MED NORRTH Research Conference 2026
MED NORRTH (Northern Outcomes in Regional Research, Translation, and Health) offers medical students, junior doctors and local and national medical and health researchers an opportunity to showcase their evidence-based research, build connections and learn more about research in northern Queensland. This year's conference will be run in conjunction with the North Queensland Physicians’ Conference, with several shared sessions and events across both programs.
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Location: Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns
Theme: From Reef to Remote - Advancing Research Skills for Health Challenges in Northern Australia
A network of medical training opportunities
We connect medical students, interns and junior doctors with resources and opportunities to prepare for specialist training and beyond, creating stronger health outcomes in our region.
Dr Tadiwa Mashavave, Junior Doctor, Mackay Base Hospital
“It was during my time at JCU that I decided I wanted to end up somewhere rural or regional and I thought I would be able to gain a lot of hands-on skills in my junior years at a regional hospital like Mackay Base Hospital. It’s been great working with other doctors who are as passionate about rural health and the people it serves.”
Dr Hannah Bennett, Rural Generalist and Pain Specialist, Townsville University Hospital
"As a consultant in Pain Medicine, I have excellent work-life balance. Townsville is a great place to raise a family and there's so much on your doorstep here. It's just an easy life.” Read More
Dr Anthony Brazzale, Cardiologist, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
“We have advanced trainees who come from Brisbane and want to come back here now as consultants. They tell us this is one of the best training centres in Australia. The opportunities you get up here, you’ll get nowhere else.” Read MoreKeep up to date with our latest news & events!
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29 June 2026
From Summer Research Project to International Publication
A summer research opportunity has helped two James Cook University medical students achieve what many researchers spend years working towards — publication in a leading international journal. Year 4 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students Oliver Ma and Timothy Noack have celebrated the acceptance of their first research article in a Q1 journal, one of the highest-ranked categories of academic publications. The achievement began through the NQRTH MBBS Summer Research Bursary Program, which gives JCU medical students the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers during the summer break while developing practical research skills and exploring future career pathways. For Oliver, seeing the publication accepted was a moment of immense pride. “It felt amazing to have our first article accepted for publication,” he said. “We worked really hard on it, so it was incredibly rewarding to have it be accepted.”
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16 June 2026
Cairns: Where Clinical Challenge Meets Culture and Community
For Dr Leah Moncrieff, medicine is deeply personal. A proud Aboriginal woman born and raised in Townsville, her connection to North Queensland is woven through family, culture and community — and it shapes the doctor she is becoming. After completing her medical degree at James Cook University in Townsville, Leah felt the pull to broaden her horizons but wanted to stay true to her roots. When it came time to choose where to begin her career, Cairns ticked all the boxes. “Cairns was the perfect fit – close enough to family but different enough to be exciting,” Dr Moncrieff says. Choosing the Far North Queensland hospital for her internship has proven the right move, both professionally and personally. “From day one, the staff at Cairns Hospital have been incredibly welcoming and supportive; the culture here is something special.” Cairns Hospital offers the best of both worlds: clinical diversity that rivals a metropolitan hospital, combined with the close-knit feel of a regional hospital. For Leah, that has translated into hands-on experience, strong mentorship and opportunities that have accelerated her growth as a young doctor. Reflecting on her intern year, she lists a string of stand-out moments. “From surviving my first run of crazy night shifts in ED – capped off with a celebratory breakfast with the medical team once the week finished, to performing multiple paracenteses for patients with chronic liver disease and presenting at my first research symposium to name a few,” Leah says.
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16 June 2026
AMAQ Brings Junior Doctors Conference to Mackay
Mackay's emergence as a centre for advanced regional medicine, research and healthcare innovation will be showcased when junior doctors and medical students from across Queensland gather for the 2026 Junior Doctors Conference.
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26 May 2026
Back to Ukraine: A Doctor’s Commitment to Care
Atherton doctor, Lara Wieland, has an ongoing commitment to the Ukraine. She's raising funds to travel over to the war-torn country and plans to deliver frontline care, run mibile clinics, and train local healthcare workers.
Read MoreThe NQRTH medical training network:
NQRTH is an initiative of the Australian Government's Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) and is facilitated by James Cook University in partnership with public and private hospitals, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and GP clinics.
Cairns Region
(07) 4226 7138
Central West Region
(07) 4764 1547
Mackay Region
(07) 4885 7122
North West Region
(07) 4764 1547
Torres and Cape Region
(07) 4226 7138
Townsville Region
(07) 4781 3424