The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed 317 new junior doctors, nurses, and midwives to NT Health hospitals this year as part of a range of training programs.
Fifty-five graduate doctors and 184 Resident Medical Officers have commenced working in hospitals in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs with some of the cohort to complete rotations at hospitals in Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.
Seventy-eight graduate nurses and midwives will have entered the Territory workforce by March 2025.
There is an expectation of about 300 graduate nurses and midwives to have joined NT Health by the end of the year.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the 2025 cohort of health professionals were passionate about living and working in the Territory and dedicated to learning about the health needs unique to each region of the Territory.
A variety of career pathways are offered to junior doctors in NT Health hospitals, which offer rotations in a range of areas, including anaesthetics, ICU, general medicine, renal medicine, cardiology, haematology, oncology, infectious diseases, paediatrics, general surgery, emergency medicine and more.
In addition, junior doctors can complete post graduate qualifications within NT Health hospitals to support their chosen career path.
Graduate nurses and midwives undertake an intensive orientation and workplace readiness program designed specifically to prepare and support their initial transition into the workforce.
"NT Health hospitals provide outstanding support and training as part of these programs, which not only ensures better patient care and outcomes for the community but increases the future health workforce for the Territory," said Mr Edgington.
"We know that when professionals undertake their training in the Territory, it is more likely they will stay given the unique opportunities the Territory has to offer."
Dr Gabriel Jackson, an intern doctor at Royal Darwin Hospital, said before becoming a doctor he was a nurse in the Northern Territory for more than 10 years, which included working at Royal Darwin Hospital, and in remote settings.
"These experiences led me to understand the unique challenges and rewards of providing healthcare in the Territory, particularly in Indigenous health. They inspired me to pursue medicine, enabling me to help address health disparities and continue serving the diverse and resilient Northern Territory community," said Dr Jackson.
"This year, I want to deepen my understanding of Indigenous health and learn how to deliver care that truly respects culture and community by strengthening my connection to the people I serve. This journey is about expanding my experience in healthcare by carrying forward the sense of purpose and fulfilment which comes with making a real difference in people's lives."
Another Royal Darwin Hospital intern, Dr Jagjot Singh, said he had the opportunity to undergo a 10-week elective placement at Royal Darwin Hospital as a medical student.
"After that, I just knew I had to come back to the Northern Territory for my internship," he said.
"The amazing opportunity to get hands-on learning as a junior doctor at Royal Darwin Hospital while being surrounded by passionate and supportive people who love doing what they do made it an easy decision to apply for the role. I'm most excited to learn about the unique health needs of the region and tropical medicine."
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to upskilling nurses, midwives, and doctors across the Territory and increasing the medical workforce of the future.
Last year, 233 junior doctors were employed at NT Health hospitals, while the full 2024 intake for nursing and midwifery graduates was 244.
