Young doctors pick up rural awards

THREE local doctors were awarded for their outstanding service earlier this week, with them picking up Monash Rural Health Talent awards.

All three junior medicos are based at Bendigo Hospital, with Dr Thomas Carins receiving the Supervisor of the Year award, Dr Matilda Maynard the Hospital Medical Officer of the Year nod, and Dr Sammy Mitchell picked up Intern of the year.

Monash’s North-West Victorian Regional Training Hub director, Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, said the awards were about recognising the best young rural talent and helping inspire the next group of doctors coming through.

“The idea of recognising the best talent in the region, is trying to inspire the next generation and for them to see what can be achieved,” she said.

Dr Maynard said that she loved working in rural Victoria but developed a special connection with Bendigo area as soon as she got here.

“I really loved my rotation here and I love being in the more regional and rural areas,” she said. “But particularly I have really enjoyed Bendigo and the community here.”

Dr Carins said he felt a similar affiliation with the region, which made him want to remain in the area.

“I’m originally from Melbourne, then I did some training in Queensland before I came here and sort of loved that country lifestyle,” he said.

“So, I decided to stay in Bendigo long-term and set up a practice here as well as going public half of the time.”

In a good sign for Bendigo Health, the trio’s careers are only beginning with Dr Carins being most experienced in his just his sixth year of practice.