Rockhampton celebrates 21 graduating Doctor of Medicine students

6 Dec 2024

 The University of Queensland (UQ) Medical School is celebrating 21 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students from the Rockhampton Regional Clinical Unit, who will embark on their journey as junior doctors.

Amongst the sea of smiles and tears will be Nancy Griffin, a pharmacist and mother of 2 who sold her business and left her life in Tannum Sands to become a doctor.

Nancy had always dreamt of pursuing medicine, but the stability and flexibility of pharmacy was what she needed to raise her family.

It wasn’t until ten years later when a profound conversation on a ferry ride in the beautiful Ornkey Isles made her realise it was time to act.

“I had spent the day walking and talking with a retired English lady, who realised quickly how unfulfilled I was in my current career,” Dr Griffin said.

“Before we parted ways, she turned to me with those steely English eyes and asked, ‘What are you going to do about it?’

“My heart stopped, and I knew the answer; if I have the drive and ability to become a doctor, it’s my duty to pursue it.”

On her return, with support from family and friends, Nancy navigated the multiple applications and exams and was successful in gaining a spot in the UQ Doctor of Medicine program

Nancy has spent her final 2 years of medicine with the Rockhampton Regional Clinical Unit and will stay on to intern with CQ Health at the Rockhampton Hospital.

“I have always been a small-town Queensland girl, having grown up in Gunalda, Bundaberg and Kingaroy to name a few,” she said.

“During my time at Rockhampton Hospital I have met so many wonderful doctors, particularly women: Inspirational women from all over the world have found success and happiness living here, balancing family life whilst still operating at a high level in the medical field.”

Nancy has also been accepted on the Rural Generalist Pathway which supports junior medical officers to become a Rural Generalist, someone who has specific expertise in providing medical care for rural and remote or isolated communities.

2024 Doctor of Medicine graduates from the Rockhampton Regional Clinical Unit

Head of Rockhampton RCU, Associate Professor Sunday Pam says it’s been another fantastic year to celebrate the graduation of another MD class.

“Congratulations to the 2024 graduates and to all those who’ve supported them along the way,” Dr Pam said.

“We look forward to seeing Nancy in Rockhampton next year and know that she will be a wonderful mentor to our incoming Regional Medical Pathway students.”

Launched in 2022, the Central Queensland Wide Bay Regional Medical Pathway (RMP), a partnership forged between UQ, CQUniversity, and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services, enables university students to complete all their undergraduate and postgraduate studies and practical training in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.

In 2025, there will be over 200 students studying across all 7 years of the RMP based in the Central Queensland region.

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