South West junior doctor recognised nationally

A young WA Country Health Service doctor has been named Western Australia’s Junior Doctor of the Year by one of the country’s leading medical education councils.

The prestigious recognition was awarded to Dr Fiona Spencer this month by the Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Councils (CPMEC).

Bunbury Regional Hospital Director Jeff Calver said Dr Spencer had excelled throughout her medical career, quickly becoming a leader among her peers.

“Dr Spencer has been a valued member of the Bunbury Regional Hospital team where she has spent much of her junior medical career to date, working as an intern and Resident Medical Officer,” Mr Calver said.

“She has quickly become a vital member of the South West community, representing regional junior doctors and helping to streamline their learning.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr Spencer as part of our team and thank her for her continued care for country WA.”

Dr Spencer grew up in Bunbury after her family immigrated from Zimbabwe. Since completing her university studies in 2019, she returned to the region to provide care to her local community.

Since entering the workforce, Dr Spencer has gone above and beyond her regular work to support her peers and improve patient care.

She was one of three interns involved in the establishment of the Bunbury Doctors in Training Society (BDiTS) in 2020, stepping into the role of president in 2021.

As a strong advocate for her fellow Junior Medical Officers, Dr Spencer has been a crucial player in the development of Bunbury Regional Hospital’s Observership program, which provides an opportunity into the Australian medical system for international medical graduates.

Among her many accolades, Dr Spencer is also a mentor with the Rural Clinical School, Near Peer Mentoring program, and the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Medical and Allied Health Specialist Pathway Program. She is also on the Bunbury Doctor to Doctor Support Mentor Program committee.

Dr Spencer said her achievements were a reflection of her own mentors and peers within WA Country Health Service.

“I have been fortunate to have been supported throughout my early years as a doctor by amazing, dedicated staff from different backgrounds,” she said.

“I feel very humbled to have won this award, I love that I am able to help my local community.”

The CPMEC Junior Doctor of the Year Award is an annual recognition across Australia and New Zealand who have made valuable contributions to prevocational medical education and training.

Dr Spencer has also been named a finalist in the Rural Health Excellence Awards in the Junior Doctor of the Year category, where winners will be announced on 21 October.