We recently spoke with Dr Asma Akther, an International Medical Graduate (IMG) from Bangladesh who is now working as a GP in Mildura, Victoria. Her journey to rural general practice is one of dedication, adaptability, and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in community healthcare.
After completing her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2013, Dr Akther began her medical career as a Resident Medical Officer in Bangladesh. She set her sights on practising in Australia and successfully passed both Australian Medical Council (AMC) Part 1 and Part 2 (Clinical). In 2023, after passing the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI), she began practising as a GP in Victoria. Along the way, she also contributed to the professional development of other international graduates by working as a tutor for clinical exam preparation at Australian Registered International Medical Graduates Specialist Assessment Services (ARIMGSAS).
Now based in Mildura, Dr Akther delivers primary care services to the local community. Her responsibilities as a rural GP include managing chronic diseases, supporting preventative healthcare, and coordinating specialist referrals. She finds rural general practice fulfilling, explaining that her decision to work in a rural setting was inspired by a combination of clinical diversity, the opportunity to make a real impact, and the welcoming nature of rural communities.
Dr Akther first came across RWAV while exploring general practice opportunities online. She was drawn to RWAV’s focus on supporting rural and regional healthcare through recruitment, workforce development, and outreach programs. She is currently participating in the Practice Facilitation Program (PFP) and has accessed RWAV’s grant programs, which allowed her to attend conferences to further her professional development. She describes RWAV’s support as instrumental in helping her settle into rural practice and grow in her role.
She strongly recommends RWAV to her peers and colleagues, especially those considering a move to rural or regional Victoria. She sees RWAV not just as a recruitment agency but as an organisation that provides meaningful, ongoing support to healthcare professionals, enabling them to thrive and stay connected.
For GPs thinking about relocating to rural Victoria, her advice is to research the area thoroughly—considering amenities, schools, and career opportunities for family members—while also exploring the unique professional and lifestyle advantages of rural living. She believes RWAV is a valuable partner in this process, offering practical assistance with recruitment, relocation, and grants designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.
The Health Workforce Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health administered by RWAV in Victoria.
Are you interested in pursuing professional development opportunities or postgraduate studies? Consider applying for the Health Workforce Scholarship Program. This grant supports health professionals working in private practice in rural and regional Victoria to access up to $10,000 per financial year to train and upskill. Learn more here: https://www.rwav.com.au/grants-page/