Bunbury medical interns begin their careers out bush
L-R: Back row: Dr Ashley Cridland, Dr Rowan Berger, Dr Trent Cody, Dr Ali Syed, Dr Louis Barter and Dr Aidan Omodei. Front row: Dr Piper Brown, Dr Olivia Conlan, Dr Catherine Daly and Dr Megan Syed.
WA Country Health Service has welcomed 10 new medical interns to Bunbury Regional Hospital.
The interns make up the record number of medicos headed to country WA in 2024, and will help support the health and vitality of South West communities.
Over their 12-month placements, the interns will immerse themselves in the uniqueness of country health with invaluable opportunities to learn at the largest regional hospital in WA.
They will be offered accommodation subsidies, travel allowances and one-on-one mentor support to make the transition to country WA easier.
Director Bunbury Regional Hospital Jeff Calver said the interns are a welcome addition to the South West.
“It’s great to have another record number of medical interns in Bunbury this year.
“What we know is those who join us early are likely to stay longer-term. I have no doubt this group of highly motivated junior doctors will gain invaluable skills over their placements,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact they will have on our communities, while learning from some of our best teams and clinicians in country WA.”
2024 intern Dr Rowan Berger said starting his career in Bunbury means he will gain valuable experience to prepare him for the long-term.
“I’m looking forward to learning from senior doctors and gaining valuable experience before entering GP training,” he said.
“I like that Bunbury Regional Hospital has a strong focus on junior doctor wellbeing and professional development, an active junior doctor society, and multiple wellbeing and support groups.”
As well as a focus on building his career, Dr Berger said he was ultimately sold on the work-life balance and lifestyle on offer in Bunbury.
“Another great opportunity working in Bunbury has been the ability to work part-time.
“This year I will be sharing parenting duties and work with my wife and we’re both very excited to be spending valuable time with our kids, while balancing our professions,” he said.
“Not to mention, the South West has the best balance of country living while also being close to the city.
“Going country is something my wife and I had always planned on doing. We specifically chose Bunbury for its ability to provide a pathway from medical school through to internship and specialist GP training.” He added.
In addition to the record number of medical interns joining country WA, WA Country Health Service has also attracted a record number of nurses and midwives and intern pharmacists.