Fresh-faced physicians Dr Whitney James and Dr Oliver Little are two of the 40 new doctors joining Bendigo Health for their 12-month internship this week.
Having both completed parts of their previous medical training here in Bendigo, they both hope to continue their long-term careers in the region.
“We didn’t preference any metropolitan hospitals because we’re pretty keen and dedicated to work rurally and regionally,” Dr Little said.
Dr James said previous training and care she received during her training pulled her back to Bendigo Health.
“Knowing the area is always a plus, but we were able to develop a deep love for the staff here,” she said.
“There’s a really strong collegiality here, people catch up outside of work and really want to foster an environment where you feel comfortable.
“You can express ideas and really contribute to the team.”
This year, half of the interns are Monash University graduates and several have graduated from other medical schools. Many of the interns have previously undertaken clinical rotations in Bendigo during their training.
Bendigo Health offers a comprehensive intern program in the areas of general medicine, general surgery, emergency, renal, oncology, orthopaedics, cardiology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine and urology.
Bendigo Health Supervisor of Intern Training Dr Amy Harding said the organisation offered well-rounded experience for budding clinicians.
“We have a lot of educational opportunities for our interns here,” Dr Harding said
“We’ve also got great ties and work very closely with our community.
“The relationships and connections the interns can make with more senior medical staff is excellent here at Bendigo Health.”
Two thirds of last year’s interns will continue working at Bendigo Health in 2024.