February 20, 2025Since 2012, the Early Careers Mentoring Program at Northern Health has been a cornerstone in nurturing the growth and development of young doctors. Designed to guide interns through their first year of practice, this initiative pairs each intern with an experienced consultant who offers invaluable support, guidance, and mentorship.
This year, the program was launched again by the Northern Doctors Education team lead by Ms Susie Sangas, Medical Education Manager and Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Interning Training, whose combined vision led to the program’s creation and who continue to oversee it today.
“The response this year has been really overwhelming. We had 130 consultants volunteer to mentor our 61 interns. The program’s success is a testament to the incredible commitment of these consultants, who willingly devote their time to help shape the careers of the next generation of doctors,” said Dr Chong.
“What truly stands out is the inspiring journey of the mentors themselves. Some of the consultants who volunteered this year, have been mentors for many years assisting us with the program,” Susie said.
Three such consultant mentors are Dr David Crosbie, A/Prof Jaclyn Yoong, and Dr Pip Wills.
“I have been privileged to be a mentor since the outset of the program,” said Dr Crosbie.
“It has been a valuable opportunity to guide junior doctors right from the beginning of their career and hopefully provide some advice on what to both do and not do! I also think that the program exemplifies the culture of Northern Health, in that we look after each other and everyone feels respected and supported whilst being empowered and challenged to develop as excellent clinicians.”
A/Prof Jaclyn Yoong, Palliative Care Physician and Oncologist, said the mentoring program was a great initiative for new interns to be able to connect with a senior doctor in the organisation, as a sounding board and a safe space in their first year as doctors.
“At Northern Health, I think I can proudly say we try to provide a nurturing environment for junior doctors and aim to support and encourage their pursuits and endeavours as best as possible! I will draw the line, however, at being coerced into doing any more 15 km so-called fun runs, as I discovered they are not so fun,” she said.
Dr Pip Wills, Emergency Physician, said, “I hope the mentees get as much out of the program as I do. I love the new perspective each mentee brings – it allows me a glimpse of how they view life at the Northern, and medicine in general today.”
“It’s quite different to the world when I was an intern. Back then, I had never met an emergency specialist, I didn’t know any women specialists who were (still) married, or with kids. There was often no mentoring so some of us took a very long and winding path. I hope I can share some of the lessons learned from that and to show them the possible pathways they may wish to take. Or to just be there to listen when needed.”
Susie said the Early Careers Mentoring Program was much more than just a way for young doctors to navigate the complexities of their first year.
“It’s a community built on mutual support, compassion, and a shared passion for helping the next generation thrive,” she said.
“The enthusiasm and dedication of the consultants volunteering their time ensures that each intern has the tools and confidence they need to embark on a successful career in medicine.”
Featured image: Interns at the Early Careers Mentoring Program
