More than 1000 medical graduates this week start their hospital ward rounds across NSW – the largest intake ever – as part of the Government’s internship program.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard said $107 million has been invested in the internship program to support 1021 junior medical positions.
"The new crop of interns is the next generation of talented professionals at the frontline of our health care system which is one of the best in the world," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Thanks to this Government’s strong financial management, we can deliver record investment into to new hospitals as well as hospital staff. I am incredibly proud that the Liberals & Nationals Government has invested close to three-quarters of a billion dollars since 2011 to boost the internship program in NSW.
"Under Labor, the investment in the program was just $63 million in 2010. This year we will invest $107 million and offer 251 more places to interns than under Labor.
"Our health credentials are unmatched and this builds on the additional 16,000 frontline health workers we have already employed since coming to government , an increase of 23 per cent."
Mr Hazzard said NSW offers more funding and internships than any other state or territory, and leads the nation in efforts to improve the wellbeing of young doctors.
"A lot of work has been done over the past 18 months since we held the JMO forum about how we can better support our junior medical officers," Mr Hazzard said.
"Change will take time as we are turning around a cultural way of thinking prevalent in the profession worldwide but we are committed to supporting those who support us.
During their first year, graduates will complete compulsory terms in the specialties of medicine, surgery and emergency. The second year focuses on consolidating professional practice and experience in different clinical settings. The interns will rotate through a network of metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as GP practices.
