A new batch of interns has begun working in Tasmanian public hospitals
Some are following a family tradition, others are walking their own path. Meet some of the RHH’s new medical interns.
Tasmania
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They’ve travelled different paths, but they all share a passion for improving the health of Tasmanians.
Seventy-eight medical interns have begun work across the state’s public health system this month.
Among them is Finn Macrossan, 23, of Sandy Bay, who is following the footsteps of his father, well-known Hobart GP Scott Macrossan.
“Watching him and hearing what he does every day was an amazing inspiration and that was a massive reason I wanted to go into it,” he said.
Dr Macrossan has started his internship at the Royal Hobart Hospital with the cardiothoracic team.
“It’s definitely a lot different to being a student, there’s a lot more responsibility but it’s fantastic,” he said.
Jack Gartlan, 23, of Tolamns Hill, has also been inspired by his dad, Hobart obstetrician David Gartlan.
“I’ve always been interested in medicine, my family has been working as doctors in Hobart since the 1960s so I’ve always been really drawn to it and really excited to do my part for the health of Tasmanians,” he said.
Dr Gartlan has been placed in the RHH Emergency Department.
“It’s really rewarding to be in there working with patients and actually improving their health outcomes,” he said.
In contrast, Jamila Alam, 23, of Rosny, is the first person in her family to enter the medical field.
Dr Alam said she was enjoying the start of her internship on rotation in the RHH ED.
“Amazing, hectic, crazy, wonderful. Emergency is what I want to do long-term so I’m absolutely loving it,” she said.
Kaushi Koralage, 33, of Sri Lanka, is becoming acquainted with the Australian health system and hopes to become a GP.
“I’ve already had several years’ experience as a doctor in Sri Lanka, I moved to Tasmania as has my husband, he is also working as a doctor in the Royal Hobart Hospital,” Dr Koralage said.
“I’m starting as an intern because I need to get very well oriented to the health system so I can reach my full potential.”
Health Minister Guy Barnett said the annual intern intake was a boost to the state’s health system.
Mr Barnett said the majority of the interns were local University of Tasmania graduates.
“Doctors-in-training play a key role in providing the quality care that Tasmanians deserve, so I’m delighted to welcome the 2024 cohort of new interns to the Tasmanian Health Service,” Mr Barnett said.
“Tasmania is a fantastic place for doctors to begin their careers, with an abundance of opportunities to learn and grow, and best of all – to make a real difference to their local communities.”
During January 48 interns have been placed at the Royal Hobart Hospital, 23 at the Launceston General Hospital and seven on the North West Coast across the North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital.
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Originally published as A new batch of interns has begun working in Tasmanian public hospitals
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