Testimonial: Ola

I became a GP in WA in January 2008.

I was invited to visit WA in September 2006 by a friend/former classmate, who has been living in WA since 2001. I liked the environment and the lifestyle. He encouraged me to relocate to WA. I sat the AMC part 1 exams during my visit.

Working in WA as a GP has given me the opportunity to have a balance between work and family life despite the enormous responsibility of working as a GP.

What I found most challenging was the Medicare item numbers. It took me a while to get used to using the appropriate item numbers. There are a significant number of overseas trained doctors in WA, who  provided me with the necessary support initially and made it easy to settle in well. The AMA staff also gave wonderful support. I have being working in outer metropolitan areas since being in WA. I look forward to having rural GP experience, I intend doing short term rural locum.

Being a GP in WA is most rewarding in terms of job satisfaction and having a positive impact in the community. Australia is very multicultural and the cultural barrier is not an impediment in achieving one's goals. There is enormous opportunities for career and professional development. It's also a good environment for my young family.

I encourage medical students and overseas trained doctors to consider a carrier in GP in WA, it's a satisfying experience.