From Overseas Graduate to Mackay Intern

Beautiful beaches and mountain trails may have first caught Dr Andrew Song's attention, but it was Mackay's reputation for excellent training and supportive healthcare teams that ultimately brought him north. 

Now several months into his internship at Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Song says the move to regional Queensland has been one of the best decisions he has made. 

“I'm a newly minted intern, so I was looking for a place that would not only be supportive professionally and personally but also provide a solid foundation for specialisation in the years to come,” he said. 

He admits Mackay's lifestyle was an immediate attraction. 

“As someone who enjoys hiking and nature, Mackay drew me in with its natural setting and preponderance of outdoor activities,” Dr Song said. 

“You've got loads of beautiful beaches, forests, mountains, and trails all within driving distance.” 

But it was the region's reputation as a supportive training destination that ultimately helped seal the decision. 

“I also heard from word of mouth that of the regional hospitals, Mackay is one of the best places to train thanks to its supportive staff and good work culture,” he said. 

For Dr Song, one of the biggest advantages of training in a regional hospital has been the ability to quickly become part of the healthcare team. 

Only a few months into his internship, he has already experienced the close working relationships that regional hospitals are known for. 

“I feel like in a hospital this size, you really get to know people quickly,” he said. 

“After the first few weeks, I had already become familiar with much of the staff in the wards, which makes it easier to ask for help or get jobs done.” 

Those connections help create a collaborative environment where healthcare professionals work closely together to deliver patient care. 

“If you're seeking support from the physiotherapist for instance, often you can just walk over and ask. And they can do the same for you,” he said. 

“At the same time, the hospital isn't so small that you feel like you're not getting exposed to the breadth of medicine. It's a great balance.” 

Dr Song is one of many early-career doctors discovering the opportunities available across northern Queensland through regional training pathways. 

He credits NQRTH with helping introduce him to Mackay before he arrived. 

“I would say NQRTH had a huge influence when they flew me up to Mackay for a tour,” he said. 

“It was just a really nice gesture, and I think a good marker of how NQRTH is willing to support their trainees, present and future.” 

That experience gave him a firsthand look at the hospital, the city and the training opportunities available in the region. 

For Dr Song, it demonstrated the personalised approach that often sets regional training pathways apart. 

Looking ahead, he is particularly interested in psychiatry and is also exploring an emerging interest in rural medicine. 

The experience so far has reinforced his view that regional centres offer strong professional opportunities while also delivering a high quality of life. 

“It's been a really pleasant surprise coming here,” he said. 

“The community has been really welcoming and helpful in getting us settled from overseas, from finding rentals to helping us get furniture and appliances.” 

Like many doctors considering a move to regional Australia, Dr Song admits he initially wondered whether moving away from a major city would require sacrificing convenience or lifestyle. 

Instead, he discovered a regional city with everything he needed and easy access to larger centres when required. 

“I was lowkey terrified that I would experience a massive lifestyle shock moving from a bigger city in terms of everyday conveniences, but so far it hasn't been like that at all,” he said. 

“Mackay is a big enough town that you can pretty much find everything you need. And Brisbane is only one to two hours away by plane.” 

For medical students and junior doctors considering where to begin their careers, Dr Song's experience highlights one of the strengths of northern Queensland training pathways: the opportunity to develop strong clinical skills, build meaningful professional relationships and become part of a supportive community from day one. 

For him, Mackay has already delivered on all three.