South Australia Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade

New Medical Interns A First At Whyalla

Victor P Taffa

5 new medical interns are today beginning their careers at the Whyalla Hospital and Health Service as part of the Marshall Government’s investment in our front-line clinicians.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the intern program is an exciting first for Whyalla and is part of a commitment to better support the health and wellbeing of the people on Eyre Peninsula.

“Investment will more than double the number of junior doctors training in South Australian country hospitals.” Minister Wade said.

“In the past, there were only 5 placements available at Mt. Gambier each year.”

“We have not only increased the South East placements to 7, but the Government is delighted to have expanded the reach of the program to communities in the Eyre and Northern regions.”

“Interns are part of the Marshall Government’s $20 Million Rural Health Workforce Strategy, which aims to address the shortage of health practitioners in country areas.” Minister Wade said.

“We know it’s challenging to recruit and retain young doctors in regional areas so by offering an unprecedented number of placements we hope to give more young doctors the opportunity to taste what rural service offers.”

“I wish the 12 new interns at Whyalla and Mt. Gambier all the best with their first year of training and I’m sure they’ll prove to be an asset to their local communities.” Minister Wade said.

Additional 7 medical internships were secured through collaboration between Country Health SA and the University of Adelaide’s Adelaide Rural Clinical School and have the support of State and Commonwealth funding for 2019 and 2020.

Dr. David Mills, Medical Director, Adelaide Rural Clinical School, said the placements in Whyalla are an excellent opportunity for both the new medical interns and the wider community.

“During their 12-month placements, the interns will conduct medical and surgical rotations at Whyalla Hospital and Health Service and General Practice rotations in Port Lincoln and Port Augusta.” Dr. Mills said.

“They’ll have exposure to a broad range of emergency, inpatient, surgery and paediatric settings within the Hospital and Health Service in Whyalla, and gain a deeper understanding of General Practice in Port Lincoln and Port Augusta.”

“We share the State Government’s commitment to encouraging more young doctors to consider careers in General Practice, and hope the experience of working in the heart of a diverse regional community will open their eyes to the many rewarding opportunities this career path can offer.” Dr. Mills said.

Interns will undergo 3 days of induction before starting on the wards on Monday 14 January.