Moving overseas was never at the forefront of my mind, but a desire to explore more in my professional journey led me to Australia. The opportunity at Royal Perth Hospital was a significant step, though the journey began with extensive paperwork for provisional registration, a process both long and arduous. I focused on gaining local experience, taking a registrar position in anaesthesia at Royal Perth Hospital
Arriving in March 2023, adapting to a new healthcare system and work environment was challenging. Having already completed specialist training in India, including a three-year neuroanaesthesia fellowship, I aimed to further strengthen my CV. I decided to sit for the EDAIC exam in November 2023 as a step toward gaining comparability with ANZCA.
In August 2024, I was deemed “partially comparable”, a crucial step forward. I planned to sit for the exams in May 2025. Although I felt confident in my approach, the pressure was undeniable, as I was balancing the pressure of high-stakes exam preparation alongside the administrative challenges of AHPRA renewal and ongoing visa requirements.
My strategy was simple: build on my existing knowledge and draw from my clinical experience. To prepare thoroughly, I enrolled in the SIMG-IXCEL course, the ANZCA-WA long course, and attended both the NSW and Victoria final exam refresher courses. These programs provided valuable insight into exam preparation, particularly the viva component. I took all feedback constructively and used it to guide my preparation. The final two months leading up to the exam were intense. My colleagues and I spent countless hours on Zoom, working through past exam reports, discussing clinical scenarios, and conducting mock viva sessions. That collaborative effort was incredibly valuable in building both knowledge and confidence.
Throughout this period, my department and colleagues offered immense support especially my supervisor of training, Dr Leigh Coombs, and co-supervisor, Dr Lisa Molloy, helping me navigate the training process and adapt to the Australian healthcare system.
As of July 2025, I am proud to have successfully completed the ANZCA examinations. With the fellowship pathway approaching completion, I look forward being a specialist anaesthetist in Australia! This milestone marks the culmination of immense hard work and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. I am extremely grateful to my friends, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support over the past two years. I'm thrilled to contribute to Australian healthcare and, finally, take the time to enjoy the scenic views and beautiful beaches this country offers. My professional dream has found its home, and I'm excited for what lies ahead.