News

Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has proudly welcomed 27 new medical interns, marking the beginning of their careers as junior doctors at the region’s largest cross-border health service. 

Following a week of comprehensive onboarding, the newly qualified doctors are stepping into their rotations, ready to build essential experience across a range of specialties that reflect the diverse health needs of our community.  

Albury Wodonga Health CEO Bill Appleby said the internship program is a fantastic opportunity to develop the next generation of young doctors as they gain essential experience and explore working in regional healthcare.  

‘AWH provides a unique opportunity for young doctors to work in a regional, cross-border health service, Mr. Appleby said. 

‘As a learning hospital we take great pride in creating an environment that allows our staff to grow and thrive throughout their careers. 

‘We hope that by offering these opportunities more doctors consider continuing their careers in our community,’ he said. 

AWH Director of Medical Services, Dr Glenn Davies said the new interns have joined the program after completing either undergraduate or postgraduate medical degrees. Many have also previously undertaken placements in rural and regional hospitals in Victoria or New South Wales.  

The interns have come from a variety of different universities in both NSW and Victoria. 

‘Over the next 12 months, the interns will complete rotations in medicine, surgery, emergency, subacute, rehabilitation medicine, and mental health as well as primary health care in the community,’ Dr Davies said.  

‘They will be supported by our team of Registrars, Senior Medical Officers, and Specialists, who provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship.   

‘With the introduction of a New National Framework, all interns are required to gain clinical experience in areas including undifferentiated patient illness, chronic illness, acute and critical care, and perioperative and procedural patient care,’ he continued.  

Dr Monique Conibear is one of the new interns but is a familiar face to many. She grew up on the Border and is excited to be returning for her intern year. 

‘I’m looking forward to meeting the staff and patients here at Albury Wodonga Health,’ Dr Conibear said. 

‘Medicine allows me to combine my two passions - working with people and problem solving. It's even more special to be able to do that in a community where I already feel supported, she added.  

Intern Dr Nathan Brown, who has studied in both Sydney and Melbourne said he was drawn to the opportunities in regional healthcare. 

‘I’ve had lots of positive experiences in the rural health space so I’m looking forward to the year ahead,’ Dr Brown said. 

‘Being part of a smaller intern group, compared to city hospitals gives us a great opportunity to build strong connections with each other, as well as with the wider AWH team’.   

AWH recruits its medical internship positions through the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria and Health Education and Training Institute in New South Wales and offers a unique cross-border experience that strengthens healthcare in the region.