What if relocating for work felt more like a working holiday—with better hours, stronger support and a beach just down the road?
For Dr. Philip, a junior doctor from Ireland, moving to Australia wasn’t just a career decision—it was a lifestyle upgrade.
In his story, Dr. Philip shares what surprised him, what he wishes he’d known earlier and why he believes the move was absolutely worth it.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
Dr. Philip: I relocated from Ireland and arrived in Australia in May 2025. I'm currently working as a Junior Doctor in General Surgery in the South West of Western Australia.
From a young age, I was drawn to scientific subjects but wanted to see the tangible impact my work could have on people's lives. Growing up, several of my relatives worked in hospitals, and I saw firsthand how doctors, nurses and physiotherapists could make a meaningful difference. That left a lasting impression on me.
One moment that stands out is when my grandfather underwent open-heart surgery. Watching doctors could extend a patient’s life by at least a decade felt nothing short of extraordinary. That experience sparked my early interest in surgery and solidified my desire to work in healthcare.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Australia?
Dr. Philip: The idea had been in the back of my mind since I was an intern in Ireland. I had applied for training there, but unfortunately, I missed out. At the time, the government had announced a moratorium on hiring for standalone jobs. While it was possible to secure a role through a training scheme, I didn’t want to risk being jobless if I relied on a standalone position. That’s when I started considering a move to Australia.
There’s always some stress involved when you decide to live and work in a new country. But being in a place with a familiar culture makes the transition easier—and for me, Australia felt like a natural fit. It’s culturally quite similar to Ireland, though with a different outlook. The people are friendly, the sense of humour is familiar and the lifestyle really appealed to me.
Now, I live just a five-minute walk from the hospital and only a ten-minute drive from anything else I might need. When I was in Ireland, I was commuting two hours a day. The work-life balance here is significantly better, and that’s made a real difference in my day-to-day life.
Q: How has practising as a doctor differed in Australia, compared to Ireland?
Dr. Philip:
- In Australia, work hours are more structured. There are formal morning and evening handovers, which were missing in some of the roles I had in Ireland. These handovers enhance communication between nurses and doctors and improve continuity of care. Although on-call hours in Australia are longer, there is stronger support from senior staff who encourage you to keep them updated during your on-call shift.
- Australian medical culture places a stronger emphasis on work-life balance. It’s common for healthcare professionals to pursue hobbies and enjoy time outside of work. That contributes to a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere. In contrast, the healthcare system in Ireland is under greater pressure and staff are more at risk of experiencing burnout, which can affect day-to-day interactions.
- Education is another key difference. In Australia, there is a structured approach to continuous medical education. We have weekly teaching sessions and dedicated training days across various specialties. Doctors are encouraged to attend sessions that interest them, regardless of their level. In Ireland, while there were some good teaching opportunities, they were often inconsistent or unavailable due to time constraints and workload.
Q: How did Global Medics support you throughout the relocation and placement process?
Dr. Philip: I initially applied for a role that would have required me to wait until July 2025, which wasn’t ideal. My recruitment consultant at Global Medics quickly stepped in, tailored the search to my preferences and found another hospital that was willing to sponsor me sooner. They arranged several interviews and gave me a clear idea of what to expect, including timelines and preparation tips. That guidance made the process much smoother.
Once I accepted the offer, the team kept me updated on all the paperwork and compliance requirements. They reviewed my documentation thoroughly to ensure everything was in order before submission, which helped avoid delays with AHPRA. Having someone manage that side of things was a huge relief—it made the process far less stressful.
What stood out was how personal the support felt. My recruiter regularly checked in and even provided insights about the hospital and the surrounding area. It wasn’t just about ticking a box to fill a role—they genuinely wanted to make sure my move to Australia was a fantastic experience.
In some states, especially outside of Western Australia, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door without local connections. Having Global Medics advocate on my behalf made a real difference. They knew the right people, understood the system and helped open doors that would have been hard to access on my own.
Q: What has been the most rewarding experience for you since moving to Australia?
Dr. Philip: It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment, but one thing that’s really stood out to me is the way patient care continues after discharge here. The turnaround process is quite different from what I experienced in Ireland.
We have a community-based follow-up program at my hospital with a dedicated medical team that continues to support patients even after they leave the hospital. They help ensure a safe and smooth transition back to everyday life, which I think is an absolutely incredible initiative.
What’s even more impressive is that this level of care is available in a regional setting—it’s technically a city, but it feels more like a town. The fact that such a comprehensive system is in place here speaks volumes about the focus on continuity of care in Australia. In Ireland, patients might remain in the hospital for days or weeks unnecessarily while discharge plans are still being worked out. This model here is far more proactive and patient-centred.
Q: What would you say to another junior doctor considering a similar move?
Dr. Philip: I’d say—just go for it. Moving to Australia has honestly felt a bit like being on an extended working holiday. You get to experience a new lifestyle, enjoy the benefits of a better work-life balance and still grow professionally in a supportive environment.
That said, it’s important to plan ahead. The relocation process takes longer than most people expect. I’d recommend giving yourself at least six months to get everything sorted—from job applications and interviews to visa processing and paperwork.
So, if you're thinking about it—start early, stay flexible and don’t be discouraged by the paperwork. It’s absolutely worth it in the end!
