#WeAreNorthern

Meet Dr Amina Shaukat, Psychiatry Registrar, Northern Health IMG and Psychiatry Representative.

Q: What’s your coffee order?

A: I’m not much of a coffee person. I’ll always choose chai instead.

Q: Where did your journey begin? Tell us a little about where you’re from and what inspired you to pursue medicine?

A: My roots are in Pakistan, and I was born and grew up in the UAE. Whilst medicine was initially my parents’ dream for me, it gradually became my own as I discovered a deep passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives especially in mental health.

Q: What was it like arriving in Australia and navigating a new healthcare system for the first time?

A: Arriving in Australia was a significant cultural shift. Something as simple as shops closing early during weekdays was surprising at first. Professionally, adapting to the healthcare system was equally challenging. From understanding salary structures like Gross vs Net pay, to even learning different pronunciations for medical conditions and medications, it was a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Q: Can you share how you became involved in Northern Health’s Observership program through the Medical Education Department?

A: I first heard about Northern Health through friends and later came across the Observership opportunity online. What stood out to me were the organisation’s values “Safe, Kind, Together” which closely align with my own. I knew it would be a supportive place to continue my journey.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as an International Medical Graduate (IMG), and how did you work through them?

A: Like many IMGs, I felt pressure to fit in, perform well, and remain positive at all times. Over time, I realised that staying silent about challenges wasn’t sustainable. Learning about my workplace rights and finding the courage to speak up were important turning points. These experiences helped me grow in confidence and resilience.

Q: Who or what made the biggest difference in your journey – any moments of support from colleagues that stayed with you?

A: The most meaningful support in my journey has come from my mum (RIP), my husband, and my children. I had only just met my husband when I made the decision to return to medical practice in Australia. Within a few months, I asked if he would support me, not just emotionally, but financially as well, and he did so wholeheartedly. One of the most significant moments in my life was knowing that my mum was able to see me become a registered doctor, working in Australia before she passed. That remains my greatest achievement.

I also had a colleague who supported me deeply during a particularly stressful time while preparing for Australian medical council exams, working full time as a medical officer at Northern Health, and having a young family.

When I felt exhausted and overwhelmed, she encouraged me to channel that frustration into determination and confidence – to stand strong and show the examiner what I was capable of. Her words stayed with me, and I carried that mindset into my exam and I passed.

Q: Looking back, what would you say to other internationally trained doctors who may be feeling uncertain or just starting out on a similar path?

A: Be patient with yourself and trust the process. It’s okay to feel uncertain, but don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Understanding your rights and speaking up are key.

Most importantly, keep going, your persistence will only lead you forward. As Aristotle once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,” and having patience is totally worth it.

Q: What is your favourite book or movie character, and why?

A: I love The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.

Its message about kindness, courage, and vulnerability really resonates with me. Something I share in my daily practice with people around me.

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? asked the boy.

‘Help,’ said the horse.

‘Asking for help isn’t giving up,’ said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”

Q: Sweet or savoury?

A: Savoury with spices, without a doubt!

Pictured in featured image: Dr Amina Shaukat with her dog Pluto.