found his colleagues and the patients welcoming and supportive.
Moving from the hot, bustling environment of Abu Dhabi to the cooler, more serene atmosphere of Busselton and Dunsborough has been quite an adjustment for the family.
“The biggest challenge has been adapting to the weather,” Samir remarked. "In the UAE, temperatures soar between 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, but here in the winter it’s been down to between 10 and 15 degrees." Despite the colder weather, the family is settling in well. Dr Samir’s six-year-old daughter is excited about starting primary school and has already begun making friends.
The family has enjoyed exploring their new surroundings, including visits to the famous Busselton Jetty and the local farms in Dunsborough. Samir’s daughter was thrilled to see kangaroos for the first time. "It’s a beautiful area, and we’re gradually getting used to the quieter pace of life compared to Dubai," Samir shared.
As Samir continues his work, he is also focused on completing his RACGP fellowship over the next couple of years. He has already completed his induction with the college and is working through various modules and assessments. His goal is to take the exams as soon as he’s fully prepared.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Samir is very appreciative of the support he received from DXC Medical, especially from team members Adelene and Jess, who guided him through both recruitment and documentation processes.
“The teamwork was highly professional, and they made everything so much easier for me,” he said. In fact, Dr Samir has recommended DXC Medical to several colleagues who are now exploring similar opportunities in Australia.
We wish Dr Samir and his family all the best as they settle into their new life in Busselton. If you’re considering a GP role in regional Australia, explore our Vacancy Map and Search Jobs functions to find the perfect fit for your career and lifestyle.
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.
