IPSWICH Hospital is welcoming 50 new junior doctors as part of a record intake of 880 across Queensland, marking a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare system.
RACGP Queensland chair and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service board member Cath Hester said it was positive seeing a new cohort of doctors throughout our region.
“We’re in a Queensland growth corridor, and our growing population needs a medical workforce to match it, “she said.
“It’s also a great place to learn as junior doctors experience work in hospitals and in the community, including in general practice, while they decide on which specialties most interest them.
“We need more GPs in the community, so I’m hoping many of our new doctors take the opportunity to take a general practice rotation and experience how satisfying working in preventive health as a GP can be.”
The new recruits will gain hands-on experience in general and emergency medicine, surgery, and specialised areas such as ear, nose and throat, mental health, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology.
The one-year internship will also include rotations in paediatrics, intensive care, anaesthetics, and orthopaedics, offering a comprehensive introduction to medical practice.
The addition of these junior doctors comes as Ipswich Hospital undergoes a major expansion, set to be completed by late 2027.
The expanded facility will ensure the hospital can meet growing community needs, with the new staff playing a vital role in shaping its future.
This year’s intake represents one of the largest in Queensland Health’s history, with numbers increasing from 838 in 2024.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls praised the new doctors for their commitment, and expressed optimism for the future of Queensland Health.
“Frontline clinicians are the backbone of the state’s health system, which is why the government is committed to growing the workforce,” Mr Nicholls said.
