Local surgeon takes charge at Monash Rural Health

A NEW era has begun at Monash Rural Health Bendigo with the appointment of local surgeon Dr Christine Cuthbertson as its director.

As part of her recent designation, she will also assume the position of Associate Professor (Practice) in rural medicine.

Dr Cuthbertson holds a PhD in surgery and a Masters of surgical education and has practiced as a general, breast and endocrine surgeon in Bendigo for the past 10 years.

She believes the opportunity to lead Monash Rural Health in Bendigo is a way to heighten her contributions to her colleagues as well as the wider community.

“We are all committed to quality education at Monash Rural Health Bendigo, and I felt that the biggest difference I could make would be to step into this role and make it easier for staff to be more effective,” she said.

“I already live and work in Bendigo and am familiar with the students and the site.

“I am (now) doing less direct teaching, but I think having a committed director is vital to being the best site we can be.”

Dr Cuthbertson said she is also looking forward to continuing to strengthen the Monash medical program in the region.

“I am very excited to see how far we can go with using our skills to boost students into their medical career,” she said.

“I think we have a great opportunity to share our love of regional and rural practice, to immerse students in our community and to help them to become rural healthcare experts.

“There’s no limits to the ongoing improvements we can make to the program, and I’m excited to be a part of that future.”