About

Hey,

Murmurs & Magic – Stories & Strategies from an IMGs Journey

I’m Asma Zia — a Resident Medical Officer living and working in the beautiful city of Canberra, Australia. Over the past few years, I’ve had the honour of caring for patients through ACT Health, learning not just the science of medicine, but the art of empathy, resilience, and human connection. As I prepare to move into the world of primary care, I find myself both excited and deeply hopeful about the path ahead — one where relationships are built over time, and healing often begins with simply being present.

Before Australia became home, I was a medical graduate of Rawalpindi Medical University in Pakistan. I trained and worked in both district and tertiary care hospitals, where the realities of resource constraints and health inequities weren’t just statistics — they were the faces and stories I encountered every day. Those early years shaped me profoundly. They taught me to advocate fiercely, to listen deeply, and to hold onto compassion even in the hardest moments.

Murmurs & Magic is more than a blog — it’s a piece of my heart. It’s a space where I hope to share my journey, not as someone who has all the answers, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of stories, learning, and community. It’s a little tribute to my childhood love for teaching — and a space for those of us navigating the often unpredictable, but always meaningful, path of medicine.

Here, you’ll find reflections from the wards, quiet lessons from long shifts, stories of joy and heartbreak, and practical guidance for fellow doctors — especially those moving into the Australian healthcare system. Whether you’re just starting out, in the middle of a transition, or simply seeking connection — this space is for you.

I would love to hear your stories too. What has medicine taught you? What keeps you going on the hard days? Feel free to write to me at drzia.asma@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s grow, reflect, and support each other — one story at a time.