I appreciate the ongoing support I have received at Northern Health throughout these years. I also extend my sincere thanks to the ANZCA team for their long-term guidance and support throughout my pathway.
Providing a better living environment for my family, especially my daughter, was one of my main motivations for moving to Australia. I wanted her to have opportunities and experiences beyond those I had growing up. At the same time, after more than ten years of practice in a major quaternary hospital, I felt it was time to broaden my experience by working within a different health system.
During this period, I passed the exams and completed the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) through the ESAIC. I also applied for ANZCA assessment and finally got a partially comparable assessment. Later, I was granted permanent residency in Australia based on my scientific contributions. Everything was being prepared to move to Australia.
In 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, my wife, daughter, and I arrived in Melbourne and entered home quarantine. From there, I applied widely for positions, and I was fortunate to be offered a role at Northern Health. This opportunity became my greatest achievement after relocating to Australia and the gateway to a new professional life.
The first weeks were challenging. Small but a lot of differences in anaesthesia practice and routines, combined with language barriers and cultural adjustments, made the transition difficult. I am deeply grateful to the Northern Health Anaesthetic Department, its director, SOTs, and consultants, who trusted me, supported me, and helped me to settle into the system.
Soon after, I began preparing for the viva exam. This was initially overwhelming, as I needed to refresh and expand my knowledge across all areas of anaesthesia and learn how to deliver responses in the viva format. My background was predominantly in intra-abdominal organ transplantation (including liver transplantation), thoracic surgery, ENT and head and neck, and neurosurgery, so broadening my scope again was another significant challenge. The consultants at Northern Health were exceptionally generous with their time, guidance, and teaching, and their support played a major role in my preparation. I also took advantages of lots of helpful resources including BJA Education manuscripts, Austin Hospital teaching sessions, final exam refresher courses, Sunday class, Viva Boot Camp, ASA Exam practice sessions, and I-Excel courses.
Alongside my own journey was my daughter’s. When we moved to Australia, she was in year nine, and she was one of my main motivations for relocating. I wanted her to grow up and be educated in a society with greater opportunities for women. Supporting her to reach her goals has always been one of my biggest priorities.
In 2025, our family flourished: she commenced her undergraduate medical degree, and I successfully completed the examinations and requirements to become a FANZCA. I am profoundly grateful to my wife, whose dedication and support were essential to our family’s progress.
I appreciate the ongoing support I have received at Northern Health throughout these years. I also extend my sincere thanks to the ANZCA team for their long-term guidance and support throughout my pathway.