The University of Queensland (UQ) Medical School is celebrating the graduation of 14 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students from the Hervey Bay Regional Clinical Unit (RCU), who will now embark on their journey as junior doctors.
Amongst the smiling faces honoured at a graduation ceremony in Brisbane recently was Dr Mia Wong, who completed her final year of study with the Hervey Bay RCU.
Coming from a family of engineers, Dr Wong said she was excited to pursue a different path against the family norm.
“I loved science at school and always wanted a career that enabled me to work with people and hopefully make a positive impact,” she said.
Her first taste of rural medicine came during a three month placement in Kingaroy in her third year. She was instantly drawn to the town’s welcoming spirit, the unique fun of local festivals, and the small community charm that made her feel right at home.
“The hospital workers were really friendly and devoted to giving us medical students the best learning experience,” Dr Wong said.
The positive experience inspired her to complete her final year in the regions at the Hervey Bay Regional Clinical Unit.
“The experience definitely met my already high expectations of studying rural."
“I’ve been overall very touched by the patients’, doctors’, and hospital staff’s generosity of time and dedication to teaching. I’ve found there is such a wonderful culture of inclusion and commitment to helping the next generation grow.”
Head of the Hervey Bay RCU, Dr Rudi Prasad, congratulated the graduating students and said he was proud to be involved in training future doctors in the region.
“Seeing students transform into doctors is a special honour; and one that we proudly do right here in Hervey Bay,” Dr Prasad said.
Launched in 2022, the Central Queensland Wide Bay Regional Medical Pathway (RMP) is a partnership between UQ, CQUniversity, and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. The program enables students to complete all their undergraduate and postgraduate studies and practical training in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.
