Another record year for medical interns

WA Country Health Service has welcomed 33 medical interns to regional WA this year – a new record.

The medical interns will embark on their first year of employment as doctors, working across some of the most clinically diverse and unique hospitals in country WA.

This year also marks the first inclusion of Busselton rotations for medical interns.

To make their transition as smooth as possible, they will be offered accommodation subsidies, travel allowances and mentorship and support from dedicated medical education teams.

Chief Executive Jeff Moffet welcomed the new cohort of medical interns at their orientation earlier this month and described the valuable role they will play in country health care.

“It’s great to see another group of talented medical interns choosing to begin their careers in the bush,” Mr Moffet said.

“These interns represent the next generation of rural and remote health professionals and will play an important role in caring for and supporting our communities.

“We’re keenly focussed on growing our own workforce and we know that 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.”

Acting Executive Director Medical Services Dr Kathleen Atkinson said the interns will benefit from the unique learning opportunities that come with working in the country.

“Throughout the year, our medical interns will be immersed in a variety of clinical environments where they will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also hone their clinical competencies,” she said.

“Country placements are invaluable for early career professionals. Interns will get exposure to a wide variety of clinical presentations and have dedicated mentoring – allowing them to gain hands-on experience and develop a broad skillset.”

In addition to these medical interns directly employed by WA Country Health Service, hospitals across country WA also support rural placements for interns employed by metropolitan health service providers.  

WA Country Health Service has also attracted a record number of nurses and midwives, and intern pharmacists in 2025.