From Sri Lanka to Oberon
Dr Ganesan Senthan’s journey into rural General Practice
For Dr Ganesan Senthan, the decision to settle in Oberon, New South Wales, and serve its rural community was the culmination of a journey that began in Sri Lanka.
The town of Oberon, known for its chilly winters and breathtaking landscapes in the Central Tablelands, became not only his workplace but also his home, where he lives with his wife and two young sons.
As a rural GP, he has found immense purpose in his work, a profession he regards as more than a career – it is a vocation, one deeply connected to the community.
Since joining Oberon Medical Centre three years ago, Ganesan has thrived in his role as a rural generalist.
In 2024, he achieved his GP fellowship after years of intensive training through the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).
His path, shaped by resilience and dedication, highlights the possibilities and rewards of rural general practice, especially for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) like himself.
Born in Sri Lanka, Ganesan grew up in a family where education was highly valued. His father, a High Court Registrar, was his guiding star.
“Education was seen as the key to a better future in our country. For me, the greatest way to show my respect and gratitude to my parents and teachers was to study hard and make a meaningful contribution to society,” he recalls.
This sense of duty led him to pursue a medical degree at the University of Jaffna, graduating in 2009.
Inspired by a mix of personal experiences and admiration for medical professionals, Ganesan developed a deep interest in healthcare from a young age.
“As the youngest in my family, I often found myself in hospitals and clinics as a child, and I remember being fascinated by the medical students and doctors in the wards,” he shares.
His early encounters with the medical world sparked a passion that would define his future.
After completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colombo, Ganesan worked in critical care and emergency medicine in Sri Lanka.
Upon moving to Australia, he continued his work in emergency departments at Campbelltown, Camden, and Fairfield hospitals in southwest Sydney
However, his time in emergency medicine was only part of the story. He realised that his true calling was rural general practice, where he could make a sustained difference in the lives of his patients.
The decision to transition from emergency medicine to general practice in a rural area was not without challenges.
“It was a big leap. Financially, it was difficult at first, especially while moving to a remote region with my family and managing the demands of training,” Ganesan reflects.
“There were days when balancing work, study, and family life seemed impossible, especially with two young boys.”
He enrolled in the RVTS, a program designed to support doctors training in remote and rural areas, and it became a lifeline.
“RVTS was a family in itself, wholeheartedly supporting me through every challenge, from exam preparation to adapting to rural life,” he says.
Despite these challenges, Ganesan felt a deep sense of fulfillment in his role.
“Being a GP in a rural area is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
“The trust patients place in you is priceless, and the opportunity to be part of a community, providing care across all ages and conditions, is something not every doctor gets to experience.”
Living and practising in Oberon has been a transformative experience for Ganesan, particularly in how he connects with the local community.
Coming from a remote island in Sri Lanka, he believes that his background helped him adapt to rural Australia.
“I grew up in a small, resource-limited place, so I was already used to working in challenging conditions.
“Rural practice feels like a natural fit for me. The community here in Oberon has welcomed my family and me, and I feel like I’ve become an integral part of it.”
The relationship between rural doctors and their communities is one of mutual dependence, and Ganesan takes pride in being part of that connection.
“From my point of view, the famous quote by legendary Greek philosopher Aristotle – ‘Man is a social animal’ – suits very well to a health professional who prefers to practice in rural and remote region,” he says.
“In a small town, everyone needs everyone. The interactions, the recognition, the unity you experience are irreplaceable.
“And the fact that the whole community comes together to help each other through challenges is something I cherish.”
His patients frequently express their gratitude in ways that reaffirm his choice to practise in a rural area.
“I remember a patient telling me, ‘I’m here today because you pushed me to go to the hospital that day, Doc.’
“Hearing things like that makes it all worth it,” Ganesan says with a smile.
Beyond his clinical work, Ganesan is a keen writer and an accomplished player of the classical Indian percussion instrument, the Mridangam.
This cultural connection allows him to maintain a sense of identity, even in a small rural town far from home.
As Ganesan looks to the future, he is eager to expand his skills and knowledge further, but his passion lies in teaching.
“My dream is to be involved in teaching medicine, especially in rural and remote settings,” he says.
“Passing on knowledge is the only way we can inspire the next generation of rural health professionals. It’s also a way for me to stay up-to-date with medical advancements.”
His goal is to encourage more doctors, particularly IMGs, to consider rural generalism as a career.
“Rural medicine is not for everyone, but for those who have the drive and the heart to serve in under-resourced areas, it’s a fulfilling life.
“It’s about more than just treating patients – it’s about becoming part of a community, facing challenges together, and making a lasting impact.”
Since settling in Oberon, Ganesan has not only made a name for himself as a skilled doctor but also as a valued member of the community.
His patients travel long distances just to see him, and his commitment to their care is evident in the strong relationships he has built.
Reflecting on his journey, Ganesan expresses gratitude for the opportunities that rural general practice has afforded him, especially through the support of the RVTS.
“I’m grateful for the RVTS and the people who helped me along the way – my educators, supervisors, and my practice staff. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
With a successful career, a supportive family, and a vision for the future, Ganesan remains deeply committed to his role as a rural generalist in Oberon.
His journey from Sri Lanka to rural Australia is a powerful testament to the potential for IMG graduates to not only succeed but thrive in rural practice.
“Being a rural GP is about more than medicine,” Ganesan says. “It’s about building trust, understanding your community, and making a real difference.
“It’s a rewarding and unique path, and I’m proud to walk it every day.”
Oberon photo by Ev Ko
