Region welcomes 39 new medical interns

THIRTY-nine medical interns have joined the Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD), taking positions in two public hospitals.

The Lismore Base and Tweed Valley hospital interns join the 1,000 medical graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health earlier this month.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said he was grateful the junior medical officers (JMOs) had joined the country’s largest and one of the world’s best health systems.

“These junior doctors undertake vital functions in our hospitals and health facilities,” Park said.

“I wish them the very best as they start on what will be an incredibly rewarding career in the NSW public health system.”

NNSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Medical Services Malcolm Leek said he was excited to welcome the new junior doctors.

“They bring fresh energy to the Tweed Valley and Lismore Base Hospitals,” Leek said.

“Some have returned home to Northern NSW to start their career as doctors after years of study.”

The graduates will complete a supervised year of practice and receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional, rural and remote hospitals and different specialities, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

“Since completing orientation, the interns have stepped into their new roles across hospital wards,” Leek said.

“JMOs play a crucial role in our clinical teams, and we look forward to these doctors making their mark in our hospitals.

“It’s exciting to see the new faces in the wards helping ensure our communities continue to receive high-quality healthcare,” he said.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the graduate doctors.

“I wish them the best, and hope they enjoy the benefits of working and living in the Northern Rivers region. I hope some decide to stay,” Saffin said.