Tomorrow, inductees of the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme will gather at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise for a two-day event where they will learn about the programme and what they can expect. Ahead of this, we sat down with Dr Liaqat Ali to learn about his motivations for joining the programme, his journey to Irish general practice, and his advice for others considering the same path.
Why did you choose the IMG Rural GP Programme?
“I chose the IMG Rural GP Programme because I see it as an exceptional opportunity to build upon my existing clinical experience within the Irish healthcare system and establish a long-term career in rural General Practice. Having worked in Ireland since December 2023, initially with SouthDoc out-of-hours services and subsequently in daytime General Practice at Convent Street Clinic in Listowel, I have developed a profound appreciation for the role GPs play in rural communities. I particularly enjoy the sheer diversity of General Practice, the privilege of building long-term relationships with patients, and the responsibility of providing comprehensive care. This programme allows me to strengthen my clinical competencies, deepen my understanding of Irish primary care, and grow into an even more confident, independent physician. My ultimate goal is to establish myself as a safe, committed, and trusted rural GP who makes a meaningful contribution to the local community.”
What was your career path before you applied?
“My medical journey began after graduating with my MBBS in 2009. I went on to complete postgraduate training in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi. Following this, I gained extensive hospital experience across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, including working as an ICU Resident, a role that honed my skills in managing critically ill patients, emergency interventions, and multidisciplinary care. I then transitioned into primary care, working as a General Practitioner in Pakistan and spending nearly seven years in Oman providing comprehensive care to diverse patient populations across all age groups. I also undertook additional paediatric hospital training in Pakistan. In December 2023, I relocated to Ireland and began working with SouthDoc. This provided vital exposure to the Irish healthcare system, particularly in acute assessment, clinical decision-making, direct hospital referrals, and inter-service communication. Since February 2026, I have also been practising daytime GP medicine at Convent Street Clinic in Listowel, County Kerry.”
Where are you based, and what does a typical week look like for you?
“I am based in Tralee, County Kerry. My working routine balances daytime clinical sessions with out-of-hours GP duties, alongside dedicated family time and professional development.
My day starts early with morning prayer, exercise, and getting my children ready for school. On my 30-minute commute to the practice in Listowel, I always take the opportunity to catch up with my parents back in Pakistan. Once at the clinic, I greet my colleagues, nursing staff, and administrative team before starting the day’s administrative work: reviewing lab results, hospital discharge summaries, and incoming correspondence. I then begin seeing patients in morning consultations. After a lunch break, I resume with afternoon clinical sessions. At the end of the day, I complete necessary home visits and phone consultations before heading home to spend time with my family. Currently, I work six daytime sessions per week alongside regular out-of-hours shifts. Outside of clinical practice, I dedicate consistent time to continuing professional development, reviewing evidence-based clinical guidelines, attending educational seminars, and reflecting on my clinical practice.”
What has your experience been like so far? Is there a highlight that stands out?
“Working in Ireland has been exceptionally rewarding, professionally enriching, and at times challenging. Transitioning from international medical practice required adapting to new clinical guidelines, local referral pathways, prescribing practices, documentation standards, and the overall structure of primary care. A major highlight has been moving into daytime General Practice at Convent Street Clinic. It has allowed me to deliver true continuity of care and build genuine connections with patients and their families over time. The most meaningful moments come when patients return and express sincere trust and confidence in the care they have received. Moments like those reinforce the importance of clear communication, empathy, and continuity in medicine. Working alongside such a supportive practice team has made the entire experience deeply fulfilling.”
What support has helped you most along the way?
“Professional mentorship, strong teamwork, and peer collaboration have been instrumental to my transition.Working alongside experienced local GPs, especially Dr Paul McKiernan, my mentor Dr Julia O’Connor, and Dr Eamon Jessup, has provided invaluable support. They have guided me through the nuances of the Irish healthcare system, local referral pathways, and the practicalities of delivering safe, effective primary care. I have also benefited greatly from participating in local GP CME (Continuing Medical Education) meetings and regularly consulting HSE and Irish College of GPs clinical guidance. Ultimately, staying open to feedback, acknowledging one’s limitations, and maintaining an eagerness to learn are the key drivers of professional growth.”
How have you found settling into the local community and life in Ireland?
“Listowel is a beautiful town filled with warm, welcoming people. A significant portion of my patients are elderly individuals who have deep, long-standing connections with their local GP practice.
When you join a practice as a new doctor, earning the trust of your patients is naturally a step-by-step process. However, I have found the patients here to be patient, kind, and incredibly empathetic. At its core, General Practice is about listening, understanding concerns, sharing decisions, and agreeing on care plans together. Once that foundation of shared trust is established, practice becomes immensely enjoyable.”
What would you say to others considering the programme?
“I would wholeheartedly encourage any International Medical Graduate considering rural General Practice to take this step. Adapting to a new healthcare system demands patience, flexibility, hard work, and a genuine willingness to learn. But if you are dedicated, passionate about patient care, and open to embracing new challenges, this is the ideal environment for you. Rural General Practice offers an incredibly rewarding career path, one where you can build lasting relationships with your patients and make a tangible difference in the heart of the community.”
The Irish College of GPs extends a warm welcome to all inductees attending this week’s event in Portlaoise.