Echuca Regional Health has welcomed its new cohort of intern doctors. Pictured are Dr John Macaulay, Dr Ariane Khoo, Dr Aishani Tomar, Dr Sandali Weeranga and Dr Olivia Putland.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Five fresh interns have started doing the rounds at Echuca Regional Health as part of its annual intake of junior doctors.
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Still in their first week on Thursday, January 8, the recent medical school graduates said they were already drawn to the welcoming culture of both the hospital and the town.
Dr Ariane Khoo completed her medical degree at The University of Notre Dame in Sydney, but said she had always wanted to work rurally.
She heard praise for the hospital’s program while completing her final year of study in Ballarat, and “fell in love” with Echuca-Moama after visiting last year.
“I’ve gotten to learn so much, even from just one day, because of how nice people are and how supportive they are towards you,” she said.
Dr Khoo began her rotation in general medicine, and enjoys being able to connect with patients through the profession.
Hailing from Red Cliffs, Dr Olivia Putland studied at Monash University in Melbourne, and found she thoroughly enjoyed the regional placements throughout the course.
She was drawn to ERH due to its size and offering of the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, which sees interns gain hands-on experience right after graduating.
“I also found that all the interactions I had with Echuca, everyone was really friendly and supportive of our careers,” Dr Putland said.
Dr Putland is on the surgery rotation, and is hoping to combine her love of science and helping others into a career as a rural generalist.
Dr Olivia Putland, Dr Aishani Tomar, Dr Ariane Khoo, Dr Sandali Weeranga and Dr John Macaulay attend to a mock patient.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Dr Sandali Weeranga moved to Melbourne with her partner after finishing her studies and an internship back home.
“It was amazing because the people all know each other, and the environment is so good. You have so many places to visit,” Dr Weeranga said.
Beginning on the rehabilitation rotation, Dr Weeranga is looking forward to the satisfaction of helping others, and enjoying Australia’s work-life balance.
Ballarat boy Dr John Macaulay undertook his studies at Monash University, with its rural placements program taking him to Mildura, Swan Hill and Bendigo.
Meeting ERH staff while at Bendigo Health, he decided moving to a new area was an appealing idea after graduating, which landed him in town.
“We’ve only been here a few days, but it’s been great so far. Everyone’s been super friendly and inviting, and I’m excited to start work,” Dr Macaulay said.
Dr Macaulay will begin in the emergency department, and is happy to be pursuing a career in medicine.
Growing up regionally between Queensland and Victoria, Dr Aishani Tomar pursued higher education at the University of NSW in Sydney.
She has found both the weather and the people of Echuca-Moama to be warm, including the staff at ERH.
“The culture here is very welcoming and open. I never feel anxious or scared to ask the senior doctors for their advice ... which I think is very important to foster in a safe hospital,” Dr Tomar said.
Dr Tomar began her rotation in general practice, and will look to explore her interests in biology and learning a patient’s history as her career progresses.
The interns standing with director of clinical training Dr Kate Schultz and GP/educator Dr Nyree O’Connor.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Director of clinical training Dr Kate Schultz said the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, which all the interns are participating in, gave excellent experience for first-year graduates.
The larger nature of metropolitan hospitals provides fewer learning opportunities, while rural generalists are trained in both a specialist area and more broadly.
“They do general practice, emergency skills and an advanced skill, like a rural generalist obstetrician, anaesthetist or ED doctor,” Dr Schultz said.
“They can work anywhere, stabilise anything, and get people where they need to be.”
While not all interns will pursue a GP role in a regional area, the program continuously brings young talent to the hospital.
Dr Schultz said 50 junior doctors would be working at any time throughout the year, an increase of around seven places from last year.
Four additional interns will rotate to ERH over the five terms in a year, with two from Bendigo Health and two from Austin Health in Melbourne.
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