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RDN supports Sapphire Coast Medical Practice to welcome Dr Divyani Gupta!
23rd May 2025
As part of its collaborative efforts to support under-resourced communities to build capability in health services, RDN provides free and comprehensive support for the recruitment of GPs, nursing and allied health professionals in remote, rural and regional NSW, and to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in both those regions and metropolitan areas.
Recently, RDN has been working closely with Practice Manager Michelle Preo of Sapphire Coast Medical Practice, to provide recruitment support.
Michelle was supported in her efforts to attract Dr Divyani Gupta, who was previously living in Victoria, to Sapphire Coast Medical Practice, where she is now a very welcome addition to the team and community!
“Having not had a non-VR doctor before, this was a new space for us, however RDN provided guidance in setting up the OMP Medicare Item Numbers etc upon Dr Gupta’s commencement and she is doing very well,” Michelle said.
RDN's Medical Workforce Consultant, Pahu Hepana explained that RDN's team outlined the steps to commencement for the practice, including working through AHPRA registration steps, contacting RACGP to ensure supervisors were accredited to support Dr Gupta through to GP training and the process to apply for the Pre-Fellowship Program and relocation support.
See the exact recruitment steps and support provided by Pahu and the recruitment team here, including ongoing support and training opportunities.
Michelle recently reached out to RDN to pass on her thanks for the support RDN’s recruitment team provided during this time.
“RDN staff were wonderful in providing speedy advice and approval of a new PFP placement,” Michelle said.
“We really appreciate all your hard work on this - what a wonderful team you are and such great resource and support to General Practice,” she said.
Michelle explained that she had been introduced to members of the RDN team by existing Practice staff when she commenced her role as Practice Manager.
“RDN also arranged a catch-up online during the Covid lockdown period to discuss how they could be of assistance to us in recruiting new GPs,” Michelle said.
“I understand we had previously sought the advice and assistance of RDN to recruit another IMG quite a few years ago.”
Michelle doesn’t shy away from the fact that, despite the region offering the most picturesque place to live and work, it can be hard to attract doctors. However, she explains that this is not an isolated issue and that common misconceptions about working in regional towns can add to doctors’ reluctance to consider a move.
“The Sapphire Coast is not alone in its GP workforce shortage – this is a national problem that needs to be addressed as a priority,” Michelle said.
“The Sapphire Coast of NSW is one of the most beautiful areas in Australia,” she said. “It caters to everyone, with pristine beaches and yet only a two-hour drive from the NSW snowfields.
“Common misconceptions include that career progression opportunities are limited and that rural general practice is isolated and lonely,” Michelle said.
“There are always new places to explore on weekends, with National Parks in abundance and a regional airport with daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne when a trip to the city is needed.
To overcome the misconceptions, Michelle hopes more regional and rural GPs will consider sharing their positive experiences about what career pathways were available to them and that new GPs are provided with teaching and supervision responsibilities to create peer support networks.
“Recent initiatives like the 'Welcome Experience' are now providing excellent support with integrating new medical staff into country areas and communities, meaning there is a higher likelihood they will stay,” Michelle said.
One doctor who is very happy to share her story of success moving to the Sapphire Coast is Dr Divyani Gupta!
“The thing I look most forward to is working with such a competent, hardworking and supportive team here at Sapphire Coast Medical Practice,” Dr Gupta said.
“I just adore the team I work with; my supervisors Dr Grace Daley and Dr John Marshman who have such wealth of experience. I feel blessed to have them as supervisors. The other lovely staff which make everything look super easy, admin staff, fellow GP registrars, GP’s, nursing staff and allied health staff,” she said.
Michelle couldn’t agree more, explaining that she loves her job and most of all, her team!
“It’s a wonderfully supportive Practice and everyone chips in and shares the load. Working in General Practice is extremely rewarding, as it provides such a critical service to our community,” Michelle said.
If you would like to find out more about how RDN can support you to relocate to regional, rural and remote NSW – contact our recruitment team today!
To learn more about Sapphire Coast Medical Practice, click here.
What recruitment steps did RDN’s team take to support Dr Gupta?
- Assisted the practice in assessing CV for eligibility
- Provided guidance on how to apply for a PESCI
- Applying for AHPRA registration
- Applying for PFP
- Contacting RACGP to ensure supervisors were accredited
- Relocation Grant via RDN
- Ongoing individual case management provided to Dr Gupta by RDN’s Workforce Support Officer.
The Workforce Support Officer will now work closely with Dr Gupta to assist her onto a GP Training Program and providing additional support throughout her time whilst on PFP.
Dr Gupta will also be offered the opportunity to attend RDN’s New GP Orientation (NGPO) Workshop and Advanced Life Support (ALS) training.
This process can take up to 9 - 12 months from Recruitment to start date but in Dr Gupta’s case it took 23 months.