Country WA welcomes 35 medical interns

WA Country Health Service has welcomed a record-sized cohort of new medical interns in 2026.

In keeping with our commitment to growing our own workforce, junior doctors will begin their first year of employment, working across some of the most clinically diverse and unique hospitals in country WA.

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

This year also marks a decade since WA Country Health Service Medical Education Unit first began orientating new interns.

Executive Director Medical Services Dr Samir Heble said the initiative builds on WA Country Health Service’s work to nurture the skills and development of the next generation of junior doctors.

“It is pleasing to see another talented cohort of medical interns joining us in the country this year,” Dr Heble said.

“It means we’re continuing to build on our commitment to attracting and retaining healthcare workers in the bush – which is a key part of setting up their careers and skills development for the longer-term.

“They’ll also gain a broad scope of practice while supporting the country communities that they live and work in.”

Broome local and new intern Dr Benjamin Collins traded his former role as a journalist for a career in medicine and said he was excited to give back to his community.

“After working for the ABC in Broome for 17 years, I needed a new and rewarding career to maintain my wellbeing and sense of purpose,” Dr Collins said.

“I’m hoping that daily practice will help to solidify my medical knowledge into useful skills during my internship.

“I would love to feel that I am a useful part of the team providing care to our patients, and if I can end the year feeling confident and competent in doing my job, I will be happy.”

WA Country Health Service has also attracted a record number of nurses and midwives, and intern pharmacists in 2026.