The Northern Territory's long-standing local medical program is celebrating its largest intake to date.
Flinders University's Northern Territory Medical Program has welcomed 38 new NT resident students and eight international students to the Doctor of Medicine program this month.
Professor Claire Drummond, Acting Dean of Rural and Remote Health at Flinders University, says there are now more than 140 Flinders students currently studying in the Territory.
Lindsay McGregor, one of the first-year medical students, is excited to begin her studies.
"As a Darwin local, I wanted to train in a setting that would equip me with the skills and experience to give back to our community.
"Studying with Flinders University in Darwin enables me to learn in the very environment I hope to serve," says Ms McGregor.
Amber O'Sullivan, who grew up in Humpty Doo, shares that motivation.
"I have always been focused on working in my community, especially in relation to healthcare access and quality, both in patient outcomes and patient-doctor relationships. The Flinders program advocates strongly for rural and remote health, which aligns closely with my own values," says Ms O'Sullivan.
The cohort has already felt welcomed into the program.
"I've met some fantastic peers, and the teaching staff seem incredibly caring and supportive. I'm really looking forward to this journey and everything we'll learn over the coming years," adds Ms McGregor.
Professor Drummond says Flinders University continues to deliver on its commitment to building a strong NT medical workforce, with 88% of medical graduates being Territorians and more than half choosing to practice in the NT.
"This commitment is vital for addressing healthcare needs across rural and remote communities," says Professor Drummond, from the College of Medicine and Public Health.
Flinders University has been running the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) since 2011 and, with 251 graduates, including 10% who identify as Indigenous.
"This represents a significant achievement in improving representation in medicine," she says.
"The program employs local staff and partners closely with Aboriginal community leaders to ensure our students are trained in culturally responsive, community-connected care."
Flinders University remains deeply committed to the NT, with more than 28 years contributing to the health of Territorians through health education and research delivered by local staff across Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy.
