Toowoomba friends share common interest in paediatrics

The University of Queensland recently celebrated the graduating Doctor of Medicine (MD) students, which will include proud students from the Toowoomba Regional Clinical Unit, ready to embark on their next journey as junior doctors. 

Among the Class of 2023 are Jess Traves and Caitlin Judge, who took a moment to reflect on their transformative experiences studying in regional Queensland.

For Jess Traves, who spent her third year in Hervey Bay and her final year in Toowoomba, it was a sense of community at the Rural Clinical School that stood out to her most 

"The support and the community are second to none," the new Dr Traves said. 

“It can be a stressful degree at time so having such a close-knit support system with the Rural Clinical School staff is so helpful.

“Most of our cohort moved away from their families to come here, and you really start to become one big family—that has been really special," she said.

Caitlin Judge, originally from Toowoomba, agreed, emphasising that the strong connections developed in the local community is what makes regional Queensland so special. She found Toowoomba Hospital to be an ideal starting point for medical students and junior doctors, providing a balance of hands-on experience and a supportive environment.

"You're not a number or a blank face in the crowd," Caitlin said. 

“Everyone from the consultants to the residents, they know who you are and they're approachable.

“Having that level of support when you're in such an advanced part of the program, has been invaluable to me.” 

Jess and Caitlin are set to intern at Toowoomba Hospital next year, a testament to the profound positive impact of their experience in regional Queensland.

Both said that being familiar with the hospital during their transition from student to internship contributed to their desire to stay.

As for the future, the duo share a common interest in paediatrics. Jess envisions working regionally and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, while Caitlin, remains open to various possibilities, including regional hospitals or Queensland Children's Hospital.

Reflecting on their RCS journey, both Jess and Caitlin endorsed the program wholeheartedly.

“I'm really interested in working regionally," Jess said. 

“For my internship, it was important for me to be familiar with the hospital, given that it'll be such a change to the last four years.

“I’ve got some good friends that are staying around, so knowing that I'll have that support network is important.” 

Head of the Toowoomba Regional Clinical Unit Dr Doogie Whitcombe, was there to celebrate with the students as they finished their last exam.

“While it might feel like the end of a chapter for the students,  it is just the beginning of a very rewarding and challenging career," Dr Whitcombe said.

“I hope that as they start this next journey, they look after one another and remember the positive impact that others had on their teaching experiences.

“I wish them all the best of luck!” 

As these junior doctors’ step into the next phase, the advantage of their regional education shines through—a testament to the power of community, support, and hands-on experience in shaping the next generation of regional doctors.