New Territory trained medical workers ready to bolster local health services
The Northern Territory Medical Program has produced another 35 health professionals ready to make a real difference in the community.
Another cohort of health professionals is gearing up to graduate from the Flinders University Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP), with 35 more students joining a growing list of successful students in the program.
Since its inception in 2011, the NTMP has produced 251 medical graduates with 10 per cent of those identifying as Indigenous.
This year’s graduating class includes eight paramedicine graduates, one Indigenous student and five from various other degrees, coupled with 22 new doctors in the cohort.
Flinders University’s NTMP is continually aiming to deliver on its promise to train doctors locally, with 88 per cent of medical graduates being Territorians and well over half of those choosing to practise in the NT.
With strong partnerships across the NT, these programs are designed to address critical workforce shortages by allowing graduates to gain practical experience in environments where they are most needed.
Experience in hospitals, clinics, and remote health services is preparing these graduates for careers that make a tangible impact and address healthcare needs across rural and remote communities.
The university’s Chancellor, Mr John Hood, said all graduates were deeply connected to the Territory.
“By training locally, we’re ensuring that the NT is delivered by professionals who understand and value the communities they serve.”
Two of this year’s graduates are Jason Wilmot and Rochelle Cabry, who was named 2024 Medical Student of the Year for her leadership and advocacy in rural health.
Meanwhile, Wilmot is a proud Territorian from Alice Springs, who has gone from being a personal trainer to a future surgeon, saying medicine felt like the next step.
“I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness, but medicine felt like the next step to make a real difference,” he said.
“Training in the NT has given me hands-on-experience in rural and remote settings, and I’m committed to serving communities that need care the most.”
Meanwhile, Rochelle has spent part of her studies on placements in East Arnhem Land, with her dedication to improving healthcare access for remote communities.
“Studying medicine in the Territory has been an incredible experience,” she said.
“It’s not just about learning clinical skills, it’s about understanding the unique challenges faced by our communities and working together to overcome them.”
Originally published as New Territory trained medical workers ready to bolster local health services
