Forging a Future in the North

When Dr Mark Mackenzie chose to study medicine at JCU, he was driven by a desire to make a difference in regional and remote communities.   

Now, working as a new intern at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), the 2024 graduate is already making the most of the strong clinical networks and support systems that shaped his journey through JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry.  

Dr Mackenzie says the hospital’s strong sense of community appealed to him.  

"TUH offers a warm, welcoming and learning-centred focus which is unique for a hospital of its size," he says.   

"It feels like a small community, because you easily get to know so many of your colleagues, and yet it is a tertiary centre offering a large range of specialist services not otherwise available to North Queenslanders. Based on the positive experiences during medical school I was more than happy to stay in Townsville."  

Expanding Horizons through Scholarship  

The decision to study and train regionally is one that continues to pay off.   

As part of the final year of his degree, Dr Mackenzie completed an elective at Maitland Hospital in regional NSW, through the Australian Orthopaedics Association (AOA) Joint University Scholarship — an opportunity that would have otherwise been out of reach.  

"The AOA scholarship provided a unique learning opportunity which would have otherwise been financially unavailable to me," he explains. "It allowed me the ability to travel interstate and spend time with a supervisor of my choosing, an orthopaedics registrar, Dr Joshua Manvell. Learning from a registrar was hugely beneficial for my experience level as a student."  

Looking back, Dr Mackenzie says the placement was a turning point.  

"A highlight of my five-week elective was working a weekend on-call,” he says.   

“It was an excellent experience working on the edge of my comfort zone to take referrals, see patients, initiate treatment, and assist in definitive operative management. With the support of Dr Manvell, I was given responsibilities that allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to the team and patient care."  

Planning for the Future  

This hands-on experience shaped his perspective, even if Dr Mackenzie hasn’t yet settled on a surgical specialty.   

"I'm still unclear what surgical specialty that I would like to pursue in the future but the hands-on experience in Maitland provided opportunities to learn and develop many transferable skills," he says.

"I feel more motivated than ever to continue to work hard for patients and realise the significant contribution that I can have in others' lives."  

He credits the generosity and commitment of the teams he worked with in Maitland, who provided encouragement, teaching and guidance throughout the placement.  

He says that same spirit of mentorship is already supporting his next career milestones, with goals to sit the General Surgical Sciences Examination in 2026 and engage in research or further study such as a master’s program.   

"I am very grateful to feel so well supported in these two aspects, and I'm only a few months into internship,” he says. “I have already been met by several colleagues who have offered assistance, advice and support in these avenues. Hopefully both goals can be achieved in the coming years and if they are, it will be with the support of doctors at TUH who are genuinely interested in my career progression.”  

Advice for Future Students  

For those considering regional training, Dr Mackenzie encourages them to take the leap.  

"Take the chance on rural opportunities,” he says.   

“Choosing JCU and North Queensland over other metropolitan universities is a decision that I haven't regretted once since moving to Townsville.

"JCU across Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and the many other associated rural hospitals and health services provide such excellent opportunities to learn, to connect with communities and to grow as a person and practitioner."  

His story is a compelling example of how JCU and NQRTH are delivering on their shared mission of supporting junior doctors to live, learn and lead in the communities that need them most.