Dr Meenal Joshi: Advocating for International Medical Graduates in General Practice
For Dr Meenal Joshi, the journey to becoming a Rural Generalist in Australia has been one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in rural communities. Now, as a newly appointed Registrar Advisor for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) at General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA), she hopes to use her experiences to guide and support others navigating the path to general practice.
Meenal currently practises in Colac, Victoria, where she works across a diverse range of settings, including a general practice clinic, urgent care, ward rounds, a nursing home, and a respite centre.
Beyond clinical work, she is deeply involved in medical education, mentoring medical students and registrars, and serving as the Registrar Liaison Officer for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Victoria.
Her passion for rural medicine stems from her upbringing in Rajasthan, India. Growing up, she witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by people in rural communities due to a lack of timely medical care.
Stories of delayed treatment, including the tragic deaths of her great-grandfather and cousin from bull attacks due to the absence of immediate medical help, left a lasting impact on her.
“I realised from an early age the deep connection that doctors form with their communities,” she says.
“There is a vast difference between being a doctor in a city and being one in a rural area.
Rural doctors require a broader set of skills, and I found their knowledge and adaptability truly inspiring.”
Determined to make a difference, Meenal pursued her medical education in India before migrating to Australia in 2017.
She joined ACRRM in 2020 and recently achieved her fellowship in January 2025, with advanced skills in Emergency Medicine.
Her journey has given her a unique understanding of the challenges IMGs face as they integrate into Australia’s healthcare system.
With her own experiences as an IMG shaping her perspective, Meenal was drawn to the opportunity to serve as an IMG Registrar Advisor with GPRA.
“Having worked alongside GPRA in my role as an RLO for ACRRM Victoria, I saw first-hand the incredible impact GPRA has on GP trainees,” she explains.
“When the opportunity came up to advocate for my IMG colleagues, I jumped at it.”
In her new role, Meenal aims to provide mentorship, guidance, and advocacy for IMGs who are pursuing a career in general practice.
She understands the struggles of settling into a new country, adapting to a different healthcare system, and working towards fellowship.
“I hope my journey – of being an IMG, becoming a fellow, and settling into a new country – can help others who are on the same path,” she says.
“It has not been an easy journey, and there have been struggles, but I am blessed to be where I am today with a great community of people around me.
“I want to share the lessons I’ve learned to help others achieve their dreams.”
Meenal finds immense satisfaction in general practice, particularly in the strong patient-doctor relationships it fosters.
She recalls a powerful moment early in her career while working in mental health at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
She encountered a patient with marijuana-induced psychosis who struggled with communication due to autism spectrum disorder.
Through patience and persistence, she gained his trust and helped him accept a treatment plan that ultimately turned his life around.
Nearly a year later, he approached her while visiting a friend’s mother in the hospital, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the care and support she had provided during his darkest times.
“It was one of the best moments of my medical career,” she recalls.
“It made me realise how our actions and interactions can have a cascading effect on our future patients too.”
However, being a GP is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles, she says, is addressing deeply ingrained patient beliefs that may be harmful to their health.
It requires patience, education, and compassionate communication – qualities she believes are essential for any GP.
“Among being responsible, disciplined, and having good time management, the most important trait a GP needs is compassion,” she says.
“Realising your patients are people too, listening to them, respecting their decisions even if you disagree, and always being kind – these things go a long way.”
As she steps into her new role with GPRA, Meenal is eager to make a meaningful impact on the IMG community in general practice.
She envisions a future where IMGs feel supported, empowered, and equipped to navigate the complexities of their medical careers in Australia.
“I see myself continuing in rural medicine, learning and growing, and embracing new opportunities,” she says.
“More importantly, I want to keep supporting others who are walking the same path I once did.”
Through her passion, dedication, and personal experience, Dr Meenal Joshi is not only an advocate for IMGs but also a role model for the next generation of rural GPs.
