Thinking of moving your psychiatry career to Ireland? In this episode of our Dr. Diaries: Adventures to Ireland podcast, South African psychiatrist Dr. Stoffel Grobler shares his honest experience of relocating, settling into work, and building a new life here.
Why Ireland?
After building a successful career as a Clinical Head in South Africa, Dr. Grobler decided it was time for a change, and Ireland was calling.
“Once I connected with the recruitment team, things just fell into place. The process was fast, supportive, and very human.”
He also had deep personal ties to Ireland through his mother, who was Irish, making the move feel like coming home.
For psychiatrists considering relocating, having expert guidance from a recruitment team can turn an overwhelming process into a seamless journey.
Preparing to Relocate: Mindset Matters as Much as Paperwork
Moving across the world is more than just ticking off checklists. Dr. Grobler highlights the importance of mental preparation:
“You have to plan how you’ll stay connected to friends and colleagues back home. It’s okay to miss people … and they’re only a phone call away.”
Practical preparation also includes:
- Expecting cultural and weather differences
- Organising medical registration, logbooks and documentation early
- Starting your accommodation search well in advance
Working as a Psychiatrist in Ireland: Supportive Culture and Work-Life Balance
One of the standout aspects of his new life is Ireland’s workplace culture:
“The support has blown me away. Everyone pulls their weight, and there’s a friendliness that makes you want to come into the office.”
Dr. Grobler works a hybrid pattern, often writing reports from home and seeing clients in person at the clinic. He values the collaborative culture, which has been key to avoiding burnout, a common challenge in psychiatry.
“We care for others, but we must care for ourselves too.”
Adjusting to Life in Ireland: A Warm Welcome and Sense of Safety
Outside work, the sense of safety has been transformative:
“That underlying anxiety I carried in South Africa just isn’t here. It lifts so much stress from daily life.”
He encourages fellow psychiatrists to:
- Get involved in local activities (like swimming clubs)
- Embrace social interaction at work
- Explore Ireland’s stunning scenery and friendly culture
These steps can fast-track that feeling of belonging.
Dr. Grobler’s Top Tips for Psychiatrists Relocating to Ireland
- Have your admin ready: Registration, logbooks, and references
- Be realistic about housing: Properties are smaller and rent is higher
- Protect your wellbeing: Build boundaries to prevent burnout
- Stay connected: Keep close ties with friends and colleagues back home
- Prepare for the seasons: Blackout blinds for long summer evenings, layers for winter
The Reward: A Better Quality of Life
“It’s hard to describe the relief of living without that constant underlying anxiety. It’s been transformative.”
For Dr. Grobler, moving to Ireland has brought professional fulfilment, personal security, and a new place to call home.
Start Your Own Irish Journey
If you’re a psychiatrist thinking about moving to Ireland, listen to the full conversation with Dr. Grobler on our Dr. Diaries: Adventures to Ireland podcast.
📌 Listen here or watch below:
And when you’re ready to take the next step, contact our MatchMedics recruitment team.