Dr Ishari Silva’s journey to becoming a GP in Australia has been shaped by determination, family values, and a passion for community care. From her early training in Sri Lanka to her current role in the coastal town of Albany, Western Australia, her story is one of academic excellence, and a deep commitment to her family, community and patient wellbeing.
Dr Ishari began her medical career in Sri Lanka, where she completed her MBBS before taking time to focus on raising her daughter. Later, she returned to postgraduate studies, completing a Diploma in Community Medicine and entering the highly competitive MD in Family Medicine training program, an achievement reserved for just a select few candidates each year. Her hard work culminated in completing the first part of MRCGP International, South Asia.
Motivated by the economic challenges facing Sri Lanka, Dr Ishari began exploring opportunities abroad. Ishari worked tirelessly to pass both her MD & MRCGP examination so that she would be eligible for PEP Specialist Pathway in Australia.
It was during this time that she connected with DXC Medical, where discussion began regarding location, focusing on rural towns that would suit the needs of Ishari’s family.
“DXC really understood my background, including my daughter’s education and my husband’s career, they went above and beyond.” DXC’s Senior Recruitment Consultant, Nethmi, met with Dr Ishari in person during her visit to Sri Lanka in May 2024, “The fact that Nethmi actually came to meet me in Sri Lanka was so impressive. It really showed how much DXC cares about the people they support,” said Dr Ishari.
Ishari interviewed with clinics in Karratha, Katanning, and Albany before deciding to accept the role in Albany.
Despite not being familiar with Australian geography or systems at the time, Dr Ishari trusted the support she received and moved forward with confidence. With help from DXC Medical, she navigated the AHPRA registration process, visa applications, and English testing requirements. She credits their meticulous paperwork and coordination as a key reason her application was smooth and without delays. “From speaking with colleagues in Sri Lanka, my process was much faster, thanks to DXC, they coordinated everything perfectly.”
Dr Ishari arrived in Albany in early 2025, accompanied by her 16-year-old daughter, who has since started high school in the region and is thriving academically. “She’s doing really well, usually one of the top students in her class,” Dr Ishari shared proudly.
Her husband, a Senior Civil and Environmental Engineer, remains in Sri Lanka for now, though the family plans to reunite in the future once his current role concludes. In the meantime, Dr Ishari is settling into her new community, enjoying the calm and quiet pace of Albany and the welcoming nature of its people.
“The town is so beautiful and peaceful. There are many nice beaches, and we’ve already visited local spots like The Gap and the Albany Meditation Centre,” she said.
At her practice, Dr Ishari has found strong professional support and is seeing a steady flow of patients. She’s grateful for the mentorship she’s received and feels encouraged to grow within her role.
Reflecting on the journey, Dr Ishari highlighted the vital role of guidance and clear communication. “The DXC Medical team was very helpful, supportive at every step,” she said. “They gave me the confidence to complete my training, and the whole team made a complicated process feel manageable.”
As she continues to settle in, Dr Ishari is looking forward to contributing to her new community in Albany and building a bright future for her family in Australia.
We wish Dr Ishari and her daughter all the best as they continue their journey in Western Australia.
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
Main Street (York St), Albany, WA
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.
