More than 40 new doctors have commenced as Mackay Hospital and Health Service’s 2022 intern cohort.
Chief Executive Lisa Davies-Jones said she is delighted that 41 interns have chosen Mackay HHS to complete their intern year.
“Medicine is a commitment to lifelong learning. Interns will benefit from our excellent training program and a modern facility that is led by an experienced and dedicated team of medical professionals,” she said.
“Interns finalised their two-week orientation phase at Mackay Base Hospital and have now begun their rotations.
“We congratulate the new interns on commencing this exciting first stage of their careers where they will be making a difference to our patients and communities.”
Ms Davies Jones said some of the cohort had spent time in Mackay on placement as medical students.
“The majority are graduates of James Cook University and the University of Queensland,” she said.
“It’s great to see students returning to our health service. Mackay is the perfect place to transition from student to doctor.”
Director of Clinical Training Dr Stephen Lambert said interns will be in a position to take advantage of a state-of-the-art simulation centre while experiencing the varying opportunities regional and rural health facilities present.
“Of the 41 interns commencing with us, 34 will start the year here at Mackay Base Hospital, with others going to locations including Bowen, Proserpine and Mater hospitals, and a local GP for varying durations,” he said.
“The cohort includes eight on the Rural Generalist Pathway during which they will develop advanced skills they need to work in rural communities.”
The internship consists of three core rotations in general medicine, general surgical and emergency medicine and electives chosen from obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, mental health, rural hospital, general practice and intensive care.
“Throughout their rotations, interns will gain practical, frontline experience with the support of senior colleagues and the Medical Education team.
“There are good opportunities for doctors to stay here and move into programs such as the general practice training, psychiatry, anaesthetics, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and emergency medicine.
“We hope that by providing a good variety of placements for the interns, they will choose to work in the region in the future.”
Another benefit is the extensive two-week orientation program, which includes a buddy program where the new doctors are paired with a 2021 intern.
“Our intern orientation program covers many aspects including patient safety, infection control and medical simulations,” Dr Lambert said.
“We find that the buddy program helps interns settle in and get some tips on how to manage their workflow.
“They shadow 2021 interns during ward rounds and handovers to become familiar with their surrounds and gain an early understanding of processes.
“It’s a confidence boost as well to get some advice from someone who has been in your shoes just a year ago.”
Dr Lambert said over half of last year’s interns have chosen to stay in Mackay.
“We have improved retention of interns from the previous year which is always very pleasing, and we believe it’s our quality of experience available to young doctors here and support from our Medical Education team.”
“Interns are more likely to be involved in diverse and complex scenarios compared to their city peers, which is why they enjoy their placement in regional and rural facilities.”
The cohort were officially welcomed to Mackay HHS in January after their two-week orientation wrapped up.
