A Message from the Program Manager - Andrea Muller

2020 saw the event of COVID-19 and the impact that it had on students, medical staff and the whole of society. We saw the best of our front line health workers dealing with the uncertainty of what was to come, college examinations and the investigation of alternative work models.

As students returned to the clinical setting there was even more participation and collaboration from doctors and academics across the region to ensure that our students received the necessary clinical training to pass their 5^th and 6^th years and graduate on time. The huge amount of effort and collaboration between JCU and the Northern Queensland Hospital and Health Services was outstanding.

 Doctor welfare has continued to be a talking point at all levels of the training continuum. COVID-19 may have exacerbated existing mental health conditions so it has been more important than ever to support each other and check-in on our colleagues and offer support. Due to the strong collaboration between everyone involved, we have grown as people and shown ourselves to be adaptable and resilient.

 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year ahead! We have collaborated with Queensland Health to host Queensland’s only 2022 Intern Campaign Webinar which will be promoted to graduating medical students around Australia. Students will learn about Queensland Health’s selection process and hear from current Interns and Workforce staff from Townsville University Hospital, Cairns Hospital and Mackay Hospital who will highlight the exceptional learning opportunities available in these facilities.