Talent and commitment of Bendigo doctors recognised
Five doctors from Bendigo Health have been recognised with 2024 Rural Talent Awards, sponsored by the North West Victoria Regional Training Hub.
The peer-nominated awards celebrate the achievements and commitment of Bendigo’s medical workforce to professional practice, multidisciplinary teams and rural healthcare. The 2024 winners received a certificate and prize from the North West Victoria Regional Training Hub, acknowledging their contributions.
Intern of the Year: Dr Jeremy Flanagan
Jeremy was recognised for his proactive approach to making improvements across a range of areas at Bendigo, including clinical documents and electronic patient records, as well as revamping orientation resources to support future interns. He was seen as exemplifying Bendigo Health’s values of caring, passionate and trustworthy by his colleagues. Jeremy will remain in Bendigo as a Hospital Medical Officer in 2025.
“I feel so lucky to have been under the mentorship and guidance of so many incredible clinicians during my intern year at Bendigo Health – I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can during my General HMO Year in 2025!”
HMO of the Year: Dr Noah Deubel
Noah’s colleagues acknowledged his willingness to step up - whether it was taking on extra clinical responsibilities, teaching medical students on his team or advocating for his patients. While Noah will leave Bendigo shortly to commence GP training, we hope to welcome him back to the region in the future.
Registrar of the Year: Dr Jess Wynn and Dr Mark Fogarty (joint winners)
Jess’s peers championed her collaborative nature in the multidisciplinary urology team, where she fosters a positive and inclusive working environment. Jess also made significant contributions to medical education and research, including her role as Co-Chair of the DRIVERS 2024 steering committee.
"I am very grateful to receive the registrar of the year award, especially because it is peer nominated. I have loved working in Bendigo over the last year and have enjoyed getting to work with lots of new faces. Everyone is incredibly welcoming, helpful and willing to teach and together we deliver a high standard of care to regional Victorians- which is something I'm really proud to be a part of," reflected Jess.
Mark’s commitment to rural practice was celebrated, along with his professionalism, particularly in times of high workload. Described as a patient and opportunistic teacher, Mark also regularly supervises students, interns and junior doctors.
“I was lucky enough to be in Bendigo as a medical student, and being able to come back as first an intern, then as a registrar in training has been amazing. Bendigo feels like my hometown now, and there has been such a solid community around me throughout – it is an honour to be recognised by them with this award,” said Mark.
Medical Educator of the Year: Dr Claire Thomas
Claire was well-recognised for her support of junior staff, her coordination of the Emergency Department education program and her passion for nurturing the next generation of Bendigo doctors.
“I have always loved the camaraderie and community that exists in rural medicine and the teaching and mentoring that is available in this setting. There are many doctors who have impacted my career by being compassionate and taking time to teach and offer advice. I am honoured to receive this award and be reminded that I am able to give back to other junior doctors what my seniors have given to me,” reflected Claire.
According to Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, Director of the North West Victoria Regional Training Hub, the quality of rural talent award submissions for 2024 highlighted the calibre of junior doctors and medical educators in Bendigo.
“We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and driven group of junior doctors, living and working right here in Bendigo. The North West Victoria Regional Training Hub is proud to help support their career progression and hopefully help keep them in the region to continue to provide incredible care for our community. Congratulations Jeremy, Noah, Mark, Jess and Claire.”
Monash 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 Department of Health and Aged Care’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.