Manchester to the Blue Mountains: A UK GP’s Journey to Australia

Chris Tsolakis • September 15, 2025

Manchester to the Blue Mountains: A UK GP’s Journey to Australia


It’s such a privilege to help UK-trained GPs take the leap and build a new life and career in Australia. One of those GPs is Dr Bilikis, who we recently placed in a top medical practice at the stunning Blue Mountains, New South Wales.


I asked her to share her journey — from why she decided to move, to the challenges she faced, and what life is like now. Her reflections offer invaluable insights for other GPs considering the same path.



Why Australia?


“I trained in the UK and worked there for two years before moving to Australia in May 2025.

I wanted to work in a less urban environment, somewhere with a patient demographic that felt more at peace with me. I’ve always loved mountain surroundings — even just the view travelling to and from work in Katoomba gives a calming effect.


The top reasons I considered Australia were:

  1. To move away from a stressful work environment without needing to sit further GP exams.
  2. To enjoy a warmer climate for most of the year.
  3. To have more autonomy in my daily work schedule.”



Concerns Before the Move?


“Of course, I had concerns:


  • Cultural diversity and whether I’d find a community I connected with.
  • Availability of local/cultural food.
  • Access to mosques and places of worship.
  • Take-home pay after tax.
  • Whether patients would like me based on my ethnicity and religion.”



Registration and Visa


“I went through the AHPRA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway.



  • It took me about six months to gather all the documents for conditional specialist registration with AHPRA and board approval.
  • Then another month and a half to complete the documents for my visa and secure a subclass 482 visa.”



Support Along the Way


“The Medical Centre was fantastic. They provided four weeks of temporary guest house accommodation and even gave me a supporting letter when I needed to rent a permanent place. They also helped with school options for my daughter, transport advice, and relocation allowance.


Medipeople’s Director, Chris, guided me from start to finish — giving me an overview of different clinic options, setting up meetings with clinic staff so I could ask questions, and walking me step by step through the AHPRA and visa processes. Chris also connected me with a migration agent and was always available, even at odd hours, to answer my questions.

I was never rushed or pressured into making decisions. The support was professional, patient, and personal — I would recommend Medipeople to anyone considering a move to Australia.”



Final Thoughts


For Bilikis, moving to Australia wasn’t just about a change in workplace — it was about finding the right lifestyle, community, and balance. Her story is a reminder that while the process can be detailed and at times challenging, the outcome is worth it: a rewarding GP role in one of the most scenic locations in Australia, with the right support every step of the way.



Thinking about making the move?


If you’re a UK-trained GP interested in exploring opportunities in Australia, reach out to our team at Medipeople. We’ll guide you through the registration process, connect you with the best clinics that suit your lifestyle and career goals, and support you every step of the way.



Reach out to Chris Tsolakis at [email protected] to learn more.

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From Scotland to Brisbane: A GP’s Journey Through AHPRA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway

By Chris Tsolakis • November 17, 2025
Every so often, a placement stands out, not because it was the easiest, but because it marked a turning point in how we support GPs moving to Australia. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane is one of those stories. When I first connected with him, the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway was in the works but hadn’t officially started. He had initially submitted his RACGP Specialist Assessment, and then, the new pathway was announced, promising a much faster, cleaner route for UK GPs with CCT + MRCGP. We moved quickly, transferring his RACGP application and switching him over to the ESP to speed up his application. He became one of the very first GPs to go through this new process. And while the pathway itself was designed to be “expedited,” the reality of being first through the door was… interesting. There were delays, long pauses, and moments where we clearly saw AHPRA navigating a new internal process while dealing with a high influx of applications. Nothing moved clean or in a way we had expected. Because we corresponded directly with AHPRA daily, we were able to follow up, clarifying requirements, escalating where appropriate, and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks while the system caught up with itself. Eventually, after what felt like a marathon for everyone involved, Dr Idle was officially registered, visa approved, and on a plane to Australia. Today, he’s thriving in an exceptional practice, fully settled, and building exactly the future he hoped for when he first reached out from Scotland. It’s been almost two years now, and we’re still in touch, not just for professional updates but to support him as needed. Our support continues long after a doctor starts their new role. Relocating your entire life to the other side of the world is a huge step, and whether it’s career progression, financial, schooling, community, or simply a friendly chat, we’re here for it. And personally, even after twenty years in GP recruitment, it still gives me genuine joy when I finally meet a doctor in person after months of online correspondence and guiding them through the maze of registration, visas, logistics, and relocation. Seeing them happy, settled, and thriving is why I still love what I do. Since then, we’ve guided many more doctors through the Expedited Specialist Pathway. It has become smoother and more predictable than when it first launched. With the right guidance and careful preparation, most of the early delays can now be avoided. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane wasn’t perfect or straightforward, but it was meaningful. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for how international GPs come to Australia, and I’m proud we helped him navigate it before the pathway had even found its rhythm. If you're a UK GP considering the move, I’m always happy to talk through the process and help you understand whether it’s the right next step for you. With the right guidance, the transition truly can be life-changing, just as it was for Dr Idle.

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Across Australia, general practice is changing fast and so are the pressures on GPs. From increasing patient complexity to stagnant funding, many doctors are questioning whether their current practice truly supports the kind of medicine they want to provide. The Realities GPs Are Facing in 2026 Rising complexity, less time to care Recent RACGP data shows that over two-thirds of GPs are managing more complex, multi-condition cases than ever before. Many are spending longer with patients but without adequate remuneration or support. Funding that hasn’t kept pace Despite government incentives, Medicare rebates and practice funding haven’t matched the true cost of quality care. Practices are being forced to choose between bulk billing and financial sustainability, and GPs are feeling the strain. Administrative overload and burnout The non-clinical workload has ballooned. From compliance and care plans to IT and communication gaps, it’s no surprise that one in three GPs say they may leave practice within five years. Searching for better balance Most GPs still love what they do but want better systems, better support, and more time for patients. They’re looking for practices that align with their values: professionalism, autonomy, and patient-centred care. What a Better Opportunity Really Means If you’re a GP currently feeling these pressures, the solution might not be “more or less of the same” it might be finding a practice managed differently. Clinics that focus on quality over quantity, with: Busy, well-established clinics Special interest patient flow Strong nursing and management support Billing models that support growth Flexible work options Professional autonomy “Sometimes a fresh start can be life-changing for the better” Medipeople has been helping GPs find fulfilling roles across Australia for over 20 years, matching doctors with practices that fit their values, lifestyle, and professional goals. click here to learn more