Originally from Pakistan, Dr Beenish Zehra’s journey to GP practice has taken her around the world, finishing in the aptly named seaside town of Eden on the South Coast of NSW.
Originally from Pakistan, Dr Zehra completed her medical training in Pakistan in 2012 before embarking on her dream of working internationally. After passing the first Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam, she found the immigration rules at the time too restrictive to qualify for a move to Australia. So instead, Dr Zehra relocated to Canada, where she lived for nearly five years and undertook further medical exams. However, securing a training program in Canada was a tough process, and in 2018, she returned to Pakistan to complete her general practice training.
Her journey finally brought her to Canberra Hospital, where she spent a year working in general medicine, surgery, and emergency departments. Despite her hospital role, Dr Zehra’s long-term goal was to become a general practitioner. “I wanted to work in general practice, but I didn’t qualify at the time,” she recalls. After initial outreach to recruiters, it was Shayla Owusu from DXC Medical who stood out as someone who could help.
“Shayla was the only person who got back to me, and who explained everything in detail,” Dr Zehra says.
This early connection would prove pivotal as Shayla continued to guide her through the steps needed to transition from hospital to general practice. After obtaining her general registration in Australia, Dr Zehra reconnected with Shayla, who helped her identify opportunities that aligned with her goals.
In July 2024, Dr Zehra joined Eden Medical Center, a small community practice where she now serves a diverse patient base. The move to Eden was an intentional one, as Dr Zehra had previously worked in nearby Bega Valley and wanted to settle in a region she knew well. “It’s always good to work in a community where your skills are needed,” she explains. The rural setting offers Dr Zehra the opportunity to perform a broad spectrum of duties, including procedural work, consultations, and chronic disease management, all under the guidance of an on-site supervisor.
The shift from hospital to general practice has also significantly impacted Dr Zehra’s personal life. As a mother of two young children, the demanding hours and night shifts in the hospital made it difficult to balance work and family. Now, with greater flexibility in her schedule, Dr Zehra finds general practice much more accommodating: “I have more control over the days and hours I work,” she says.
The support provided by DXC Medical went beyond simply finding a job. Shayla remained a key resource throughout the transition, helping Dr Zehra navigate the challenges of immigration, job searches, and professional development pathways.
“Shayla is the reason I’m here. Otherwise, I would still be working in the hospital,” says Dr Zehra. “Her guidance on everything from fellowship programs to immigration questions and housing options has made a complex process feel manageable”.
Looking ahead, Dr Zehra plans to further enhance her skills in rural general practice, with a particular focus on emergency medicine—a critical need in the remote communities she serves. As she settles into her new role and community, Dr Zehra is grateful for the support she received and the new opportunities she’s found.
We wish Dr Beenish Zehra and her family the best of luck for their new life together in Eden.
If you’re considering a new GP role or transitioning from hospital-based medicine, our Vacancy Map and Search Jobs functions can help you explore opportunities across Australia.
For more information, contact:
Darren Compton
0405 234 852
darren.compton@dxcmedical.com.au
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