Dr Suranga Wijesekara: A rural GP’s journey from Sri Lanka to Parkes, New South Wales
For Dr Suranga Wijesekara, the journey to becoming a GP in Australia began in her homeland of Sri Lanka.
Born and raised in the southern coastal town of Matara, she graduated from the Karapitiya Medical Faculty at the University of Ruhuna in 2007.
After working for five years in Sri Lanka, Suranga and her family took a bold leap, moving to Melbourne in 2015 in search of new opportunities.
It wasn’t just a professional move – it was also a personal challenge, balancing the demands of preparing for Australian medical qualifications while raising a young family.
Yet, the experience not only shaped her career but solidified her passion for rural general practice.
“I always knew I wanted to be a doctor,” Suranga recalls.
“It was a dream my parents and sisters encouraged, but my real push came from my zoology teacher in high school.
“She instilled a fascination with the human body and helped guide me towards medicine.”
Today, Suranga works as a GP at Parkes General Practice in rural New South Wales.
Her path to rural generalism came through the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), a program specifically designed to support doctors like her working in rural and remote areas.
Now a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), she credits her success to a combination of family support, determination, and the guidance she received through RVTS.
The transition from Sri Lanka to Australia came with its fair share of challenges.
Relocating with her husband and a one-and-a-half-year-old son, Suranga quickly found herself navigating the intricacies of a new culture while preparing for her Australian medical exams.
“It was tough,” she says. “I was juggling household chores, studying for exams, and caring for my child, all while trying to adapt to a completely different healthcare system.”
The move to regional New South Wales added another layer of complexity.
“When you come to a rural area, you quickly realise how important the role of a GP is to the community.
“You’re not just a doctor; you’re part of the fabric of people’s daily lives,” Suranga explains.
“Understanding the unique needs of a rural community, their expectations, and the challenges they face was an adjustment.”
The RVTS, along with support from the Rural Doctors Network (RDN), helped her navigate these obstacles.
“RVTS was invaluable in helping me settle into rural practice,” she shares.
“The program offered me so much – webinars, online resources, and exam support were just the beginning.
“My supervisor, medical educators, and cultural mentors guided me every step of the way, ensuring that I not only passed my exams but also became a better doctor.”
Suranga reflects on the importance of community among rural doctors.
“One of the things I valued most during my training was connecting with other doctors in rural Australia.
“The opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other, and form a supportive network was priceless.”
For Suranga, rural generalism is more than just a career – it’s a calling.
“What drew me to general practice in a rural setting was the sense of fulfillment,” she says.
“As a rural GP, you get to know your patients on a personal level. You see them regularly, form lasting relationships, and truly understand their health journey.”
The diversity of cases in rural practice is another aspect she enjoys.
“Every day is different. You might be treating chronic conditions, managing mental health issues, or responding to emergencies—all in the same day. It keeps you on your toes and constantly learning.”
Suranga also finds the work-life balance that comes with being a GP incredibly rewarding.
“The flexibility of my hours allows me to spend more time with my family, which is so important to me.
“I have two young boys, and being able to watch them grow up while still having a meaningful career is something I’m deeply grateful for.”
One of the most memorable experiences in Suranga’s career involves an 85-year-old woman who has become more than just a patient.
“She has several health issues – cardiac diseases, arthritis – and she lives far away from her daughter, which makes her feel quite isolated,” Suranga explains.
“Over time, we have developed a strong bond. I make it a point to visit her every Christmas with a small gift. Now, she refers to me as one of her daughters.
“It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this profession. The relationships you build with patients in a rural community are truly special.”
As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), Suranga understands the unique challenges that come with adapting to the Australian healthcare system, especially in rural settings.
“The Australian medical landscape is quite different from what I was used to in Sri Lanka,” she notes.
“But organisations like RVTS and RDN are incredible resources for IMGs. They offer mentorship, training, and the support you need to thrive, not just survive.”
Suranga encourages other IMGs to consider rural generalism as a career.
“The work is deeply fulfilling, and the rural community welcomes you with open arms,” she said.
“Yes, it can be challenging at times, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
“You’re not only making a difference in people’s lives, but you’re also growing as a professional in ways that urban practice can’t always offer.”
In the next five to 10 years, Suranga envisions herself continuing to contribute to rural healthcare, with hopes of owning her own practice.
“I want to create a space where I can mentor younger doctors, share my experiences, and provide the best care possible to my community.
“Rural health needs more doctors, and I want to play a role in encouraging others to take this path.”
Suranga’s journey – from Sri Lanka to Parkes, from a young medical graduate to an experienced rural GP – exemplifies the resilience, dedication, and passion needed to thrive in rural generalism.
She offers a message of hope and opportunity for IMGs looking to make a meaningful impact in the Australian healthcare system.
“For those considering rural generalism, I say go for it. It will challenge you, but it will also reward you in ways you never imagined,” Suranga concludes.
