Mentorship program helps support junior doctors
Being able to access advice and guidance on both a personal and professional front from someone who’s been in the same situation has been one of the biggest drawcards Dr Shirley Jenkins has taken away from the Intern Mentoring Program offered by The University of Queensland’s Regional Training Hub Wide Bay.
After accepting an intern position with Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services in Bundaberg this year, Dr Jenkins welcomed the opportunity to join the program and be matched with UQ Rural Clinical School Bundaberg Academic Title Holder, Dr Therese Ryan.
Dr Jenkins thought it would be beneficial to begin establishing a network within the Bundaberg Region and to be connected with someone who was not in a supervisory role and external to the hospital.
“With Dr Ryan’s insight into the culture of the local workforce, as well her experience with the daily challenge that is combining career aspirations with motherhood and family commitments, I have weathered the storm that is ‘internship’ fairly well this year, and I have been very grateful to have her on the end of the phone when needed.
“It can be a very intimidating experience, joining the medical workforce, and there are so many decisions to make throughout each stage of your career that can seem very overwhelming.
“I think decision-fatigue can lead many to put off or delay the career management decisions they need to consider so having a mentor, who has great insight into the various pathways through medicine, the various avenues to reach your career goals, and who is already familiar with the various pitfalls and struggles, has helped me to lighten the mental load in this early stage of my career,” Dr Jenkins said.
Dr Ryan says that is important to support our junior doctors at such a pivotal stage in their careers.
“It is well recognised that the transition from medical student to intern can be a very challenging time.
“Junior doctors are faced with new situations and workplace pressures at a time where there may be other significant events in their personal lives.
“Finding a balance between work and life is always difficult in a career in medicine and new graduates may need support in recognising the importance of self-care.
“Many interns are new to the region in which they are working and the opportunity to provide information about the community is also pertinent and well received.
Dr Ryan says it’s been a pleasure to be part of Dr Jenkins’ journey and thinks they’ve been well matched.
“It is very satisfying to see confidence build in a junior clinician, and I hope Shirley and I will continue to catch up beyond her internship.
Likewise, Dr Jenkins hopes to maintain a connection with Dr Ryan, especially as she looks to stay and practise long term in the Bundaberg area.
The Rural Clinical School and Regional Training Hubs offer mentoring programs for both medical student and the junior doctor cohorts. More information on these programs can be found at: