New doctors start across Western Sydney hospitals
More than 150 new doctors have joined Western Sydney Local Health District, starting their careers as junior medical officers (JMOs).
To prepare, they’ve undertaken a comprehensive two-week orientation program inclusive of seminars, training, introductions, ‘buddy shifts’ and simulated roleplay.
As part of the statewide program, over 1000 junior doctors are starting across NSW, with more than 10% based across Western Sydney.
At Westmead Hospital, 97 junior doctors are beginning their medical careers after several years of intense training and education. Dr Susmita Bhattacharya and Dr Yao-Hua Chang, who are part of the Prevocational Education and Training team, are leading their induction and ongoing support.
An Anaesthetic consultant, Dr Bhattacharya has been at Westmead Hospital for more than 10 years.
“Today’s their first day as a doctor. The possibilities of where they can drive their careers is amazing, so our job is really to set them up for success,”
Susmita said.
Her advice to our new starters,
“Hold kindness and compassion in the work that you do.”
Dr Yao-Hua Chang knows better than most what the new doctors are going through, having been a JMO herself as part of Westmead’s 1997 cohort.
“I know how they’re feeling – they’re scared and overwhelmed but excited too. We’re here to support them, not just during the orientation process but throughout their prevocational years,”
Yao-Hua Chang said.
Dr Puja Bhattacharyya is a Haematology Staff Specialist at Blacktown Hospital and the Co-Director of the Prevocational Education and Training team at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals. Across both of those hospitals, 58 JMOs are starting.
“The JMOs represent the future of medicine and innovation, and we’re privileged to welcome this cohort to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals and to the District,” Susmita said.
Dr Tia Iaquintois is one of the junior medical officers at Westmead, who is excited for the year ahead.
“I’m looking forward to building new connections with the staff and my colleagues and just being able to help people in every capacity that I can.” Tia said.
And while some interns are clear on their interest areas, others like Dr Henry Burt are happy to wait and see what the future holds.
“It all looks very interesting, and I’ll give it a couple of years before I decide to settle down on something,” Henry said.
These new doctors have years of dedication and study in their past, and long and successful careers in their future.
