New doctors a boost for over-stretched hospitals

Media release from the AMA (WA)

Pictured at Fremantle Hospital during Orientation Week are (l-r) Dr Flora Dane, Dr Sumaya Haque and Dr Gillian Wright.

AMA (WA) President Prof Gary Geelhoed said today the addition of 233 new doctors to the public hospital system would provide a much-needed boost to the State's medical workforce.

"The transition of these Interns from medical school to our hospitals comes at time when the health system is struggling to cope with staff shortages and increasing demand on our hospitals," said Prof Geelhoed.

"These young doctors will be warmly welcomed by the more experienced practitioners who are having to shoulder the burden of an over-stretched public hospital system."

The distribution of new doctors, who started their orientation programs this week, includes 90 at Royal Perth Hospital, 83 at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and 60 at Fremantle Hospital.

Prof Geelhoed said the latest crop of Interns were highly trained, committed and hard working and were the product of WA's two excellent medical schools at the University of WA and Notre Dame Fremantle.

"Moving from study to medical practice is an exciting time, but Interns still have a lot to learn as they gain experience in a range of areas and in various locations around the State," he said.

"After their Intern year they can undertake specialist training as a physician, surgeon, GP or psychiatrist which usually takes five to seven years."

Prof Geelhoed said the AMA (WA) was pleased that following discussions with the association last year, Health Minister Dr Kim Hames committed to providing Internships to all WA medical graduates.

"However, this increase in Interns will flow on to all Junior Doctor positions over time and it is vital the Government provides the necessary resources to ensure they get high-quality training and supervision," he said.

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