Trained in South Africa, living in Canada and now on locum in Australia – Dr Herman Mentz has been around, and loves his ability to blend work and travel.

”I’m a free spirited person. I’ve always wanted to travel, and I’m lucky I can work while doing so. Friends recommended Canada, and I came here initially on a six-month locum contract – I just ended up staying here cause I love it. British Columbia (BC) is so beautiful,” Herman says.

”But after eight years, I got the travel bug again, and wanted somewhere sunny this time.”

He then remembered a chance conversation with Justin Smith, Director of Your Doctor Jobs, at a conference a few years earlier.

Starting the journey

”I met Justin at a Continuing Medical Education Conference in Vancouver about four years ago. He was very personable and made a great first impression. I added him to my contacts in case I ever wanted a move Down Under,” says Herman.

”By chance, my neighbour in Vancouver is from Sydney, so was always selling the sun and fun during the cold winter months. I thought about it for a while, then dug out Justin’s card.”

A first phone conversation, discussing exactly what Herman wanted from an Aussie GP placement, provided him with five clinic options. Eventually, Herman settled on The Quay Family Healthcare Clinic in the seaside town of Torquay, Victoria.

Herman was keen to explore Australia in the same way as he tackles the wilds of Canada.

Getting there with YDJ

Herman was excited about the move but dreaded the paperwork, ”It can be frustrating. There are so many hold-ups with transferring qualifications and sorting out visas.”

”Luckily, Justin and his team, especially [administrator] Leisa [Gould], were so helpful. They really took the weight of the move, helping me with every request and making sure I was looked after. It’s an incredibly professional and personable service.”

Not even a mix up with Herman’s clinic presented much of a roadblock, ”There was a mix-up with my visa – the clinic was supposed to sponsor me, but there was a two-month delay with the paperwork. Justin shouldered the burden and made sure I got my visa on time.”

Exploring Victoria

With his time in Torquay nearing an end, Herman is reflective on all he had done, ”It’s been an amazing experience. I spent three weeks exploring Melbourne by foot, and did a large portion of the Great Ocean Road. Working regular hours for only five days a week in a small clinic was a big step away from the ER work I do in Sechelt (the small town in BC where I live).”

Herman also unwound by hiking and scuba diving in Victoria’s many remote nature spots.

Who doesn’t enjoy unwinding after a week of work with a quick dive?

”It’s beautiful here, and it’s been a wonderful experience made much easier with Your Doctor Jobs. I’m already talking to Justin about coming back for more locum work in September!”

Considering exploring Australia while undertaking a dream GP placement? Contact the Your Doctor Jobs team below and let’s make it happen!