"My journey to Australia"

× Video of Dr John Bethell talking about his experience of moving to Australia in 1991

Dr John Bethell's journey: from the UK to Australia

In 1991, Dr John Bethell made a bold decision that many British doctors dream of - he left the cold, wet UK winter behind and moved to Australia. This move came in the pre-internet era, making the process both labour-intensive and uncertain. John sent numerous letters to hospitals across Australia, facing rejections and offers from less-than-ideal locations. Just when he was about to give up, a phone call from Australian Immigration changed everything. He learned that a job was waiting for him on the Gold Coast in Queensland. After a frantic three months of paperwork, John commenced his three-decade adventure in Australia, never looking back.

Challenges faced by overseas doctors

From navigating complex immigration procedures to meeting  registration requirements, the journey to Australia as a doctor can seem daunting. Additionally, adapting to a new healthcare system and cultural environment can be daunting. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. With determination and the right support, many doctors successfully transition to fulfilling careers in Australia.

How Wavelength supports overseas doctors

In 1998, John co-founded Wavelength International with Claire Ponsford, aiming to ease the transition for overseas-trained doctors. Over the past 25 years, we've helped hundreds of doctors with finding overseas roles, as well as the immigration and registration process. Our team of specialist recruiters understand the local medical workforce landscape, and our in-house regulatory and migration team can help you through every step of the migration paperwork. 

Relocating to Australia is a significant step, but as John's journey shows, it is a step worth taking. With the right preparation and support, overseas-trained doctors can find rewarding careers and enriching experiences down under.  Start your journey here.