James Cook University has helped showcase Mackay as an emerging centre for advanced regional medicine, research and healthcare innovation, hosting the first-ever Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) Junior Doctors Conference in the Whitsunday region.
Delivered with support from JCU's Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs (NQRTH), the three-day conference brought together junior doctors and medical students from across Queensland to explore regional career pathways, connect with leading clinicians and discover the diverse opportunities available in communities outside metropolitan centres.
The conference highlighted the critical role regional Queensland can play in developing the future medical workforce, challenging perceptions that complex medicine, specialist training and research opportunities are only available in major cities.
Through a program featuring leading clinicians, medical educators and healthcare leaders from across Queensland, participants explored career development, wellbeing, leadership and the future of medicine, while gaining first-hand insight into the rewarding careers available in regional communities.
JCU NQRTH Manager Regional Medical Training, Mackay, Cherie Miller said supporting initiatives such as the AMAQ Junior Doctors Conference was an important part of strengthening the regional medical workforce and showcasing the diverse career opportunities available in places like Mackay.
"Attracting and retaining Australian-trained doctors in regional communities is critical to the future of healthcare in Queensland," she said.
"This workshop gave junior doctors and medical students an authentic insight into the range of situations and clinical challenges they may encounter while practising in regional areas — not just in hospitals, but in complex, real-world industrial environments.
"What we're offering here is something junior doctors simply don't get in a city-based training pathway.
"When doctors can see the impact they can make, the variety in their work and the support networks available, they are far more likely to build their careers in regions like ours."
The conference provided direct access to specialist mentors through a 'Speed Dating the Specialties' session, connecting participants with experts across disciplines including surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, intensive care, general practice, radiology and rural generalism.
A dedicated research program also gave junior doctors the opportunity to present their work while developing academic, communication and leadership skills.
AMA Queensland President Associate Professor Erica Gannon said the peak body was thrilled by the response to the Junior Doctors Conference in Mackay.
"AMA Queensland actively promotes the importance of rural and regional medicine to our members through events like the Junior Doctors Conference," she said.
"Queensland is Australia's most decentralised state, and we know people living in the regions have worse health outcomes on metrics like cancer, diabetes and mental health.
"By showcasing the opportunities cities like Mackay hold for junior doctors, we hope to see more of them pursuing the challenges and rewards of medical careers outside Australia's capitals."
The event explored emerging and future-focused areas of medicine, including artificial intelligence in healthcare, medical leadership and advocacy, and the intersection of healthcare and Australia's growing space industry.
Participants also experienced unique regional learning opportunities not typically available at metropolitan medical conferences, including a mine emergency medicine simulation and an exclusive visit to the Bowen Orbital Spaceport operated by Gilmour Space Technologies.
