THE MILES Government is thrilled to announce that Wide Bay’s frontline medical workforce will be bolstered by the addition of 28 new junior doctors in 2024.

Wide Bay remains a key hub for regional medical training, as the 28 new medical interns, including 12 in Hervey Bay and Maryborough, join Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS). Notably, three of them hail from Hervey Bay, solidifying the region’s influence in healthcare. 

The new recruits will gain a valuable hands-on learning experience working in WBHHS regional hospitals over the next 12 months, under the guidance and supervision of senior clinicians. 

The new interns at Hervey Bay Hospital commenced with an eight-day orientation program to familiarise themselves with the local hospitals, their services, and procedures. 

Over the year, they will then undertake rotations in key areas including medicine, surgery or orthopaedic surgery and emergency medicine, along with the opportunity to rotate to other specialised areas such as obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthetics, mental health, and paediatrics. 

The Miles Government is committed to bolstering Queensland Health’s workforce having invested $40.6 million in the 2023-24 budget to attract and employ more staff. 

 “I’d like to congratulate these highly valued junior doctors on their appointment within the world-class Queensland Health system,” said Acting Health Minister Mark Ryan.

“Starting a hospital internship is a major milestone for any doctor and marks the start of what will hopefully become long and successful careers providing healthcare for the community.”

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said, “It was fantastic to meet with Hervey Bay Hospital’s new medical interns and to hear how excited they are for the year ahead.  

“After years studying at university, their dedication and commitment to supporting their community’s healthcare needs is inspiring, and I know they will do a wonderful job supporting our Hervey Bay community.  

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll stated with these new doctors have already spent years completing their university training, and are now entering an exciting, but demanding, period of their careers.  

“Welcoming new doctors back to their hometown is not only an exciting professional development but also a win for our community,” She said.