"I gained invaluable skills and was even able to count my time abroad towards core medical training so didn’t feel like I had lost years compared to my fellow graduates.”
Medicine alumna and Registrar in HIV and Genitourinary Medicine, Ayoma Ratnappuli, graduated from St George’s in 2014. Following the completion of her Foundation Programme, she spent three years living in Australia. Ayoma returned to the UK last year and now works at King’s College Hospital. Ayoma spoke to us about her career path since leaving St George’s and shares some key advice with those considering a move overseas.
Speaking about how St George’s prepared her for her current role and how she came to work in Australia, Ayoma says: “My involvement in research at St George’s enabled me to secure an Academic Foundation Programme in HIV. This helped me gain relevant clinical experience, network within the specialty and cemented my passion for HIV/GUM (sexual health).
“I went on to live in Australia for nearly four years including working at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre which was an invaluable experience and set me up to successfully apply to Registrar training on my return to the UK.”
Be prepared and consider your options carefully
Ayoma always knew she wanted to move to Australia following completion of Foundation Training and says, “My choice to work abroad resulted in invaluable career and personal growth. I would, however, caution anyone considering working abroad to be prepared, think carefully about why you want to work overseas, and consider where you want to go.”
Although Australia and New Zealand are the typical places UK graduates move to, there is a whole world out there. Think about what it is you hope to primarily gain by working overseas – do you wish to experience a different culture, work in a lower income country, do you want to use it as a base for travel or do you already have contacts abroad who could assist you? These questions will help you get the most out of your experience.”
Start planning early
Ayoma started researching her move to Australia in the first year of her foundation course and says, “Planning was key as it can be a long process. To qualify for a work visa, I needed to be sponsored by a hospital, so I needed to secure a job first.
“To do this I needed to register my medical degree with multiple Australian authorities, which was a lengthy process. I consulted several forums and fellow graduates who had already moved to Australia to guide me through the process.”
Save up to cover costs
Ayoma advises to start saving to help cover the cost of moving abroad: “Administration fees alone for my relocation came to approximately £1,500 and I quickly worked through the £3,000 I took with me for the initial move with housing and vehicle costs.
“To make life easier and less stressful, ensure you are saving up and don’t rely on your overseas salary in the first instance. My work visa was delayed and although I was able to enter the country on a tourist visa, I could not achieve my planned start date which meant relying on savings.”
Be flexible
Speaking about the process of looking for work in Australia, Ayoma says, “I must have applied for 30 jobs across the whole of Australia and although I didn't end up at my initial location of choice, it was a great starting point living in the beautiful Northern Beaches of Sydney.
“Perseverance and flexibility will ensure you succeed. During almost four years abroad I worked in many different specialties in a variety of different hospitals and locations. I gained invaluable skills and was even able to count my time abroad towards core medical training so didn’t feel like I had lost years compared to my fellow graduates.”
Reflecting on her time abroad, she adds, “During my time abroad I made many new friends, learnt the value of work-life balance and had many St George’s friends visit for a holiday. You never know where life will take you after graduation, but I would advise taking advantage of your invaluable degree which could take you anywhere in the world!”
