DYLAN Carpenter has wanted to be a doctor since he was in primary school and he is a step closer to realising that dream as he joins Ipswich Hospital this month as an intern, one of 38 junior doctors joining West Moreton Health this year. The former Mt Crosby State School and St Peter Claver College student says Ipswich Hospital was his first choice and he couldn’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.
“I really enjoy the science. It’s something I really liked in school so when it came to choosing a profession, medicine fit the most with it. I’m starting my rounds in general surgery and I’m very excited. I do enjoy being with patients, so I’ve found my favourite rotations are things like palliative care and mental health.
While the home grown doc from Karana Downs hasn’t locked in what his specialty will be yet he says the fields that stand out for him are palliative care, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and mental health.
“I’m eager to learn more about what each discipline is like,” he said.
After completing their orientation this month, the interns will join senior medical mentors to care for patients in general and emergency medicine, surgery and other specialised areas across West Moreton Health.
The state government has invested $40.6 million in the 2023-24 budget to attract and employ more staff.
“Starting a hospital internship is a major milestone for any doctor and marks the start of what will hopefully become long and successful careers providing healthcare for the community,” Acting Health Minister Mark Ryan said.
“While we also continue to invest in new and expanded health services and infrastructure, you need a strong, healthy frontline workforce to meet patient needs. These new interns will play an important role to that end, both now and into the future,” he said.
According to Charis Mullen, federal member for Jordan and recently appointed to cabinet in the reshuffle following former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation, the West Moreton region will gain 290 new hospital beds, a new emergency department and operating theatres over the next few years.
“Our West Moreton Health staff do an incredible job supporting our community’s health needs by providing world-class healthcare, day in and day out,” the Minister now responsible for Child Safety, Seniors, Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs said.
