Manchester to the Blue Mountains: A UK GP’s Journey to Australia
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:
- To move away from a stressful work environment without needing to sit further GP exams.
- To enjoy a warmer climate for most of the year.
- 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.
