Romanian-born Dr Guguila, 52, has lived in Horsham for a year after arriving in Australia in 2010. 

As a qualified surgeon, general practitioner and skin cancer specialist, Dr Guguila works at Horsham’s Lister House Clinic and the Australian Skin Face Body skin cancer clinic. 

“When I wanted to apply for permanent residency I was refused because I am too old – you can only be granted residency until the age of 49 and I am 52,” she said. 

“I was very surprised because this new regulation was only introduced last July and I was also surprised because they are looking to get specialists like me in regional areas. 

“When I came to Horsham I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay to be honest but the people at Lister House became something like my family because there is just this chemistry and I decided to stay – it is very simple. 

“I would really like to have some roots and stay in one place, to know people as I get more experienced – I don’t like to say older – and enjoy them knowing me.”

Dr Guguila said the stress of being denied permanent residency caused heart palpitations just days after the decision was handed down. 

“I was pretty upset and I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. It was probably just too much for me to handle,” she said. “I love what I do so obviously when I go to work I am able to forget for a while but then when I return home it is still a concern.”

Dr Guguila said her patients had thrown their support behind her by offering to start a petition to keep her in the country after her visa expires in May 2014. 

“My patients ask me all the time if I am staying and I say that I would love to but I don’t know if I can,” she said. 

“I normally follow the laws and I don’t like to fight decisions because I am not a politician. I am a doctor who just wants a chance to do what I do.

“To be honest I am a little bit lost because I don’t know what to do.”

Dr Guguila said she was told that if she could find another sponsor she might be allowed to extend her visa by four years. 

“I am concerned that the laws will be the same then and I can’t put myself and my life completely on hold for another four years,” she said. 

“I bought a house here in September and I am very happy – I love this part of the world – but I am already thinking about returning to London where I lived before coming to Australia.” 

Wimmera Health Care Group and Lister House Clinic are helping Dr Guguila in her quest to become a permanent resident. 

Lister House Clinic practice manager Robert Phillips said it was disappointing Dr Guguila would be forced to leave Australia. 

“She is a very experienced general practitioner and is very popular with her patients,” he said. 

“She has a great bed-side manner and is a very happy person.

“We would support her in her efforts to remain here.”