This is the first term out of medical school for the seven interns and they are rotating into Bathurst from Blacktown Hospital to complete a 10 week rural placement. 

Across the State, 999 interns, up from 992 in 2017, will commence their new positions, representing the NSW Government’s commitment to introducing new doctors into the health system, with the state leading the country in terms of funding and conditions. 

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that over $107 million had been invested into the statewide internship program to boost the number of doctors in cities and regional areas. 

“Today we welcome seven graduates to the Bathurst Base Hospital and we are pleased to be playing our part in leading the country when it comes to training junior doctors,” he said.

NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates from NSW universities.

The state also provides internships to many graduates from interstate universitates and, where possible, international full-fee paying medical graduates. 

“NSW is the only state to offer two-year employment contracts to graduates commencing their internship which includes a rotation through a network of metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals,” Mr Toole said.

In addition, under the NSW Rural Preferential Recruitment pathway, 132 medical graduates will spend the majority of their first two years working in a rural setting.

This year is particularly significant for the program, with 20 Aboriginal doctors commencing their internships. 

Bathurst Hospital acting director of medical service Liz Barrett said its exciting news to have seven new interns, who will be provided with vast experience. 

“It’s always a challenge when you’ve got doctors straight out of the training but we enjoy that challenge,” she said.

“What better place to [gain valuable experience] then at a rural hospital because you’re getting such broad experience.”