From the Newsroom

Five young junior doctors and registrars were officially welcomed to the Clarence Valley last week. Image: Emma Pritchard

New medical staff welcomed to the Clarence Valley

Smiling proudly alongside one another, Dr Jon Quin, Dr Vanessa Hewitt, Dr Wesley Soh, Dr Myra Pritchett and Dr Alex Lee were formally welcomed by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis as they commenced their work at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) and Maclean District Hospital (MDH) last week.

As they take the next steps forward in their respective medical careers across a variety of specialty fields, the doctors will gain valuable experience in the Clarence Valley as they dedicate themselves to helping, protecting and assisting locals and visitors to the region.

Describing them as terrific assets to our local community, Mr Gulaptis officially welcomed the doctors at a formal gathering on February 8.

“Junior doctors, resident medical officers and registrars taking up positions with the Clarence Health Service is the best possible news in these still worrying times” he said.

“These five young people have chosen a great place to progress their careers and hopefully their families here in the beautiful dynamic Clarence Valley.”

Joanne Chad, Program Coordinator from Clarence Valley Regional Training Hub said it is wonderful to welcome young doctors and registrars to the area as they build their careers.

“We are very lucky to have them here,” she said.

“They are wonderful individuals.”

Dr Vanessa Hewitt

Dr Vanessa Hewitt is a Paediatric Registrar and is continuing her final year of training at GBH.

In 2021 she was named as joint winner of GP Synergy’s North Coast Registrar of the Year, recognising her commitment to quality general practice education and training.

Dr Hewitt is originally from Sydney and is enjoying her time in the Clarence Valley.

Dr Myra Pritchett

Dr Myra Pritchett is a third year Registrar who lives in Yamba with her family.

She is commencing her two-year Core Generalist Training at Maclean District Hospital and loves working in the Clarence Valley.

Dr Wesley Soh

Dr Wesley Soh will take up a trainee post with the orthopaedic specialists in Grafton who have built an excellent reputation for joint replacement procedures with short recovery times.

Dr Soh has always been interested in orthopaedics and is happy to continue his training and expanding his skills at GBH.

Dr Alex Lee

Dr Alex Lee is a Lismore Hospital resident medical officer.

He will be completing a 10-week rural site rotation at GBH and is looking forward to spending more time in the Clarence Valley.

Dr Jon Quin

  

Dr Jon Quin is from Lismore Hospital is going to Maclean District Emergency Department and will be working with Rural Generalists in the hospital and this will provide them with the opportunity to appreciate and better experience the important role Rural Generalist in rural communities.

Junior doctors will rotate from Lismore hospitals every 10 weeks during 2022.