Junior doctors celebrated at South East Regional Hospital

Southern NSW Local Health District welcomed 53 Junior Medical Officers across the district in February, nine of those working out of South East Regional Hospital.

These new doctors have completed their medical degree and are working through their prevocational training requirements as interns and resident medial officers. 

While five junior medical officers from South East Regional Hospital are returning to Canberra Hospital to complete their prevocational training, four Junior Medical Officers remain and will see out 2026 in Bega.

These new doctors work across all areas of the hospital including orthopaedics, surgery, paediatrics,  general medicine and critical care – gaining an important rural perspective as they grow and develop their careers.

To celebrate the end of the Junior Medical Officer term, doctors at all levels of their career gathered at a Bega restaurant recently to reflect on their work together and further build relationships.

“There is great comradery within the team; doctors new and old share a sense of purpose and service to the community, and when we come together socially, there is and opportunity to debrief, learn, and encourage each other,” says Dr Liz Mullins, Director, Medical Services, Coastal Network.

“History shows, and you only need to look at the doctors working in Bega now, those who have experienced a rural placement during training, are more inclined to return in a more permanent, ongoing basis in the future.”

Southern NSW Local Health District will welcome another cohort of Junior Medical Officers in 2027, applications are open now via NSW Health.

South East Regional Hospital offers strong career growth and development for Junior Medical Officers, including the successful Senior Resident Medical Officer Program, where nine doctors are currently enrolled.

“The feedback we receive is very positive – our beautiful environment is part of the appeal, but more so it’s the connection to community, and culture of Southern that new doctors talk about,” Dr Mullins says.

“It’s a privilege to work with and support our junior doctors, we wish them well and thank you them for the contribution they have made to our community.”