Gippsland interns recognised for excellence and rural commitment
Five Gippsland doctors have been celebrated for their commitment to rural practice with a 2023 Rural Talent Award.
Sponsored by the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, these awards recognise local excellence and aim to encourage and support junior doctors who have chosen careers in rural practice.
Dr Carine McMahon was presented with an Intern of the Year Rural Talent Award by Deputy Director of the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, Associate Professor Gary Campain during the combined Bairnsdale Regional Health Service and Victorian Rural Generalist Program intern orientation in Bairnsdale.
Dr Carine McMahon completed her intern year in Bairnsdale through the Victorian Rural Generalist Program (VRGP) in 2023, with rotations in general practice and with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service. Carine was recognised for her advocacy and support for her fellow interns, her consistent contributions and ability to step up, and her commitment to making a difference in the local community.
“I have had the most incredible training experience here so far and have absolutely loved being in Bairnsdale and being a part of the VRGP program. I have felt very well supported, and have had so many opportunities for extra learning and courses that I would not have had if I had chosen to stay in Melbourne”, said Carine.
Carine will continue her training in Gippsland as a Medical Officer with West Gippsland Healthcare Group in 2024. She intends to remain in Gippsland to complete rural generalist training with an advanced specialisation in obstetrics.
Two 2023 interns from the Gippsland Rural Intern Training program and two junior doctors from Latrobe Regional Health also received Rural Talent Awards for their excellence and leadership. The awards were presented by Associate Professor Rob Dawson, Director of the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, at the Gippsland Rural Intern Training Program orientation to:
Gippsland Rural Intern Training Program
- Dr Molly Barry - recognised for working collaboratively, particularly as the prevocational representative on the Medical Prevocational Committee
- Dr Nina Dutta - recognised for her integrity
Junior doctors
- Dr Shizar Nahidi - recognised for professional excellence and leadership as president of JMO Society
- Dr Richard Monthy - recognised for modelling patient-centred care in the rehabilitation unit
Dr Molly Barry completed her internship through the Gippsland Regional Intern Program and will remain at Latrobe Regional Health as a Hospital Medical Officer this year, as she also commences her training in rural generalism. She hopes to pursue a career as a GP anaesthetist and skin cancer doctor in Gippsland and to make the most of the leadership opportunities available to junior doctors in the region.
"Having lived in areas experiencing rural doctor shortages most of my life, it's been a pleasure during my internship to contribute to continually improving workplaces and lifestyles for doctors in the Gippsland region. I am keen to continue representing rural doctors to ensure and demonstrate the attractiveness of regional areas in providing career paths and an excellent lifestyle."
Associate Professor Rob Dawson congratulated this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements.
“These awards recognise the dedication of Gippsland’s newest doctors, as well as their emerging leadership and commitment to rural practice. Congratulations to Carine, Molly, Nina, Shizar and Richard - I look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work here in Gippsland.”
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Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs
The Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs facilitate speciality training and career development opportunities for junior doctors, to help them live, work and train rurally. The Monash Regional Training Hubs are supported by the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program of the Department of Health and Aged Care.