Medical graduates set to join the ranks of doctors for Western Sydney hospitals
Western Sydney will receive an injection of new doctors for its hospitals, with more than 100 new medical students graduating today from Western Sydney University.
The medical students from the University’s Doctor of Medicine program are set to join the ranks of doctors working in the region’s hospitals from early next year.
Over half of the cohort are residents of Western Sydney. Amongst this year’s graduating group are also a number of Indigenous students proudly representing the next generation of Indigenous doctors and medical professionals.
The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of five years of study and clinical training for the students.
Professor Rod McClure, Dean of the School of Medicine, says they will make a valuable contribution to addressing the shortage of health professionals in Western Sydney and beyond.
“Our School of Medicine plays a critical role in training doctors who can work in Western Sydney’s hospitals and healthcare services – students from the region, with a deep understanding of the rapidly-growing and culturally diverse population of Western Sydney,” said Professor McClure.
“The School is also integral to helping train much-needed doctors to work in our rural and regional areas, who have unique knowledge and experience of delivering rural health care.
"This close connection with the community produces graduates with practical clinical experiences and first-hand knowledge of the many chronic health challenges in Australia today."
Professor McClure said the medical students spend many hours in clinical schools attached to hospitals across Western Sydney as well as the Rural Clinical Schools in Bathurst and Lismore.
“They also work in the community with GPs and local and Indigenous health services which gives them a unique perspective on healthcare for our regions and communities,” said Professor McClure.
"On behalf of the University, I warmly congratulate these newest medical graduates. They join a passionate and dedicated community of doctors and medical professionals who have already graduated from this University, working to directly improve the health and wellbeing of our local Western Sydney region and beyond.”
As a new graduate Mitch Millett will be taking his skills to rural New South Wales as an intern at Albury-Wodonga Health as part of their medical, surgical and emergency departments.
Mitch, who grew up in Blaxland, in the Blue Mountains, notes that the placements he undertook as part of his studies helped him develop his confidence.
“My studies and placements at Western Sydney University have exposed me to a wide variety of specialty areas, providing me with the skills and confidence to work as a safe and effective junior doctor. These rotations have further given me the opportunity to explore areas of interest for specialty training. The University has a clear focus on the importance of clinical placements, giving me exposure to a hospital environment within weeks of starting my degree,” said Mitch.
Among the many highlights Mitch has had while studying it has been the clinical rotations at a number of rural hospitals including Bathurst and Lismore.
“In Lismore, I was able to shadow registrars at Lismore Base Hospital while also having time to enjoy the coastal lifestyle of Bryon Bay.”
The University’s School of Medicine was established in 2007, creating opportunities for students from Western Sydney to aspire to a career in medicine and study and train in their own community.
ENDS
17 December 2024
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.