The Early Careers Mentoring Program has been running over 10 years now.  The mentor program involves each of the interns being matched to a consultant as a mentor, to help support the intern throughout their first year as a doctor. This year, the session was a hybrid session i.e. in person and online, run by the Medical Education Unit.

Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Interns, said, “We had 116 consultants volunteer for the program to our 61 interns this year – which showed how well received the mentoring program is!”

She adds, “Some of the mentors that attended today were previous interns that started their journey at Northern and have returned as mentors which is really inspiring and special for us.”

Dr Richard Sia, GP Liaison Officer, Northern Health is one such consultant.  He started as an intern followed by two years as Hospital Medical Officer and then General Practice training in the local area. He returned to work at Northern Health in the Fever Clinic, Vaccine Hub and now in his current role as GP Liaison officer.

He says, “My time as an intern greatly influenced my decision to be a mentor. There were many people who have helped me along the way and being a mentor is a way I can give back and help those starting their medical training.”

“Being a mentor has allowed me to reflect on my own journey, now ten years since medical school with our first reunion coming up. I’ve been able to go back and thank those who helped me along the way,” says Richard.

“I’m excited to continue working as Northern Health’s GP Liaison Officer, with the same wonderful staff that continue to foster a caring and supportive workplace since internship.”

Reflecting on her time as an intern, Dr Amrita Simadri, Geriatrician and General Physician, remembers, “The supportive and generous environment that existed at Northern allowed my group of interns to learn, ask questions and adapt to the busy hospital workplace.”

“The senior doctors I encountered as an intern, including residents, registrars and consultants, modelled a way of working which was collaborative, empathetic and respectful. In addition, they highlighted the importance of having support and mentors throughout our careers, beyond internship. “

She says, “The importance of this role did not go unnoticed and being a mentor to junior doctors helped provided a benefit to both of us, mentor and mentee alike.”

Featured image shows Dr Carol Chong, addressing the interns.